Only 28% of senior management positions globally are held by women. Fewer than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. Let that sink in for a moment.

We all know the stats, and frankly, they’re infuriating. What’s less talked about is the “broken rung” in the leadership ladder—women are promoted to managerial roles 14% less often than men. The result? Fewer women rise to senior roles, and the leadership pipeline gets thinner the higher you go.

If this feels like the same old story, it’s because, unfortunately, it is. The workplace wasn’t exactly designed with women in mind. Childbearing years? Menopause? Balancing work and home? These complexities aren’t reflected in many organizational systems.

And yet, when women lead, the results speak for themselves:

• Companies with more women in leadership outperform competitors by 21%.
• Gender-diverse teams drive 25% more innovation revenue.
• Boards with more women significantly reduce governance risks.

The benefits are undeniable. So, how do we close the gap?

The Most Powerful Thing Within Our Control

We all know that systemic change moves at a glacial pace. That doesn’t mean we stop advocating for it, but in the meantime, we need to take action where we can.

The most powerful shift we can make starts within.

Leadership isn’t just about leading others. It’s about leading yourself first. For years, I struggled with imposter syndrome, doubting whether I was “good enough” for the roles I found myself in. I leaned heavily on the old “fake it till you make it” mantra, when what I really needed was to face it till I made it.

What does that look like? Identifying where I needed support, creating a plan to address those gaps, and doing the work. It wasn’t easy (it still isn’t), but it’s been transformative.

Leadership doesn’t require perfection or having all the answers. It’s about showing up as your authentic self—flaws, uncertainty, and all. That’s where true growth happens—not just for you, but for everyone you lead.

Five Pillars of Leading From Within

To thrive in leadership, women need tools that foster authenticity, resilience, and impact. These five pillars have been game-changers for me:

1. Self-Awareness

Understand your strengths, blind spots, and triggers. Notice how your inner dialogue shapes your confidence and actions. Self-awareness creates the foundation for intentional growth.

2. Vulnerability and Courage

Show up as your true self, even when it feels risky. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s where trust, creativity, and connection are born. Courage also means leaning into tough and crucial conversations with honesty and empathy.

3. Purpose and Values

Align your leadership style with what truly matters to you. When your actions reflect your values, you lead with integrity and inspire others to do the same.

4. Empathy and Connection

Leadership is about people. Listen deeply, use a coaching lens, practice compassion, and foster trust. Building meaningful relationships is essential for leading effectively.

5. Resilience and Adaptability 

Setbacks are inevitable, but resilience is what helps you navigate them with resourcefulness. It’s about staying focused on solutions, learning from challenges, and adapting to shifting circumstances—all while demonstrating steadiness and composure. 

These pillars aren’t just theories. They’re daily practices that help me navigate challenges, show up authentically, and lead in a way that feels true to who I am.

Reflecting on the Journey

If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. But you do have to show up.

I’ve had mentors who lifted me up and others who taught me what not to do. Both have shaped my leadership journey. But what’s made the biggest difference is investing in my own growth—building confidence, learning from failure, and staying curious about how I can show up better.

Let’s Redefine Leadership

We need systemic change—but while we work toward it, we can’t afford to wait.

When women lead themselves well, they inspire others to rise. And when more women rise, we change not only the culture but the very system and expectations that shape it.

This is why I’m launching Lead from Within in early 2025. It’s the course I wish had existed earlier in my career—designed to help women cultivate confidence, navigate barriers, and lead authentically in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.

If you’re reading this and thinking, I don’t know if I’m ready, here’s my message to you: You are. Start where you are, with what you have, and take one step forward.

Leadership doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with action. Let’s begin.