The Leadership Myth we need to retire this Women’s Day
Read time: 5 minutes
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The Leadership Myth we need to retire this Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day approaches this week, March 8th, I’ve been reflecting on something that often surfaces in my conversations with the women I coach.
For a long time, leadership was described in narrow terms – the traits that were most visible, most conventional, and most widely accepted.
Commanding.
Decisive.
Unshakeable.
And while those qualities matter, they are only part of the story.
Because the way women lead is often far more nuanced than these traditional definitions allow. It holds depth, emotional intelligence, courage, and the ability to create impact in ways that don’t always look loud or obvious.
The truth is there is no one way to lead.
Leadership is not a template.
It is not a personality type.
It is not a volume setting.
It is impact.
And women across history have shown us that impact can look radically different – and equally powerful.
Here are six leadership styles I often observe in the women I coach and admire – each embodied by a woman who changed the game in her own way.
As you read, notice which one feels most like you.
The Encourager
Think of Oprah Winfrey and her extraordinary ability to make every person in front of her feel seen.
The Encourager leads through belief.
She offers genuine praise.
She creates environments where people expand because they feel valued.
Her power lies in affirmation.
Teams around her don’t just perform – they flourish.
The Peacekeeper
Consider Jacinda Ardern, who led New Zealand through profound crises with empathy and steadiness.
The Peacekeeper does not dominate tense rooms.
She regulates them.
She stays level-headed.
She mediates rather than escalates.
She leads with compassion anchored in strength.
In chaotic moments, she becomes the nervous system the room borrows.
The Inspirer
When you think of conviction in motion, it’s impossible not to think of Malala Yousafzai.
The Inspirer speaks to something larger than herself.
She reminds people of the bigger picture.
She carries energy that others rally behind.
Her leadership is fueled by purpose.
People follow not because they must, but because they believe.
The Navigator
Leadership also requires strategic clarity – the ability to move through complexity without panic.
Indra Nooyi exemplified this as she reshaped PepsiCo’s future with long-term thinking and people-centered innovation.
The Navigator makes decisions based on data, not fear.
She guides rather than guesses.
She becomes the steady hand when uncertainty rises.
Her calm builds trust.
The Visionary
Some leaders see decades ahead.
Sara Blakely built Spanx from a single idea and an unshakeable belief in possibility.
The Visionary challenges perceived limits.
She asks, “Why not?” when others say, “Impossible.”
She invites others to believe in a future they cannot yet see.
Her courage expands horizons.
The Cartographer
Then there are leaders who do more than walk existing paths…they create new ones.
Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, redefined what corporate leadership could look like.
The Cartographer breaks barriers.
She leads by example.
She stays anchored to her principles, even when the road is steep.
Her leadership redraws maps for the next generation.
Here is what I hope you take away this Women’s Day week:
There is no singular mold you must fit into to be powerful.
You do not need to lead like someone else.
You do not need to be louder, sharper, or different than you are.
True leadership emerges when you use your natural strengths with intention.
When you stop asking, “What kind of leader should I be?”
And start asking, “How can I lead most fully as myself?”
Because the world does not need more imitation.
It needs more integration.
So as we celebrate the spirit of women in leadership this Women’s Day…
Which leadership style feels most natural to you – and how can you lean into it more consciously this year?
IWD “Give to Gain” Month
In the spirit of the International Women’s Day this month, we’ve been inviting senior women leaders to reflect on why #GiveToGain matters to them – and how they are actively creating opportunities, access, and support for other women to rise.
Here’s what some of them have to say:
“I support #GiveToGain by giving first – trust, authenticity, and purpose – to build inclusive cultures.”
– Amarpreet Ahuja, Country Head – HR, AstraZeneca India
“I support #GiveToGain by using my voice and influence to listen deeply and create high-trust workplaces where diverse voices feel heard and empowered to drive both, personal growth and collective success.”
– Vatika Kaura, SVP, India Operations Leader, Synchrony
“I support #GiveToGain by fostering a culture where women rise together through shared visibility and support.”
– Kankana Karkun, Country HR Leader, India, NXP Semiconductors
Across these conversations, one thing is clear: creating thriving workplaces requires us to actively offer women greater support, opportunities, and visibility. What is your GivetoGain commitment?
Reply to this email and let me know (I read every single email).
Wishing you a beautiful International Women’s Day – may you continue to lead, grow, and shine in your own powerful way.
With warmth,
Bhavna
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