Strength. Performance. Self-Belief.
This week on The Women’s Current, we’re joined by Jenn Donahue—retired U.S. Navy Captain, engineer, speaker, and author of Becoming the Warrior—for a conversation about strength, identity, leadership, and what happens when the version of ourselves that helped us succeed no longer serves us.
For many women, strength isn’t always what it looks like from the outside.
Sometimes it looks like confidence.
At other times, it looks like competence.
And occasionally, it looks like fear hidden behind a perfectly steady face.
When Strength Becomes Performance
During our conversation, Jenn reflects on what it was like to be one of the first women leading in environments built almost entirely by and for men. Along the way, she shares why vulnerability was often viewed as weakness—and the personal cost of carrying that belief for years.
Eventually, a deployment to Afghanistan forced her to confront fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome in a way she never had before. As a result, she began questioning how much of her identity had become tied to achievement and performance.
Women Supporting Women
Just as importantly, Jenn talks about the evolution of women supporting women.
Early in her career, competition often felt unavoidable. Later, however, she discovered the power of mentorship, connection, and helping younger women navigate paths she had helped create.
Meanwhile, she found herself learning from younger generations as well—particularly their willingness to embrace authenticity and self-awareness.
A Moment That Stayed With Us
“I have to be as rock solid as possible if I’m gonna make it.”
What We Talk About
• What it was like to be one of the first women leading in male-dominated environments
• Why vulnerability was often seen as weakness
• The Afghanistan experience that challenged Jenn’s confidence and self-perception
• How achievement and identity can become intertwined
• Why women don’t need to compete with one another to succeed
• What younger generations are teaching us about authenticity
Questions Worth Asking
This isn’t simply a conversation about military leadership.
Instead, it’s a conversation about the stories women tell themselves in order to survive.
It’s about learning the difference between appearing strong and believing in yourself.
Most importantly, it’s about redefining success, vulnerability, and self-worth.
Listen if you’ve ever asked:
• What does strength really mean?
• How much of my identity is tied to achievement?
• Why do so many women feel they have to prove themselves?
• Can strength and softness coexist?
• What happens when self-belief finally replaces performance?
Guest Information
Jenn Donahue
Website: https://www.jenndonahue.com
If this episode resonates, share it with someone who has ever wondered whether being strong means carrying everything alone.
The Women’s Current
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