Author: Beata Drzazga When I was starting out in business, I often heard that women should exercise restraint in life. In ambition, in strength, in self-confidence. That if she is too bold, it means she “wants too much.” That it is not appropriate for a woman to believe in herself too strongly, because that is supposedly arrogance. For a long time, I watched how such words clip women’s wings. Not because they lack ideas or competence, but because they doubt themselves before anyone else has a chance to do so.

I wasn’t always sure I could do it either. I had no support network, no connections, and no mentor. But I did have tremendous determination. Instead of waiting for someone to give me a chance, I created one for myself. I didn’t wonder if I was “ready.” In business, there’s never a perfect moment—you just have to get started.

It wasn’t easy at first. I wasn’t taken seriously because I was a woman. I often heard: “But why do you need all this?” “Wouldn’t it be better to take care of the house?” On top of that, I was blonde, elegantly dressed, and in those days, a feminine appearance in business was seen almost as a provocation. For many people, a businesswoman had to look “proper” – preferably in a navy blue uniform and flat shoes.

I didn’t give up. I worked quietly, consistently, without expecting praise. After twelve years, I had my own clinic and a company operating in eleven provinces, with ninety branches. I remember that when I was building the company headquarters, I deliberately gave the name of a substitute investor to avoid unnecessary comments and malice. At that time, a woman who was building something big aroused more suspicion than respect.

But that’s when I realized that courage isn’t about not being afraid. It’s about doing what you have to do despite your fear.

Today, I often see young women who have great ideas, knowledge, and energy, but instead of taking action, they analyze. They are afraid that something will go wrong. That someone will criticize them, that it is “inappropriate,” that “maybe it’s not the right time yet.” As a result, many potentially great initiatives never see the light of day. Meanwhile, business does not reward perfectionism—it rewards action.

Some women tell me they are afraid of failure. But failure is a natural part of growth. When I opened my first one-room office, I was convinced it would be a success. I had a list of 300 potential patients—15 showed up. It was a moment that could have broken me, but instead of giving up, I changed direction. I realized that the market wanted something different. That’s when the real story of my company, Betamed S.A., began.

That’s why I always tell women: don’t apologize for every decision you make, don’t be afraid to talk about your successes. It’s not pride, it’s self-awareness. In a world that has taught women modesty and withdrawal for years, courage becomes an act of leadership.

I remember my lecturer at the University of Silesia. When she entered the room—wearing a beautiful suit and high heels—the entire auditorium fell silent. She didn’t look like a “typical” teacher from those years. She said a few words about herself: about her studies, her company, and her success. And then she added: “I bet half of you just thought I was bragging. But I’m just talking about myself with pride.” That sentence has stayed with me for the rest of my life.

Courage is not just about taking risks. It is also about being able to stand up for who you are. To say, “I did something important” without feeling guilty. Every one of us who has achieved something through hard work and determination has the right to talk about it. And even the duty—because other women listen and draw strength from it.

I don’t believe you can be an effective leader without being yourself. Femininity is not a hindrance in business. It is empathy, intuition, and attentiveness to people that enable women to build teams based on trust and loyalty. A woman’s strength is not toughness—it is perseverance and the ability to act despite difficulties.

I often say: the most important thing in life is not to stop being afraid, but not to let fear stop us. Every change, every difficulty, every “no” can be the beginning of something new. Today I know that courage is not a luxury for the chosen few. It is a choice that each of us can make every day.

That’s why I have one message for women who are just starting out: don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait for someone to praise you or give you permission. If you feel like you want to do something, just start. That’s when your strength is born.

Because courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting despite it. And a woman who has courage within her can truly change the world.

Beata Drzazga
Entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Założycielka BetaMed S.A., największej firmy medycznej w Polsce pod kątem opieki długoterminowej w domu pacjenta oraz opieki nad pacjentami pod respiratorem. Twórca, właściciel i prezes wielu firm w Polsce i za granicą, ekspertka w zarządzaniu, ceniona prelegentka na konferencjach ekonomicznych i medycznych, autorka tekstów biznesowych dla przedsiębiorców. Od lat inspiruje i doradza innym w prowadzeniu biznesu, zajmuje się także działalnością charytatywną. Współautorka prac naukowych z dziedziny ochrony zdrowia. Pełni funkcję dziekana ds rozwoju Akademii Górnośląskiej im. Wojciecha Korfantego w Katowicach. Prowadzi działalność gospodarczą w Polsce i na Świecie .Zajmuje się również doradztwem biznesowym i mentoringiem, szczególnie w zakresie strategii biznesowych małych i średnich przedsiębiorstw.