A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.
Editor’s Editor’s
Womenhaveincreasinglyemergedas
influentialfigures,breakingbarriersand reshapingindustries.Thequalitiesthatdefine influentialwomenleadersarediverseandencompassa uniqueblendofskills,traitsandperspectives.
Oneoftheforemostqualitiesthatcharacterizeinfluential womenleadersisresilience.Theynavigatechallenges withadeterminedspirit,bouncingbackfromsetbacksand learningfromfailures.Resilientleadersinspiretheirteams toperseverethroughtoughtimesanddemonstratethat setbacksarenotroadblocksbutrathersteppingstones towardsuccess.
Influentialwomenleadersoftenexcelinunderstanding andconnectingwiththeemotionsofthosearoundthem. Empathyandemotionalintelligenceenablethemtobuild strong,supportiverelationshipswithteammembers, fosteringapositiveandcollaborativeworkenvironment. Thisempatheticapproachcontributestoeffective communication,conflictresolution,andteamcohesion.
Successfulwomenleaderspossessaclearvisionforthe futureandtheabilitytothinkstrategically.Theycan anticipateindustrytrends,identifyopportunities,and developlong-termplanstoachieveorganizationalgoals. Theirstrategicthinkingguidestheirdecision-making, ensuringthatactionsalignwiththeoverallvisionand mission.
Authenticityisahallmarkqualityofinfluentialwomen leaders.Theystaytruetothemselves,embracingtheir
A Tribute to the Remarkables HenryThomson
uniquequalitiesandexperiences.Authenticleadersinspire trustandcredibility,creatingacultureofopennessand transparencywithintheirteamsandorganizations.
Influentialwomenleaderschampiondiversityand inclusion,recognizingthevalueofavariedandinclusive workforce.Theyactivelyworktocreateenvironmentsthat celebratedifferencesandprovideequalopportunitiesfor everyone,fosteringinnovationandcreativitywithintheir organizations.Passiondrivesinfluentialwomenleadersto pursuetheirgoalswithdedicationandenthusiasm.They aredeeplycommittedtotheirworkandtheimpactithas ontheirteamsandcommunities.Thispassion,combined withaclearsenseofpurpose,fuelstheirdeterminationto overcomechallengesandmakeapositivedifference.
EmbarkingupontheenthrallingstoriesofThe10Most InfluentialBusinessWomenMakingaDifferencein 2024,InsightsSuccessshowcasesadiversearrayof qualitiesthatcontributetotheirsuccessinleadershiproles. Fromresilienceandempathytostrategicthinkingand authenticity,thesequalitiessetthestageforinspiringand transformativeleadership.Aswomenleaderscontinueto ascendtoleadershippositions,thesequalitieswill undoubtedlyshapethefutureofemergingleadersacross variousindustries.
Flip through the pages and have a delightful read!
O N T E N T S
16
24 Novelties of Empowerers Approaches of Women Leaders to Enable Be erments in the Business Arena
Leading with Grace The Unique Strengths of Women in Leadership
Brief Featuring Company
AnnaN.Schlegel GlobalizationExecutive andAuthor
BecharaChoucair SVP&ChiefHealth Officer
CarmenTrue VicePresident
CherylGuerin ExecutiveVice President
ElaineMulan HeadofMarketing& BusinessDevelopment
JamieMoldafsky
ChiefMarketingand CommunicationsOfficer
JenniferSaenz EVP,Chief MerchandisingOfficer
KateRyder Founder&CEO
MyriamBonami
HigherEducation MarketExpert
StacyMcdonald-Mickey HeadOfGlobalMarketing
TrulyGlobal trulyglobalbusiness.com
Annacreatesanarrativein‘TrulyGlobal,’offeringaninsider’s perspectivegleanedfrom30yearsattheforefrontofthe technologyindustry
BecharaChoucairisaseasonedhealthcareexecutiveknownfor hisleadershipinadvancingpopulationhealthandhealthcare innovation. Paychex paychex.com
Qualcomm qualcomm.com
Mastercard mastercard.com
Corlytics corlytics.com
Nielsen nielsen.com
AlbertsonsCompanies albertsonscompanies.com
Maven mavenclinic.com
ProjectSet projectset.com
AdarePharmaSolutions adareps.com
CarmenoffersDigitalOperationsandMarTechsystem delivery,ensuringaunifiedcustomerexperienceacross qualcomm.comandQualcomm'secosystemofdigital touchpoints.
CherylGuerinisresponsiblefortheoverallstewardship, innovationandactivationoftheglobalMastercardbrandasan ExecutiveVicePresidentofBrand,Advertising,Media,Digital MarketingandResearch.
ElaineisaB2Bmarketingleader,with20+yearstrackrecord infinancialsoftwaretechnology(FinTech)marketing, designinganddeliveringresultsorientatedmarketing programmes,builtonidentifiedmarketingstrategies.
Jamieisaseasonedmarketingandcommunications professionalwithinvaluableexpertise,whichshehasgained over30yearsacrossarangeofindustries.
Jenniferhasextensiveglobalindustryexperienceandaproven trackrecordofdrivinggrowththroughmarketing,analytics, andproductinnovation,allgroundedinadeepunderstanding oftheconsumer.
UnderKate'sleadership,Mavenhasbecomeatransformative force,leveragingtechnologytoenhanceaccesstoquality healthcareforwomenacrosstheglobe.
Bonami'sproficiencyinhighereducationmarketdynamics positionsherasavaluableresourceforinstitutionsseekingto adaptandthriveinanever-changingeducationalenvironment.
Stacyhasastrongtalentforbuildingbrandawarenessand adeptatpenetratingmixedmarketsacrossdiversemedia channels.
It is not just what you learn in university. It is what comes after, when you are in the real world, the values you learned or not will help you.
Anna N Schlegel Author and Globaliza on Execu ve
Truly Global
Theintricaciesofenterprisesventuringinto
internationalmarketsinvolveseekingtoseamlessly deliverandscaletheirproductsacrossdiverse cultures.Inthisdynamicrealm,AnnaN.Schlegelemerged andhasremainedamajorguidingforce—atopranked GlobalizationExecutiveandAuthorwithapenchantfor unravelingthecomplexitiesofglobalexpansion.Anna,also knownasAnnaNavarroDescals,createsanarrativein ‘TrulyGlobal,’offeringaninsider’sperspectivegleaned from30yearsattheforefrontofthetechnologyindustry.
Embarkingonajourneythatspansnotablenameslike CiscoSystems,Google,VMware,Xerox,andNetApp, Annahasconsistentlyelevatedorganizationsontheglobal stage.EitherasGMorVice-PresidentofEnterprise Globalization,shehasmanagedaremarkableascent th propellingJapan’sNetAppbusinessfromthe12 tothe st coveted1 positionindatastorage.
CurrentlyservingastheHeadof Globalization at ProCore Technologies,Annastrategicallynavigatestherealmsofthe fullglobalizationorchestrationpartneringwithPLC,global engineering,internationalproduct,technicalcontent, corporatestrategy,customersupport,legal,hrand marketing,basicallyshenavigatesthecompanytoalignit togoglobal.Herexpertiseextendsbeyondcorporaterealms withpublishedworksinprestigiousplatformslikeForbes, Fortune,andtheEuropeanUnion.
Anna’simpacttranscendstheboardroom—shesitsonthree globalboards,presidesovertheCatalanInternational EconomicCirclestudyonWomenandisarecognized philanthropist.Co-founderofnonprofitslikeWomenin LocalizationandSTEMentorsSiliconValley,
Anna’scommitmenttosocietalbettermentisstaunch.Her illustriouscareerandcontributionswererecently acknowledgedwiththe‘Creu de Sant Jordi’Medalof HonorbytheCatalanGovernment,anembodimentofher unparalleledachievementsintechnologyandbusiness givingheratitleofherexcellencybutonewouldnever knowwhentalkingtoher
Let’s explore how in every endeavor, Anna personifies the essence of being Truly Global!
GlobalBrandsandCulturalConnections
Anna’sjourneyintoleadershipwasnotapredetermined path.“I did not start as a leader, but I was always interested in seeing how I could support them, it was always the other way around I wanted to help them do incredible things by going global”shereflects.Inherearly20satCisco Systems,Annafoundherselfontheleadershiptrackasa ProgramManager,learningtheintricaciesofmanagingboth directandmatrixteams.Theexperiencepavedthewayfor hertotakeonadditionalteams,requiringhertoundergo numerousleadershipclasses.“All of a sudden, I was managing other people and I had to make myself a leader, and that is when many classes started, especially because I felt very much like an immigrant!”
Herascentwasnotsolelyself-driven,hermanagersand leadersplayedacrucialroleinpushinghertotakeonmore responsibilities.“It has also been my managers and leaders who pushed me to take on more or thought that I managed a team well, so they trusted me to give me more, I have had incredible sponsors cheering me on!”Annaacknowledges. Despitethechallenges,shealwaysembracedopportunities, evenifitmeantreturningtouniversity.“I always said yes.”
To make a cohesive strategy, you need a model, many champions, executives who know and want to go global, the funding and a pace—you phase the approach.
Fastforwardthreedecades,andAnnafindsherselfatthe helmofglobalexpansion.Herpassionliesinmaking products,solutionsandtechnologiesaccessibletoasmany peopleaspossible.“Global expansion came because of my passion in seeing products and technologies that I think are great for humanity be accessible to as many humans as possible.”Heracademicjourney,spanningfivestintsin university,focusedonEnglishphilology,Germanphilology, telecommunications,boardmanagement,seniorleadership management,andgenderandminoritystudies,allEuropean andAmericanuniversitieshoningherskillsinleadershipto beabletoadaptcompaniesfordiversemarkets.
“How do you speak to folks in different countries so that they can collaborate and achieve big goals?”
Annaposesaquestionthatunderlines hercommitmenttounderstandingand bridgingculturalgaps.Herfascination liesinbuildingglobalbrandsby recognizingtheimmenseopportunities forproductstotranscendborders.
“Building global brands is what fascinates me, huge opportunities for products to go global and help so many humans, it’s always the same theme for me!”
SharedValuesandExceptionalTeams
Anna’sleadershipphilosophyhas undergonesignificantevolution emphasizingtheessenceofbeinga ‘people-first leader.’Recognizingthe relentlesseffortsputforthinthehightechindustry,sheunderscoresthe importanceofleadersbeingdeeply connectedtotheirteams.“Everyone in high tech works so very hard that leaders need to be very attuned to their teams,”Annaasserts,highlightingthe psychologicalaspectsofmotivation withinthetechrealm.
Apivotalaspectofherleadership journeyinvolvesthemeticulous selectionofherdirectteam.“Who you have in your direct staff is super important because they will make you or break you,”shestates,emphasizingthe criticalroleherteamplaysinher success.Herapproachextendsbeyond traditionalleadership—sheseesherselfasa‘coach’and ‘orchestrator,’a‘consultant,’anda‘visionary’forher team.
DecodingGlobalMarkets
CentraltoAnna’sleadershipstyleistheestablishmentof sharedvalueswithinherteams.“Wherever I work I make it a very strong point to have values we all agree to and show up as a people-first leader,”shenotes.Herfocuson buildingexceptionalteamsrevolvesaroundselecting individualswhosurpassherowncapabilities.“You want to hire the best, better than you!”Thisexemplifiesalearning process,markedbythecultivationofteamsthat complementeachother,possessroleclarityandexhibit intentionaldirection.
Annaemphasizestheimportanceofunderstandingone’s capacityandfeasibilitybeforeembarkingonglobal expansion.“You need to really want to do it and know you can do it,”sheadvises.Herstrategicapproachinvolves startingsmallandpilotinginafewmarketswhilealso recognizingthecomplexityofgoingglobal.Anna highlightsacrucialaspectoftenoverlookedby-product leaders—acknowledgingthat“your product will need different market fit and compliances in other markets.”
Havingwitnessedcompaniesattemptingtoomuchwithout graspingtheintricaciesofglobalexpansion,Annastresses theneedforanuancedperspective.
“You have to treat globalization and driving global growth as a very delicate exercise,”shecautions,emphasizingthe scarcityofcompanieshiringtherightleadersforthis journey
Drawingfromherextensiveexperience,Annanotesthat drivingglobalmarketgrowthisatime-intensiveeffortthat requiresthecollectiveinvolvementoftheentireenterprise.
“All teams and departments need to collaborate. It is a huge effort.”
Anna’sinsightsextendtothetimelineofglobalsuccess, particularlyinthehigh-techsector.“Some of the best products that have gone global take years to do so,”she shares,underliningthecommitmentandpatiencerequired. Herexpertiseisfurtherencapsulatedinherbook,‘Truly Global,’aresourcetailoredforleadersaspiringtotaketheir companiesandproductstoaglobalscaleofferingpractical guidancederivedfromherownjourney
ChampioningGlobalization
Annaapproachesglobalexpansionwithastructured frameworksheco-developed,knownasthe‘Globalization Maturity Model.’Thismodelgoesacrossthecompany, horizontally.Thefirststepinvolvesalignmentwiththe strategyoffice,focusingoncountries,product-marketfit, andupfrontinvestments.
Astheheadsofglobalizationbecomemassive orchestrators,collaborationwithvariousdepartmentssuch asfinance,productandengineering,support,marketing, andclosecustomerengagementiscrucial.“To make a cohesive strategy, you need a model, many champions, executives who know and want to go global, the funding and a pace you phase the approach,”Annashares.Her emphasisonastrategic,phasedapproachunderscoresthe importanceofawell-managedandcollaborativeeffortin navigatingthecomplexitiesofglobalexpansion.
BraveryBeyondBorders
Reflectingonapivotalmomentinhercareer,Annarecalls, “This was one of my best experiences ever.”Inadaring move,shespearheadedthelocalizationofNetApp,a Fortunecompany’sproductintoJapanese.Withasmall, covertteam,sheboldlyhackedatopproductintoJapanese withoutinforminganyone.
Despitefacingbacklashfromengineering,Anna’sgamble paidoffwhenshetraveledtoJapan,showcasedtheadapted
It is not just what you
learn in university. It is what comes after, when you are in the real world, the values you learned or not will help you.
producttocustomersandgeneratedaremarkable$60 millionwithinaquarter Themove,thoughmetwith challenges,exemplifiesAnna’sbraveryanddetermination topropelNetAppfrom‘a number 11 position to number 1’ intheJapanesemarketoverheryearsatNetApp.This servesasapowerfultestamenttotheimpactofbold decision-makingandawillingnesstoputeverythingonthe lineforsuccess.
LessonsLearned
Anna’sleadershipwisdomstemsfromover‘3 decades’ in theworkforce,whereshe’snavigatedvariousrolesand observeddifferentmodelsandexecutives.“Once you have seen them in the number of companies I have worked at and seen different models, seeing different executives do great or fail at it has taught me a lot!”sheshares.
InherexperienceasanExecutiveProducer,General Manager,CEO,orVicePresident,Annabelievesinfinding thebestleadersforeachfunction.Whileacknowledging thatmanyVPsmaymanageaspecificproductline,or solutionorprogram,Annaemphasizesthevalueofleading globallydiverseteamsbydemonstratingthatconnectivity amongteammembersisultimatelybeneficialfortheentire organizationiftheywanttogoglobal,youcan’tforgetthat customersaredifferentaroundtheglobe,itisdefinitelynot onesizefitsall.Herinsightsunderscoretheimportanceof adaptabilityandaholisticapproachtoleadershipindiverse businessenvironments.
SymbioticWisdom
Annastressestheimportanceofacrossoverbetween corporationsandacademia,stating,“The world of academia can sometimes be protected and swirled inside its own learnings, and we need both corporations learning from their research and new studies along with the institutes and universities need to pull experts in the field.”
Sheemphasizesthemutualbenefitderivedfromthis collaboration,notingthatscholarsgainreal-worldinsights, whilecorporateprofessionalsstayinformedaboutacademic developments.
Annaexpressesherenthusiasmforthissymbiotic relationship,highlightingthevalueofbridgingthegap betweentheoreticalknowledgeandpracticalapplicationfor amoreholisticanddynamiclearningenvironment.
WiredtoServe
Anna’scommitmenttophilanthropytracesbacktoher childhood,instilledbyherfatheratthetenderageof10. Sheenvisionsaworldwherecollectiveeffortsand communityorientationleadtoabettersociety,stating,“If we could all lean in, help others, be more communityoriented, we would be a much better world.”Despite acknowledgingthepotentialnaivetyofthisbelief,Anna passionatelyadherestoitinboththoughtandaction.
Hermentoringendeavorsextendbeyondpersonal connections,asshesharesherinsightswithindividualswho reachout,emphasizing,“I mentor people all the time who I have never met and ask me to talk to them.”Anna’s altruisticspiritisevidentinherdesiretoservethosein need,supportingorganizationslikeDoctorsWithout Borders,OpenArmsandtheRedCrossinimpoverished areasglobally
Anna’sphilanthropicreachextendstonon-profitsserving villagesontheTanzania-KenyaborderwheretheMaasai live.“I am wired to serve. My love language is community,” shedeclares.Thiscommitmentmanifestsinpractical actions,suchasservingfoodandencouragingherchildren toengageincommunitywork.
OnenotableinitiativespearheadedbyAnnaisWomenin Localization,aplatformwithglobalreach.Celebratingits 15thanniversarywhichsheco-foundedanditisspanning
If we could all lean in, help others, be more communityoriented, we would be a much better world.
30+areasworldwide,theorganizationhasempowered thousandsofwomen,helpingthemsecurejobs,andacquire newskills.
BeyondTechnicalSkills
Annaobservesthecontemporarybusinesslandscape,noting a‘more cut-throat environment,’possiblyinfluencedby widespreadlayoffs,orthelackofinpersonwork,shethinks Covidtougheditallupabit.However,shealso acknowledgestherapidpaceofinnovation,highlightingthe transformativeimpactoftechnology.“I used to have to drive a floppy disk… now I get metrics on anything I wish to pull from systems at any given second,”sheremarks underliningtheprofoundshiftininformationaccessibility
Toaspiringleaders,Annaoffersvaluableadvicebeyond technicalskills,emphasizingtheimportanceofpersonal development.“Do not just learn ‘what,’learn how to be a great human,”sheadvises.Annaunderscorestheongoing processofbecomingagreathumanemphasizingessential skillslikeactivelistening,theabilitytoengageincrucial conversationsandtheartofsuccinctlycommunicatingkey points.
Hercounselextendsbeyondformaleducationat5 universities,recognizingthesignificanceofvaluesinthe realworld.“It is not just what you learn in university. It is what comes after, when you are in the real world, the values you learned or not will help you.”Annastressesthe correlationbetweenleadershipbehaviorandtrust,asserting, “If you are behaving like a poor leader, people will not trust you, and they see it fast.”
SolidarityinAction
Annafondlyreminiscesaboutherimpactfulrolein expandinganorganizationfrom‘200 women to 1300 women in technology in the Silicon Valley.’Describingitas “one of the best roles I have ever served as Chair,”she outlinesthevibrantinitiativesimplemented.Theseincluded mentoringprograms,technologyclasses,guidanceon personalbrandingandeffectivecommunicationwith managers.Theyhadmetricstomakesurewomenstayed, werenurtured,andgivenpathstopromotions.Anna expressesthejoyexperiencedintheseefforts,stating,“We had a blast. We attended Grace Hopper every year. I loved it.”
UpondepartingNetApp,theoutpouringofsupportwas evidentwith‘600 letters of please don’t go.’
Annaunderscoresthe importanceofwomen supportingeachother, quotingMadeleine Albright,whosaid, “Women who do not support other women have a special place in hell.”This anecdoteencapsulates Anna’scommitment tofosteringa supportivecommunity forwomenandthe collectivestrength thatemergesfrom suchsolidarity.
Anna’sDualPassion
Annaexpressesher ongoingcommitment, stating,“I want to keep supporting my team, our innovation.” Currentlyfocusedon GenerativeAI,she activelycollaborates withvendorsinthis realm.Beyond technology,Anna extendshergaze towardsglobal sustainability,sharing herdeepconcern,“it concerns me highly.”
Thissuccinctinsight encapsulatesAnna’s dualpassionfor technological advancementandher profounddedication toaddressingbroader globalchallenges, underliningthe multifacetednatureof herprofessional endeavors.
Approaches of Women Leaders to Enable Betterments in the Business Arena
Inrecentyears,theglobalbusinesslandscapehas
witnessedasignificantshifttowardsdiversityand inclusivity,withwomenleadersplayingan increasinglypivotalrole.Womenleadersarebringingfresh perspectives,innovativestrategies,andtransformative approachestothebusinessarena,therebyenabling remarkableimprovementsandadvancements.Thisarticle delvesintosomekeyapproachesemployedbywomen leadersthatcontributetopositivechangesinthebusiness world.
InclusiveLeadership:Womenleadersoftenexcelin fosteringinclusiveworkenvironments.Theyrecognizethe valueofdiversevoicesandideas,creatingspaceswhere employeesfromvariousbackgroundsfeelvaluedandheard. Inclusiveleadershipleadstoincreasedemployee engagement,betterdecision-making,andabroaderrangeof innovativesolutions.
EmpowermentandMentorship:Womenleadersare knownfortheircommitmenttoempoweringandmentoring otherwomenintheorganization.Bysharingtheir experiences,offeringguidance,andadvocatingforcareer growth,womenleaderscreateapipelineofcapableand confidentfutureleaders.Thisapproachnotonlybenefits individualemployeesbutalsocontributestoamorerobust leadershipteam.
CollaborativeNetworking:Networkingisavital componentofbusinesssuccess,andwomenleadersoften approachitwithacollaborativemindset.Theybuild meaningfulconnectionsthatfocusonmutualgrowth, knowledgesharing,andprofessionaldevelopment.Such networkscanleadtopartnerships,collaborations,and innovativeventuresthatdrivebusinessadvancements.
AdaptiveCommunication:Effectivecommunicationis crucialinthebusinessarena.Womenleaderstendto employadaptivecommunicationstylesthatemphasize activelistening,empathy,andopendialogue.Thisapproach helpsbridgecommunicationgaps,enhanceteamcohesion, andfosteracultureoftransparencyandtrust.
BalancingWork-LifeIntegration:Womenleadersoften championtheimportanceofachievingahealthywork-life balance.Byprioritizingtheirwell-beingandmodelingsuch behavior,theyencourageemployeesatalllevelsto maintainequilibrium,resultinginhigherjobsatisfaction, productivity,andreducedburnout.
Data-DrivenDecision-Making:Womenleadersfrequently emphasizedata-drivendecision-making.Theyrelyon comprehensiveandaccuratedatatoguidetheirstrategies, allowingforinformedchoicesthatleadtobetteroutcomes. Thisapproachfostersacultureofprecisionand accountabilitythroughouttheorganization.
ChangeManagementandInnovation:Womenleaders oftenpossessaknackforchangemanagementand innovation.Theyembracenewideas,challengethestatus quo,anddriveorganizationalevolution.Thisapproach ensuresthatbusinessesremainagileandresponsiveto industrytrendsandshifts.
CorporateSocialResponsibility(CSR):Manywomen leadersprioritizeCSRinitiativesandsustainablebusiness practices.Theyrecognizetheimportanceofcorporate citizenshipandtakestepstomakeapositiveimpacton societyandtheenvironment.Sucheffortscanenhance brandreputationandattractsociallyconsciousconsumers.
CultivatingEmotionalIntelligence:Womenleadersoften excelincultivatingemotionalintelligence,whichis essentialforbuildingstrongrelationships,understanding teamdynamics,andeffectivelymanagingconflicts.Their abilitytoempathizeandconnectwithteammembers createsaharmoniousworkenvironmentthatboostsmorale andproductivity.
PromotingDiversityatLeadershipLevels:Women leadersactivelypromotediversitynotonlywithinthe workforcebutalsoatleadershiplevels.Theyadvocatefor gender-balancedleadershipteams,therebyfosteringdiverse perspectivesanddrivingmorecomprehensivedecisionmaking.
ResilienceandGrit:Manywomenleadersexhibit remarkableresilienceandgrit,whichareinvaluable qualitiesinthefaceofchallengesandsetbacks.Their determinationandabilitytopersevereinspiretheirteamsto overcomeobstaclesandworktowardsachievinglong-term goals.
AgileProblem-Solving:Womenleadersoftenapproach problem-solvingwithagility,quicklyadaptingstrategiesas circumstanceschange.Thisflexibilityallowsbusinessesto respondpromptlytomarketshifts,technological advancements,andunforeseencrises.
Empathy-DrivenCustomerFocus:Womenleadersoften prioritizeanempatheticunderstandingofcustomers'needs anddesires.Thiscustomer-centricapproachleadstothe developmentofproductsandservicesthatresonatedeeply withtargetaudiences,ultimatelydrivingbusinessgrowth.
TransparentandInclusiveDecision-Making:Transparent decision-makingprocessesareahallmarkofwomen leaders.Theyinvolveteammembersinimportantdecisions, seekingdiverseinputandopinions.Thisinclusivitynot onlyleadstobetterdecisionsbutalsofostersasenseof ownershipandcommitmentamongemployees.
ChampioningContinuousLearning:Womenleaders frequentlyemphasizetheimportanceofcontinuouslearning andprofessionaldevelopment.Byencouragingemployees toacquirenewskillsandknowledge,theycontributetoa cultureofinnovationandadaptabilitywithinthe organization.
ConflictResolutionandMediation:Womenleadersoften exhibitstrongconflictresolutionandmediationskills.They createanenvironmentwheredisagreementsareaddressed constructively,leadingtostrongerteamwork,improved communication,andamoreharmoniousworkplace.
Theapproachesemployedbywomenleaderstoenable positivechangesinthebusinessarenaaremultifacetedand impactful.Throughinclusiveleadership,empowerment, adaptivecommunication,andinnovativestrategies,women leaderscontributetoenhancedemployeeengagement, betterdecision-making,andsustainablebusinessgrowth.As thebusinessworldcontinuestoevolve,theinfluenceof womenleaderswillundoubtedlyplayapivotalrolein shapingitsfuturetrajectory.
The Story of MyriamBonami
Allaboutmycareerpath:AsIamverycuriousby
natureandappreciatenewchallenges,Ihave workedforover14yearsinseveraldifferent sectors,suchasconsulting,fashionretail,foodand beverage,media,andfinally,education.
AfterimmersingmyselfinmyEMBA,whereIhadthe chancetocarryoutseveralgloballearningtripsovertwo years,Iwasabletoimmersemyselfbygettingtoknow severalnationalitiesofstudentsacrossseveralcultures mingle.Ihadtheimpulsetowishtoworkinthis environment.
Passionateaboutlifelonglearning,Ihavededicatedmy careeroverthelast8yearstotheeducationsector.
AsaSeniorEducationconsultant,Ihaveworkedwith severalstakeholdersonprojectsinHigherEducation, EducationalFoundationsandcorporatelearningprograms acrosstheinternationalscopewithawiderangeof internationalexperienceintheEducationsector
Throughoutmyprofessionalcareer,Ihaveleveraged expertisetodevelopandimplementeffectivestrategiesthat optimizeeducationalofferings,enhanceoperational efficiency,andfostergrowthandinnovationinthe educationsector
Successfullyforgedstrategicpartnershipswithinternational educationalinstitutionsandgovernmententities,resulting incollaborativeinitiativesandincreasedprogramofferings.
Currently,IworkwithProjectSetasaSustainable InnovationManager|AcademicPartnershipsSpecialiston effectiveacademicchallengeprogramstrategiesacross innovationentrepreneurshipplotinitiatives,using sustainabilityenvironmentprojectssuchasclimateliteracy trainingandtheUNSDGGoalschallengeprogram.
Bypartneringwithacademicinstitutionsandstakeholders toencouragetheschoolsanduniversitiestoembedthe SDGSstrategiesintheirapproachandinstitutionalDNAto educatorsandschoolsonhowtomakeanimpactonclimate changeintheiryouthcommunities.
ProjectSetempoweringyouthinthefutureworkplaceto enhanceemployability
Itoperatesanonlineplatformthatconnectsuniversity students,employersandeducatorstocollaborateonvirtual internships,hackathonsorunicourseprojects.Studentscan buildtheirCVanddigitalportfoliowhilelearningcrucial softskillstoimprovetheiremployability.
Modern-daytechnologyoffersusauniqueopportunityto helpstudentsgainpotentiallylife-changingworkplace skills,andemployersfindvaluableprojectsupportand talent.
ProjectSetusesitsprovenanddistinctiveproject-based, part-timeengagementmodeltodrivescale,inclusivityand impactintheseprograms.
ItsLondon-basedteamisworkingonseveralinnovative initiativestomakework-integratedlearningprogramsand workplaceskillstrulyubiquitousandimpactfulintheworld ofgraduatetalent.
Theimportanceofthework-integratedlearningand workplaceskillsmodeldedicatedtothenextyouth generation:Work-integratedlearning(WIL)isa learningdevelopmentprogramthat’sspecifically integratedintothedegreecurriculumstudentsand whichcountstowardstheirfinalqualification.WLTaims tohelpstudentsgainagoodgraspofbasicworkcapabilities andaplethoraofbothsoftandtechnicalskillsthatthey wouldn’tnecessarilydevelopwithoutworkingina
professionalsetting.It’samilestoneinitiativewhich collaboratesandliaiseswithbusinessestosetupbespoke jobrolesspecificallyforstudents,whichenablesthemto gaininvaluableworkplaceexperienceandapplywhat they’velearntintheirstudiestothejob.
Currentresearchhasdemonstratedthatstudentswhohave beenpreparedforanacademictransitiontothejobmarket throughprofessionalimmersionachieveimmediateeffects andareequippedwithworkskills;indeed,studentswho undertakeprofessionalinternshipsandwork-integrated learningextensionsaspartoftheirstudiessystematically obtainbetteremploymentresults.
Nowadays,wearetalkingaboutaneweducationmodelto empowerbusinessstudentswithintheschoolofbusiness, anincubationcenterofinternshipsandexternshipsto preparetalentedgraduatesforfuturejobs. Intermsofwork-integratedlearningexpectations,thiscan takeshapeindifferentaspects;Icanoutlinesomeexamples below:
Co-operativeEducation:consistsofpaidworkterms thatalternatebetweenacademicterms.
Entrepreneurship:Mentorship,space,and/orfundingis providedtoengagestudentsintheearly-stagedevelopment ofbusinessstart-upseitherforacademiccreditorthrougha ventureprogramdirectedwithstrongfoundationalbusiness theorytosetstudentsupforsuccessasentrepreneursor corporateinnovators.
FieldPlacement|Externship:Short-term,practicalactivities outsideoftheclassroominasettingrelevanttothe student’sacademicdiscipline,offeringintensivepractical skillsdevelopment.
Competitionandextracurricularactivities:Competitive eventssuchascasecompetitions,skillsbootcampsand hackathonsfocusedonteam-basedlearninginwhichteams workonindustry-providedprojectsoverashortperiodof time,suchasaweekendoraweek.
Genderequalityanditschallengesintheworkindustry (theeducationlandscape)
Wearetalkingabouteducationforall,accessibletoall genderswithoutdistinction.MajorAcademiclabelssuchas (EQUIS,EFMD,AACSB,AMBA),andranking educationalinstitutes(QSranking,TimesHigher Education,FinancialTimes)areamongthecriteriafor
obtainingaccreditationofdiplomacourses;itisrequiredto enrolstudentsofmulticulturalfemaleandmalegenderfrom differentnationalities,whichthereforemakestherichness ofthediplomaprogramandthesharingofheterogeneous experiencesfromdifferenteducationalbackgroundsand cultures.
Thisisnolongerthecasetoday;weseemoreandmore womenjoininglong-termdiplomacoursesthatrequire sophisticatedtechnicalityandskills;infact,several renownedhighereducationinstitutesaresettingupasystem ofscholarshipsandreferralprogramstoattractmoreand morewomentojointheEMBA.
TheSDGSgoalschallengeprogrammandatedbytheUN across2030cametostrengthengenderequityandthe transformationofeducationforbetterqualitywithafocus onSDGGOAL4.UNESCOhasthereforeidentifieda genderequitygapintheworkplacewheresalariesdonot alwaysfollowbetweenmenandwomeneveniftheyhave thesameskills.Mymostchallengingexperiencehasbeen workingwithyoungstudentswhodemonstratemanytraits ofaclosedmindsetandtransformtheirapproachintoa growthmindset.
The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description.
TThe Unique Strengths of Women in Leadership
heUniqueStrengthsofWomeninLeadership
Intheworldofbusinessandleadership,thenarrativeis shiftingasmoreandmorewomenbreakbarriersandtake thehelminvariousindustries.Womenbringadistinctive setofqualitiesandskillstothetablethatcomplements traditionalleadershiptraits.Theiruniquestrengths,often characterizedbygrace,empathy,andcollaboration,have proventobepowerfulassetsinsteeringorganizations towardsuccess.
Inthisarticle,wewillexploretheunparalleledstrengthsof womeninleadershipandhowtheycontributetofostering inclusiveandthrivingworkenvironments.
EmotionalIntelligence
Oneofthesignificantstrengthsthatwomeninleadership oftenexhibitisemotionalintelligence.Thisskillinvolves thecapabilitytounderstandandmanageemotions,bothin themselvesandinothers.Womentendtobemoreadeptat empathizingandconnectingwiththeirteammembers, leadingtobettercommunication,trust,andcamaraderie withintheorganization.Byacknowledgingandvaluingthe emotionsoftheiremployees,femaleleaderscancreatea supportiveandharmoniousworkplace.
CollaborativeLeadershipStyle
Womenoftenadoptacollaborativeleadershipapproach, seekinginputfromvariousteammembersandencouraging opendialogue.Theybelieveinthepowerofteamworkand fosteraninclusiveculturewhereeveryone'sideasareheard andrespected.Thisapproachnotonlypromotescreativity andinnovationbutalsoempowersemployeestofeelvalued andmotivatedtocontributetheirbest.
ResilienceandPerseverance
Inmanyinstances,womenhavefacedsocietalchallenges andbiases,whichhavehonedtheirresilienceand
determinationtosucceed.Thisresiliencetranslatesinto theirleadershipstyle,enablingthemtonavigatethrough adversitywithstrengthandgrace.Theyinspiretheirteams topushpastobstaclesandviewsetbacksasopportunities forgrowth.
IntuitionandDecision-Making
Womenleadersoftenpossessstrongintuition,whichplaysa crucialroleindecision-making.Theycanperceivesubtle cues,readbetweenthelines,andmakewell-informed judgments.Thisintuitiveability,combinedwiththeir emotionalintelligence,allowsthemtoconsiderdiverse perspectivesandmakedecisionsthatbenefittheentire organization.
EmpowermentandMentorship
Womeninleadershipoftenprioritizethedevelopmentand growthoftheirteammembers.Theyactivelyengagein mentoringandempoweringtheiremployees,particularly women,toreachtheirfullpotential.Thisdedicationto nurturingtalentcultivatesastrongsenseofloyaltyand dedicationamongteammembers.
FocusonWork-LifeBalance
Acommitmenttowork-lifebalanceisanothercharacteristic strengthexhibitedbywomenleaders.Byadvocatingfor andsupportingahealthywork-lifeequilibrium,they promoteemployeewell-beingandoverallproductivity This approachfostersamoreengagedworkforce,reducing burnoutandincreasingjobsatisfaction.
EmpathyandCompassion
Womenleadersareoftenempatheticandcompassionate, allowingthemtounderstandtheneedsandconcernsoftheir teammembersonapersonallevel.Thisqualityenables themtocreateasupportiveandnurturingenvironment, whereemployeesfeelvalued,caredfor,andunderstood.By demonstratinggenuineconcernfortheirteam'swell-being, womenleaderscanfosterstrongbondsandloyaltyamong theiremployees.
ConflictResolution
Handlingconflictsanddisagreementsisanessentialaspect ofleadership.Womenleadersareskilledatapproaching conflictswithdiplomacyandtact,seekingsolutionsthat benefitallpartiesinvolved.Theyaremoreinclinedtofind commongroundandmediatedisputes,leadingtoa harmoniousworkenvironmentwhereconflictsareresolved constructively.
HumilityandHumbleness
Humilityisakeyattributethatsetswomenapartin leadershippositions.Theytendtoacknowledgethe contributionsoftheirteamandrecognizethatsuccessisa collectiveeffort.Thishumilityfostersacultureof appreciationandsupport,whereeveryone'seffortsare acknowledged,andachievementsarecelebratedtogether.
RelationshipBuilding
Womenleadersexcelatbuildingandnurturingprofessional relationships.Theyprioritizenetworkingandcollaboration, whichoftenleadstofruitfulpartnershipsandopportunities. Strongrelationshipswithclients,suppliers,andother stakeholderscontributetotheorganization'sgrowthand reputation.
EthicalDecision-Making
Ethicsandintegrityarecrucialcomponentsofeffective leadership.Womenleadersoftendemonstrateastrong commitmenttoethicaldecision-making,ensuringthattheir actionsalignwiththeorganization'svaluesandprinciples. Thisethicalapproachfosterstrustamongemployeesand stakeholders,enhancingtheorganization'sreputationand credibility.
DiversityandInclusionAdvocacy
Womenleadersaremorelikelytochampiondiversityand inclusioninitiativeswithintheirorganizations.They understandthesignificanceofadiverseworkforcein drivinginnovationandcreativity.Byactivelypromoting diversityinhiringandpromotingpractices,theycreate environmentsthatembracedifferentperspectivesand backgrounds.
StrongCommunicationSkills
Effectivecommunicationisatthefundamentalof successfulleadership.Womenleaderstendtoexcelin
communication,conveyingtheirideaswithclarityand empathy Theirabilitytoarticulatetheorganization'svision andgoalsinspirestrustandconfidenceamongteam membersandstakeholders.
InclusiveDecision-Making
Inclusivedecision-makingisahallmarkofwomenin leadershippositions.Theyactivelyinvolvediverse perspectivesinthedecision-makingprocess,ensuringthata broadrangeofideasandopinionsareconsideredbefore arrivingataconclusion.Thisapproachleadstomore comprehensiveandwell-roundeddecisions.
CrisisManagement
Whenfacedwithchallengesandcrises,womenleaders demonstrateremarkablecomposureandproblem-solving abilities.Theirabilitytothinkcriticallyandstaylevelheadedunderpressureallowsthemtonavigatethrough turbulenttimeswithgraceandresilience.
FinancialAcumen
Womenleadersareincreasinglyprovingtheirproficiencyin financialmanagementandstrategicplanning.Theytakea meticulousapproachtofinancialmatters,demonstratinga keenunderstandingofbudgeting,forecasting,andresource allocation.
ConflictTransformation
Womeninleadershiprolesareadeptattransforming conflictsintoopportunitiesforgrowthandlearning.Rather thanavoidingconflicts,theyaddressthemhead-onand facilitateconstructivedialogues,leadingtoresolutionsthat strengthenteamdynamics.
EntrepreneurialSpirit
Womenleadersoftenexhibitanentrepreneurialspirit, demonstratingacommitmenttotakecalculatedrisksand explorenewopportunities.Thismindsetencourages innovationandagilitywithintheorganization.
The future of our world is only as bright as the future of our girls.
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, and . whimpering complaining
You make progress by . implementing ideas
