October 2025
Editor's Note:
The Balance of Power
We’ve all heard the phrase “having it all.” But let’s be honest, it’s a phrase that has weighed more heavily on women than men. Ambitious women are expected to lead companies, raise children, tend to aging parents, build communities - and do it all flawlessly. Whilst ambitious men are celebrated for their successes, without the pressure and expectations that come with the ‘caregiver’ gender stereotype.
The reality is that “having it all” is a myth. What’s real, and more powerful, is creating our version of “all that matters.”
“We don’t need to have it all - we need all that matters.”
The balance of power is not about splitting yourself evenly between career, family, and self. It’s about making intentional choices. It’s about being unapologetic when you prioritize work, courageous when you draw boundaries, and wise when you lean on your support systems.
“Boundaries are not barriers; they are the blueprint of sustainable ambition.”
This edition of The Power Play explores what that balance looks like for ambitious women today. How do you build influence without burning out? How do you exercise authority at work without losing your sense of self at home? And how do we, as women, redefine power in ways that don’t trap us in society’s expectations?
“Successful women are the architects of trade-offs, not victims of them.”
The answer lies in rejecting perfection and embracing alignment. When we stop asking, “Can I have it all?” and start asking, “Am I living in line with my values?” - we reclaim the narrative.
Trying to tick every box isn’t the answer; the real power comes from writing your own list of priorities.
“True power lies in choosing what matters each day - not in trying to tick every box.”
Here’s to balance - not as society defines it, but as we choose to live it.
Lynn xo
This month’s highlights
Ask Lynn
Any questions you have, career-led, life choices or situations you need help navigating - I will answer. This month I talk through questions such as:
Alisa has just left her corporate job to start her own business and wants to avoid burnout while building her dream.
Brenda is spinning multiple plates — client meetings, work dinners, side hustle, social life, and wants to keep it sustainable.
Gabby is returning to work after extended maternity leave, exhausted and craving calm while trying to reconnect with her old self and friends.
Episode IV: Jo Crawford-Boyle, CMO of Bang & Olufsen
Jo Crawford-Boyle is Chief Marketing Officer at Bang & Olufsen, the global luxury audio brand founded in Denmark and renowned for pushing the boundaries of design and acoustic innovation. In her role, Jo leads her team to craft strategies that connect deeply with consumers' values and emotions through creative storytelling and unforgettable brand experiences.
With over a decade of experience spanning MR PORTER, Ralph Lauren, Pandora, and now Bang & Olufsen, Jo has steered digital transformation, brand building, and customer loyalty at some of the world’s most iconic luxury and lifestyle names. From London’s fashion houses to Copenhagen’s creative hubs, her career has been a masterclass in balancing innovation with timeless brand values.
But Jo isn’t just a powerhouse CMO, she’s also a mother, navigating the push and pull of executive life and parenthood with honesty and ambition. In this She Means Business interview, she shares her insights on leadership, balance, bold decisions, and even a few personal indulgences along the way.
October’s Power Play Picks
Apps We Love for Balancing Your Power
Pick No. 1: Clarity & Priorities
Todoist or Notion
Use for: Work and personal goals, task breakdowns, reminders.
Weekly Ritual: On Sunday evening, set your top 3 work goals + top 3 personal priorities. Link tasks to those only.
Why: Keep the noise out and the focus sharp.
Pick No. 2: Scheduling & Boundaries
OurCal or Google Calendar (with colour coding)
Use for: Family logistics, business travel and personal time in one view.
Weekly Ritual: Friday afternoon, review next week with your partner/family → sync calendars and lock in personal time.
Why: Prevents clashes and protects non-negotiables.
Pick No. 4: Energy & Body Awareness
Calm or BetterMe
Use for: Guided meditations, stress resets and sleep support.
Daily Ritual: 10 minutes in the morning or between meetings to reset.
Why: Sustains energy and prevents “Quiet Burn.”
Pick No. 4: Energy & Body Awareness
Clue (cycle tracker) or Whoop/Oura (if wearable)
Use for: Tracking natural energy peaks, recovery needs, and stress signals.
Weekly Ritual: Check trends → plan demanding tasks when energy is high, recovery time when low.
Why: Aligns ambition with biology, not against it.
Pick No. 5: Focus & Digital Discipline
App: Freedom
Use for: Blocking notifications, apps, or websites during work or family blocks.
Daily Ritual: Activate focus mode during deep work or dinner time.
Why: Creates intentional space to help you achieve balance.