This International Women’s Day, Let’s Support Women to Lead in Their Own Way
As we approach International Women’s Day, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come, but also how far we still have to go. The conversation around gender equality in business continues to gain momentum, but it’s not just about more women filling seats at the table – it’s about letting women lead in a way that works for them.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, and that includes for women. We don’t all need to be bulls charging through corporate walls or taking on every task to prove ourselves. True leadership is about playing to our unique strengths, building teams that complement us, and creating an environment where we can thrive without burning out.
When we talk about equality, let’s not forget that leadership should reflect the diversity of those in it. The next generation of female leaders shouldn’t have to fit into a mould that was built for men. They should have the space to lead in their own way, be authentic, and provide the kind of role models that younger women and men alike can look up to.
At Lead Brave, I work with women who are ready to define leadership on their own terms. We dig deep into what makes them unique as leaders, focusing on their strengths, their values, and how they want to build businesses and teams. Because leadership isn’t just about authority – it’s about connection, vision, and creating the impact you want, in a way that feels aligned with who you are.
As we continue to move toward gender parity, we need more women in leadership who aren’t just there to check a box – we need women who will redefine what success looks like. More role models, more leaders who show the world that you can be both powerful and authentic, both assertive and compassionate.
This isn’t just a personal mission for me, it’s a collective one. Let’s continue to push for more women in leadership roles, but let’s make sure that when they get there, they’re leading with their own authentic power, not trying to fit into someone else’s idea of leadership.
What would it look like if women could lead in a way that truly works for them?
If you’re a woman in business – or a leader supporting women in business – what changes are you making to ensure leadership is something that empowers you and others, rather than just another juggle on the to-do list?
Here are some ways businesses should support and nurture female leaders:
Build a pipeline: Create mentorship and sponsorship programmes to ensure women have access to the networks and guidance they need to rise through the ranks.
Close the pay gap: Ensure women are paid equitably for their work, making leadership roles worthwhile and sustainable.
Promote different styles of leadership: Encourage diverse leadership styles, acknowledging that women often bring collaborative, empathetic, and transformational approaches that are just as valuable as more traditional methods.
Create flexible, inclusive policies: Implement workplace policies that support all employees, especially women with caregiving responsibilities, ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally.
Provide real career progression opportunities: Be clear about career pathways and create a culture where women are not only invited to the table but also promoted based on their skills and potential.
Let’s keep pushing for real progress, not just on paper, but in the way we show up as leaders.
