I Didn’t Wait for Permission

By Dr. Lauren Loyless-Bouabid, Founder of Bouabid & Co. Consulting

I graduated college at 19.
Took my first director-level role by 21.
Earned my master’s while working full-time.
And the year I turned 30, I finished my Ph.D.

But none of that came without struggle.

I’ve been underestimated, passed over, and questioned in rooms where I was more than qualified to lead. I’ve faced sexism, ageism, and the exhausting weight of proving myself over and over again, just to take up the space I’d already earned.

I’ve worked under Machiavellian leaders who led with control instead of clarity. I’ve had my ideas taken, my confidence tested, and my voice silenced. And I’ve learned, albeit often the hard way, that resilience isn’t about pushing through perfectly. It’s about continuing to rise, even when you're doing it entirely unsure of yourself.

I’m not sharing this for applause.

I’m sharing it because someone out there feels the same way.

Maybe you’re leading through doubt.
Maybe you’re sitting at the table but wondering if you still belong.
Maybe you’re doing the work, and no one sees it yet.

I built Bouabid & Co. for people like us. The ones who lead even when it’s heavy. Who are learning to trust their voice. Who know they’re made for more, but aren’t always sure how to get there.

This company didn’t come from a place of perfection.
It came from experience.
From every room I walked into and had to reclaim my power.
From every title I earned while carrying self-doubt.
From every moment I thought, "Who am I to lead?" AND kept going anyway.

This is me stepping into vulnerability.

Because I know someone else is right in the middle of this.
And I want you to know, you’re not alone here.

I built this company to be more than a service.
I built it to be a space.
A space where you matter
Where confidence is built, not assumed.
Where we lead not because we’re fearless, but because we’re honest.

And we move anyway.

If this resonates with you, I hope you stick around.
Bouabid & Co. is for the ones still becoming.
The ones learning to speak up.
The ones who want to lead, but do it differently.

We don’t wait for permission.
We show up, and build something real.

P.S. This story is just the beginning. I’m currently writing my first book, I Didn’t Wait for Permission. A real, raw look at my journey and what it takes to show up, speak up, and move through the world with purpose, even without a perfect roadmap.