Women Leadership: Experiences and Focus Foster Open Environments

With increasing regularity, women are stepping up to head corporations like Oracle’s Safra Catz and Citigroup’s Jane Fraser, educational institutions like Brown University’s Christina H. Paxson and Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sally A. Kornbluth. Most arrive with personal examples of having navigated challenging corporate and institutional complexities over the years.

As more women rise to leadership positions, they contribute not just to their own successes, but they also tend to foster environments that encourage more inclusion and acceptance and other attitudes that they appreciated meeting along their journey.

In other words, women leaders often beget women leaders. They also tend to intentionally focus on positive leadership and examining their priorities can be inspiring and educational for women – and for men too – who may be looking to lead successfully. Here are five goals regularly mentioned by women leaders as important.

Intentional Steps to Positive Leadership

1. Communicate Effectively
Strong leaders articulate their ideas clearly and actively listen to other people. Effective communication is an important first step towards creating an open and inclusive landscape that encourages everyone to communicate authentically.

“Great communication begins with connection.”¹
– Oprah Winfrey, television producer and host, author, philanthropist

2. Embrace Taking Risks

Effective leaders should be willing to step out of their comfort zones and accept challenging projects. These actions show they are willing to consider different ideas and new approaches to problems that can all lead to innovation.

“You can’t be successful in business without taking risks. It’s really that simple.” ²
– Adena Friedman, president, Nasdaq Inc.

3. Support Others with Mentorship and Sponsorship

As women move up in their own careers, they should be guiding other aspiring women to grow themselves. Leaders should be giving back by becoming mentors, who share knowledge and provide guidance and sponsors, who go even further to actively promote growth and opportunities. Supporting other women creates a ripple effect, contributing to a more diverse and empowered workforce.

“I think the greatest thing we give each other is encouragement… if it were just about helping me get to the next step, it would be a heck of a lot less interesting.” ³
– Anne Sweeney, former president, Disney Channel

4. Prioritize Balance and Well-being

Women leaders should prioritize self-care to maintain energy, focus and resilience. By setting an example of living a balanced lifestyle it can foster a workplace wellness culture that takes hold organically.

“When you’re not your best version of yourself, you can’t do things for others.” ⁴
– Heather Monahan, CEO, Boss in Heels

5. Learn Continuously 

Commit to staying ahead in your own field by attending conferences, workshops and otherwise pursuing further education that will benefit your growth and your organization. Staying informed about industry trends can make it easier to decide certain direction and priorities.

“I think the best way to learn about anything is to try it.” ⁵
– Mae Jemison, former astronaut, NASA

As women continue to make strides towards equality and representation, the role of women in leadership is more crucial than ever for creating open and positive work environments. It’s also essential for growing a new generation of leaders who value balance and authenticity.

¹ Vibe, “35 Quotes about Communication,” May 2022.

² Brainyquote.com

³ WisdomShare, “20 Inspiring Mentoring Quotes, May 2020.

⁴ In its Season, “75 Unique Quotes, September 2021.

⁵ Skillshub, “25 Learning and Development Quotes”