When a woman steps into a leadership role, especially in spaces where few others look like her, it’s more than just a personal achievement. It sends a ripple of possibility through the system. It says leadership can look different, feel different, and still deliver exceptional results.
But despite progress, the path remains uneven. In India, for instance, women occupy only 17 percent of C-suite positions and represent just one in three junior-level roles, according to a 2024 Deloitte study. Many of the women who’ve made it to the top didn’t follow a perfect blueprint. They followed courage, strategy, and an ever-evolving sense of self.
So how did they do it? Here are actionable leadership lessons from some of the world’s most admired women leaders. These stories are filled with clarity, confidence, and real-world tips for women leaders building their own paths.
Embrace Opportunities Before You Feel Ready
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, openly discussed her fears of not being ready for leadership positions. Her suggestion is a brief but effective one. Begin before you’re ready. Her self-defined leadership approach, characterised as empathetic, communicative, and resilient, demonstrated to the world that strength and softness can coexist.
One of the best advice for women leaders is to cease waiting for the ideal moment. Take bold action anyway. Confidence tends to follow boldness, not vice versa.
Cultivate a Solution-Oriented Mindset
Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, credits her success to not waiting for someone else to fix a problem. Her least favorite phrase is that’s not my job. She believes the fastest-growing women leaders are those who take initiative, even in unfamiliar territory.
A key takeaway here is to lead by solving problems others avoid. That mindset is what separates leaders from doers.
Lead with Empathy and Authenticity
Jacinda Ardern’s entire career reinforced this. Being yourself is not a liability. It’s your edge. From her approach to crisis communication to her decision to leave office when she felt depleted, she showed the world what authentic leadership looks like.
One of the most powerful tips for women leaders is this. You don’t have to lead like the people before you. Lead like you. That’s what people will remember and follow.
Seek Mentors and Sponsors
Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of biotech company Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the first woman of color to head a leading US biotech company, credits her decisiveness to good mentorship. Mentors provide you with perspective, she asserts. They enable you to notice things you wouldn’t necessarily know to ask.
It’s worth knowing the distinction between mentors and sponsors. A mentor advises you. A sponsor opens doors for you. Both are needed.
Maintain a Growth Mindset
Kim Caldbeck, a former Chief Marketing Officer at Coursera, points out the importance of feedback. She views challenges as not problems but opportunities to stretch. She is always learning, even as she leads.
This is one of the most basic tips to women leaders. Continue seeking feedback. Utilize it not only to get better but to establish greater trust with your team. It indicates strength, not insecurity.
Advocate for Systemic Change
Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel and former CHRO at Unilever, is known for driving diversity from the top. Under her leadership, Unilever reached a fifty-fifty gender balance in global management roles. Her focus wasn’t just on personal growth. She aimed to transform institutional structures.
Women in leadership have the power to influence policy, culture, and hiring. If you’re in a position of influence, don’t just climb the ladder. Reinforce it. Redesign it.
Reframe Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Sara Blakely, the creator of Spanx, had a father who inquired every week what you didn’t succeed at. In the event that she didn’t have anything to say, he was displeased. This attitude took courage to approach her with pitches, innovation, and moving forward even when it didn’t work.
The reality is that failure provides information. True leaders don’t fear failure. They utilize it to shift and grow.
Communicate Your Achievements
Kylie Green, SVP of Global Sales at Reward Gateway, reminds women that waiting to be recognized rarely works. She encourages women to speak up about their achievements, goals, and values.
Visibility is not vanity. It is how leadership gets recognized. Speak about what you’ve done and what you’re aiming to do next. You deserve to be seen.
Stay True to Your Vision
Katja Iversen, former CEO of Women Deliver, believes that clarity of vision is what separates leaders from managers. When you know what you stand for, decisions become easier and more aligned with your purpose.
Women in leadership often wear many hats. Your vision is your compass. Use it to stay focused and grounded.
Conclusion: Write Your Own Playbook
There is no one formula for becoming a great leader. The best tips for women leaders come not from rules but from experience. The stories above show that authenticity, boldness, and clarity can guide your leadership journey more powerfully than any textbook.
You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. You don’t need to be the most experienced. You just need to show up with intention, take smart risks, and be unapologetically yourself.
Leadership isn’t about the title you hold. It’s about the impact you create and the confidence you inspire in others. Your story starts now.