Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Empowering Women in Occupational Therapy

Hey there, fellow OT practitioners! Today, let's talk about a topic that's close to home for many of us in our female-dominant profession...

Why is there so little female representation in OT entrepreneurship? 🤔

We live in times where women are breaking barriers in all spheres of life, including the workforce. Yet, despite the strides we've made, women still tend to be more risk-averse when it comes to pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. 

A large study from 2022 on thousands of women in the workplace found that women experienced less positive consequences from risk-taking in the workplace compared to men. This resulted in women taking less risks in the future compared to men. 

So it's not that women are more averse to risk than men. It's just that women are more likely to experience negative consequences from taking risks at work which deter them from taking more risks. 👎

No wonder that even as women take on more responsibilities outside the home, including careers like ours where 89% of OTs and 84% of OTAs are women, there's still a hesitancy to invest in their own business ventures. 

But here's the truth: by holding back from embracing entrepreneurship, women in occupational therapy are limiting not only their earning potential but also their capacity to make a broader impact in their field. The world needs more female leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and it's time for us to step up and claim our space!! 

So, how do we break free from these self-limiting beliefs? It starts with a mindset shift. 🧠

We need to recognize the value of our skills, expertise, and ideas. As occupational therapy practitioners, we possess unique insights and experiences that can drive meaningful change in both our profession and the business world. 

This is where programs like Business to Boss come into play. Designed specifically for OTs by an all-star coaching team, our coaching program empowers women in occupational therapy to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and turn their ideas into profitable online businesses.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own practice, launching a product, or scaling your existing business, our program has the guidance, support, and resources you need to succeed.

But it's not just about building successful businesses; it's about challenging the status quo and redefining what's possible for women in our field. By stepping into entrepreneurship, we're not just creating opportunities for ourselves; we're paving the way for future generations of female occupational therapy practitioners to thrive. 💫

So, to all the women out there who've ever doubted their ability to succeed as entrepreneurs, it's time to silence that inner critic and embrace your full potential. The world is waiting for you, your skilled expertise, and your unique problem-based solutions.

Together, let's shatter glass ceilings, defy expectations, and build a future where women in occupational therapy aren't just employees, but leaders in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Let's rewrite the narrative and show the world what it means to be a boss woman!! 💪

If you're inspired by this blog post and ready to get started on your badass entrepreneurial journey with the help of our coaching team, book a call today. The journey starts now—let's make it happen! 🙌

References:

Karaba Bäckström, M., Luiz Moura de Castro, A., Eakman, A. M., Ikiugu, M. N., Gribble, N., Asaba, E., Kottorp, A., Falkmer, O., Eklund, M., Ness, N. E., Balogh, S., Hynes, P., & Falkmer, T. (2023). Occupational therapy gender imbalance; revisiting a lingering issue. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 30(7), 1113–1121. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2023.2220912 

Morgenroth, T., Ryan, M. K., & Fine, C. (2022). The Gendered Consequences of Risk-Taking at Work: Are Women Averse to Risk or to Poor Consequences? Psychology of Women Quarterly, 46(3), 257-277. https://doi.org/10.1177/03616843221084048

Zippia. (2023, July 21). Certified occupational therapy assistant demographics and statistics [2024]: Number of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in the US. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Demographics and Statistics [2024]: Number Of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants In The US. https://www.zippia.com/certified-occupational-therapy-assistant-jobs/demographics/