Hey friends, it’s been a while since I’ve shared from the heart like this.
At 65, after six transformative years stepping fully into my truth as a transgender woman, I finally feel at home in my skin. But here’s the raw truth: while my personal life blooms with peace, my business world has felt… stuck.
I used to crush it—routinely pulling in hundreds of thousands a year with ease. Doors opened, deals closed, networks expanded. But post-transition?
The prejudgment hits hard. People see the “trans woman” label before my decades of expertise, my strategic mind, or my proven track record. It’s like an invisible wall, chipping away at my confidence and cash flow.
That all shifted on my 8th Marketers Cruise—(ask me about it. 20th Anniversary Cruise is Jan 2027).
Shout out to: Lady Jen Duplessis, Robert Rudelic, Roger Wakefield, Bill Walsh, Lou Edwards, Larry Steinhouse
What is it? It’s a floating powerhouse of 400 high-achievers who gather not just to network, but to elevate each other. I sat down with some absolute legends: serial entrepreneurs, mindset masters, and visionaries who’ve built empires. Over deep conversations (and maybe a cocktail or two), a profound insight emerged that changed everything.
The essence:
I don’t need to push my “male side” away. I need to integrate it.
For years, I thought transition meant fully shedding the old me—the driven, analytical, bold, no-BS guy who built my success. But those qualities? They’re not “male” or “female.” They’re human. They’re the fire that fueled my best work. And now, blended with the empathy, intuition, creativity, and relational magic I’ve embraced as a woman?
💪That’s not compromise.
💥That’s superpower.
Imagine it:
The assertive edge that closes deals, paired with the deep listening that builds lifelong loyalty. The logical systems-thinking from my past, fused with the heartfelt vision that inspires teams. The resilience of a survivor, amplified by the grace of authenticity. It’s not about “picking a side”—it’s about becoming whole. Two halves as one unstoppable force.
This isn’t just for trans folks navigating identity in a judgmental world (though if that’s you, hear me: your full self is your greatest asset—don’t dim it).
It’s for anyone who’s ever felt fragmented:
• The woman who’s been told to “soften up” her ambition.
• The man hiding his sensitive side to “man up.”
• The creative who’s suppressed their analytical brain.
• The leader who’s buried their vulnerabilities.
We’ve all got these beautiful, complementary parts. Society loves to box them up—masculine here, feminine there. But the real breakthroughs? They happen when we reunite them.
Since leaning into this on the cruise, my energy’s shifted. I’m showing up in rooms with that integrated power: confident, compassionate, strategic, and soulful. Opportunities are flowing again. And the best part? I’m helping others do the same—because when we own our wholeness, we don’t just succeed… we transform the game.
If you’re feeling that internal tug-of-war—whether in business, relationships, or self-worth—try this:
1 List your “opposites”: What traits do you love from your “old” self? What new ones have you discovered?
2 Blend them daily: In your next meeting, call, or decision—pull from both.
3 Celebrate the fusion: You’re not “either/or.” You’re both—and that’s your edge.
You’re not broken. You’re becoming. And the world needs your full, radiant self.
Who’s with me?
Drop a 🔥 if this resonates, share your own “integration win” in the comments, or tag a friend who’s ready to break through their barriers. Let’s lift each other up.
With love and fierce authenticity,
Dr. Gwen Patrone
#gwenpatrone #TransPreneur
#WholenessWins #EmbraceYourFullSelf #TransInBusiness #MindsetShift #HighPerformanceLiving #AuthenticSuccess
One Response
Gwen,
When I went full time I thought I could use the male side , I thought people would recognise the strength in that , at times accepting I would have to flip between the two . BUT it wasn’t to be I couldn’t build my identity without a solid foundation and flipping between didn’t give me that base to build on , I just didn’t want to be HIM anymore . I also realised you can’t eradicate that inner male core so I did as you and combined the two but outwardly and totally as Teresa . I can’t deny the fact that I achieved so much as a guy , I pushed him hard and found hidden depths ( maybe it helped by my father telling me there’s no such word as CAN’T ! ) I have enjoyed so much discovering my female side , how the workings of a woman are different to those of a man , you can express yourself so much more as a woman . Does that make me a strong woman ? NO not at all , it’s enables me to be a far more balanced person , when guy gets pushy I understand fully where he’s coming from so If I see a woman being put down I know exactly how to help her .
Unlike you I’m no longer in business circles but I do understand if you can combine the two your life will flourish .