How to Successfully Navigate Work, Love, and Life as a Powerful Woman
This article was originally published by Authority Magazine, written by Shawna Robins. We are excited to share it with you here. You can read the original article on the Authority Magazine website.
How does a successful, strong, and powerful woman navigate work, employee relationships, love, and life in a world that still feels uncomfortable with strong women? In this interview series, called “Power Women” we are talking to accomplished women leaders who share their stories and experiences navigating work, love and life as a powerful woman.
As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kenzie Biggins.
Kenzie Biggins is the founder and CEO of Worxbee, a leading provider of Virtual Executive Assistant solutions. Driven by a passion for supporting small to midsize businesses, her strategic leadership and dedication to company culture have established her as an authority on balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. Kenzie’s commitment to empowering others, especially female and minority entrepreneurs, underscores her influence and expertise in navigating work, love, and life as a powerful woman.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged my individuality and intellectual curiosity. My journey, marked by challenges like dyslexia, ignited a fierce determination and resilience. My parents found creative ways to challenge me from acting lessons to participation in annual think tanks, which fostered my communication and critical thinking skills. These formative years equipped me with the resilience and leadership qualities essential for navigating complex business environments. I was also heavily inspired by my mother, a strong woman making her way in corporate America. Her influence was crucial in shaping my understanding of accountability and strength as a woman. Inspired by a desire to empower others, I founded Worxbee, a company dedicated to connecting skilled Virtual Executive Assistants with executives seeking administrative support. This entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by the same drive and determination that shaped my early life.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
I earned my master’s degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing on how the production of luxury goods could elevate the American economy. My thesis explored the potential for a modern apprenticeship model in the U.S., aimed at nurturing highly skilled labor that could support household income over the long term. This academic inquiry laid the groundwork for my later entrepreneurial endeavors.
In 2001, I founded a social media agency. At that time, the digital landscape was rapidly expanding, and my involvement led many to seek my advice on virtual assistance — a concept that piqued my curiosity and aligned closely with my academic insights into skilled labor. This interest swiftly transitioned into a concrete business opportunity when, during a project discussion, a retired executive from The Coca-Cola Company expressed her need for support. This was the lightbulb moment that steered me towards executive support. Immediately after that meeting, I sat in a nearby coffee shop, drafting the initial blueprint of what would eventually become Worxbee, specifically focusing on providing Virtual Executive Assistant services.
Worxbee was envisioned as a service provider that could empower women by providing skilled Executive Assistants with opportunities to work remotely, thus balancing their professional and personal lives. This business model was a practical application of the theories I developed in my thesis, focusing on skilled labor — reimagined for the modern workforce. Making the leap from my social media agency to launching Worxbee, I secured that Coca-Cola executive as my first client, cementing a partnership that continues to this day. This journey not only realized my entrepreneurial aspirations but also continued my commitment to advancing skilled, impactful work among women in the workforce.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Since founding Worxbee, I’ve had many remarkable experiences, but one stands out vividly. Worxbee has been a 100% remote company since 2016, well before remote work became the norm. At that time, there were a few Virtual Assistant companies, but none that focused specifically on Virtual Executive Assistant services like we did.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was working at my desk when I received an email from a producer at 60 Minutes. They were developing a segment on “The Big Quit” — the phenomenon of mass resignations during the pandemic, as many sought more stable and remote work opportunities. Executive Assistants, often among the first to be furloughed or laid off, were particularly impacted.
I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Bill Whitaker, who remarked, “You were ahead of the curve, and then the curve caught up. Pandemic hits and all of a sudden you’re a genius!” Being called a genius by such an iconic TV personality was surreal. The segment highlighted how our model at Worxbee empowered Executive Assistants to control their incomes and stabilize their careers during uncertain times.
The interview brought an unexpected and massive influx of customer inquiries. This was exhilarating but also challenging. As a black female small business owner, the pressure to meet corporate-level demands overnight was immense. It taught me the importance of scalability and preparedness in business. Being flexible and ready to adapt to sudden growth became crucial lessons from this experience.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Adaptability: One trait that has been instrumental to my success is being quick on my feet, which I largely attribute to overcoming challenges with dyslexia. This ability to think swiftly has been crucial in leadership, especially when addressing complex issues. For example, during meetings, I often initiate discussions with quick ideas, which serves as a catalyst for my team to develop and refine these concepts. However, it’s also important to step back and let others lead the dialogue. This approach not only empowers my team but also fosters a collaborative environment where the best solutions emerge from collective input.
Resilience: My inherent desire to problem-solve has guided me through many challenges as an entrepreneur. For instance, last year, we faced a situation where someone was attempting to take advantage of our company. Despite the lure of a significant opportunity, something felt off. I decided to reject the offer and work through the discomfort of that decision, prioritizing what was right for Worxbee over short-term gains. This highlights a pervasive bias in the business world: when men decline unfavorable business offers, they’re often praised for their shrewdness, whereas women making the same prudent decisions are frequently labeled as emotional or difficult. This double standard challenges women leaders to not only navigate business hurdles but also to constantly prove their strategic acumen in the face of outdated stereotypes.
Compassion: At the heart of my leadership style is a profound care for humanity and the well-being of those around me. I believe in the principle of abundance, which teaches us that there is enough for everyone. This belief fosters a nurturing environment where we can afford to be patient and genuinely supportive. This is why I dedicate time to mentor other female entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of business growth. By promoting a culture of support among women, we enhance our collective strength and capacity to succeed.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. The premise of this series assumes that our society still feels uncomfortable with strong women. Why do you think this is so?
There’s a persistent societal discomfort with strong women, partly because of the traditional roles that have been prescribed for women — roles that prioritize domestic responsibilities over professional aspirations. This discomfort becomes particularly evident in scenarios where women assert their ambition and independence. My experiences in dating, for example, highlighted this issue, as I encountered partners who felt challenged rather than supportive of my professional drive. This competitive dynamic, rather than a collaborative one, underscores a broader societal issue where women’s success can sometimes be perceived as a threat rather than an achievement to be celebrated.
Moreover, the expectation for women to embody gentleness and constant nurturance directly conflicts with the assertive and authoritative qualities often required for leadership roles, especially in business. This contradiction creates a double bind for women: be strong but not too strong, assertive but not too assertive. Such mixed signals reinforce the discomfort society feels around strong women. Women in leadership find themselves having to navigate these narrow parameters, striving to balance societal expectations with the demands of their roles. The slow pace of change in assigning women P&L responsibilities exemplifies this. It’s not just about giving women opportunities; it’s about changing the perception of what women can and should handle in professional settings.
Without saying any names, can you share a story from your own experience that illustrates this idea?
One particularly vivid memory from my career involved a meeting predominantly attended by men, where I was not only one of the few women but also the youngest participant. During the discussion, I proposed a solution to a challenge we were facing. However, the senior leader in the room, a man, diminished my contribution with a patronizing comment, ‘Look at Kenzie demonstrating courage, isn’t that great, guys?’ completely overlooking the merit of my proposal. Moments later, a male colleague reiterated my idea as his own, receiving praise and recognition from the same leader who had just dismissed my contribution. This scenario, unfortunately, is not rare and highlights a broader issue: the undermining of women’s contributions in professional settings. It’s also disheartening to observe that sometimes other women in the room perceive limited space for female success, leading to competition rather than support. This underlines the crucial need for us to champion each other’s successes and advocate for genuine acknowledgment of women’s contributions in every professional sphere.
What should a powerful woman do in a context where she feels that people are uneasy around her?
In situations where others may feel uneasy around me simply because I am a woman in a position of authority, I remind myself of the importance of emotional intelligence — it’s about finding comfort in discomfort. When faced with such challenges, it’s crucial to remain authentic and steadfast, continuing to show up fully and reinforcing your rightful place and purpose. Powerful women must master the art of being comfortable with discomfort, as it allows us to focus on our response rather than trying to control or change how others feel about us. This approach not only maintains our integrity but also sets a standard for professional conduct in any environment.
What do we need to do as a society to change the unease around powerful women?
As a society, we need to dismantle the outdated notion that power is exclusively masculine. It’s perplexing that the idea of powerful women still shocks many, given the complex roles women juggle daily. True advocacy involves not only celebrating powerful women but also actively calling out biases, particularly in spaces where women are not present to defend themselves. We must question ourselves: How are we genuine allies? It’s crucial to normalize women’s authority and leadership as much as we do men’s, so that the only ‘unease’ people feel around powerful women stems from awe and respect for their capabilities. We should work towards a culture where power is recognized as gender-neutral, celebrated equally regardless of who wields it.
In my own experience, I have observed that often women have to endure ridiculous or uncomfortable situations to achieve success that men don’t have to endure. Do you have a story like this from your own experience? Can you share it with us?
It’s fascinating — and disheartening — how often assumptions play out based on gender. At industry events, when I mention that I’m with Worxbee, people often assume I’m in a support role rather than the Founder and CEO. This assumption is never made about my male colleagues who receive immediate recognition as potential leaders of the company. It reflects a broader societal bias where women’s businesses are often minimized as hobbies or side projects rather than acknowledged as serious, scalable ventures. This stark difference in perception highlights the additional hurdles women face, where our roles and achievements are often underestimated.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women leaders that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?
One of the most significant challenges for women leaders is the perception that we are overly emotional in our decision-making. Interestingly, I am often described this way, despite being quite pragmatic. What’s often mistaken for emotionality is actually the visible strain from the unequal burdens women carry — burdens not typically shouldered by our male counterparts. For example, societal expectations about domestic roles are starkly different: a messy home is excused in men but judged harshly in women. Even in dual-career households where both partners lead, equitable sharing of home responsibilities is far from standard. This expectation extends beyond the home into professional settings, where women must not only perform but also look the part — perfectly groomed and impeccably dressed — which consumes time and mental energy that could otherwise be used to excel in our roles. The challenge is not just in the tasks we perform but in the relentless scrutiny over how we present ourselves while performing them, a standard not equally applied to men.
Let’s now shift our discussion to a slightly different direction. This is a question that nearly everyone with a job has to contend with. Was it difficult to fit your personal and family life into your business and career? For the benefit of our readers, can you articulate precisely what the struggle was?
Blurring the lines between personal identity and professional roles was one of my greatest struggles. At the onset of my career, my personal well-being was synonymous with the state of Worxbee. When asked about my well-being, my reflex was to discuss my business’s health, illustrating how my personal identity had merged entirely with my entrepreneurial role. This loss of individuality meant that self-care had effectively become business care, sidelining my personal needs.
Fortunately, my COO has been instrumental in encouraging healthier boundaries, such as taking weekends off and dedicating time for rest. Therapy has also played a crucial role in navigating these challenges. It led me to a significant realization — I had to rediscover how to speak about myself beyond my role as a founder and CEO. This journey back to self is something I believe is vital for all women to consider: how do we maintain our unique identities amidst the myriad of roles we play?
What was a tipping point that helped you achieve a greater balance or greater equilibrium between your work life and personal life? What did you do to reach this equilibrium?
To be completely transparent, I haven’t yet reached what many would consider a perfect balance between work and personal life, and I’m not sure it’s entirely achievable. What has changed for me, though, is how I define balance. I’ve moved away from society’s conventional views of equilibrium and started shaping a definition that fits my life and fluctuates as needed.
For example, working a few hours during a vacation might seem counterintuitive to achieving work-life balance, but for me, it provides the peace of mind necessary to truly relax for the remainder of the time. This approach allows me to enjoy my downtime fully. Social media often presents an illusion of perfection, showcasing only the highlights and not the chaotic, real moments. Recognizing this has helped me understand that balance is personal — it’s not a one-size-fits-all formula but a unique equilibrium that I define for myself. This realization has been liberating, allowing me to find a version of balance that genuinely works for me.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Powerful Woman?” (Please share a story or example for each.)
Seek Help Actively: Embracing assistance is key to thriving in any leadership role. As the CEO of Worxbee, I advocate for the indispensable support that a Virtual Executive Assistant can offer, but help comes in various forms. Whether it’s delegating business tasks to an assistant or simplifying home life through services like housekeeping or meal delivery, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a strategy for success. I learned this firsthand when scaling Worxbee; recognizing I couldn’t do it all alone was pivotal for our growth.
Cultivate a Trusted Community: Leadership can be isolating, making it essential to have a safe space where you can be utterly candid and genuine. This community should be a mix of peers who understand the unique pressures of being a female leader. For me, this has been a lifeline, providing both a sounding board and a source of solace during challenging times.
Engage in a Hobby: Hobbies are crucial for mental breaks and personal fulfillment. A former mentor once advised me to find a hobby during my first performance review. It was the best advice I received, highlighting the importance of disconnecting from work. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or cycling, a hobby should be something you love that’s just for you, offering a joyful escape from the rigors of leadership.
Regular Therapy: Navigating the complexities of leadership often triggers impostor syndrome. Therapy has been invaluable for me, offering strategies to manage self-doubt and reinforce my leadership style. It’s a vital resource for personal development, providing clarity and confidence in decision-making.
Have a Reset Button: Resilience is crucial. There will be days when challenges seem overwhelming, like being underestimated in meetings or having your ideas overlooked. It’s essential to have strategies to reset emotionally and mentally. For me, taking a short walk or practicing mindfulness has been effective in recalibrating and approaching situations with renewed perspective. This ability to reset ensures that one challenging moment doesn’t overshadow a day’s achievements.
These five strategies have not only helped me navigate my career but have also empowered me to support other women in forging their paths to success.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I’ve been fortunate to meet many remarkable individuals throughout my career, but if I could choose one more person to meet, it would undoubtedly be Oprah Winfrey. Her journey as a powerful woman resonates deeply with me, particularly how she has navigated immense scrutiny and public pressure while remaining authentically herself. Beyond her public persona, Oprah’s philanthropic efforts, such as her leadership in education through her school in South Africa, showcase her commitment to empowering others. Her ability to maintain genuine relationships and safeguard her well-being amidst fame is profoundly inspiring. I would relish the opportunity to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a powerful woman and to learn from her strategies for self-care and resilience.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Written by Shawna Robins, published by Authority Magazine.
