Related Articles
In the business world, it’s not uncommon for aspiring entrepreneurs (and seasoned ones) to have someone they look up to or whom they hope to be like one day. While this person can often be a fellow entrepreneur or business leader, they can also be an everyday person — someone in their family, a friend or an inspiring acquaintance. Regardless of their role, their wisdom can have a profound effect on their ability to lead and have the confidence to do so.
Below, 10 business leaders from Rolling Stone Culture Council share the lessons they’ve learned from powerful female leaders in their life or their industry, the impact those lessons had on them and why these lessons remain so important to them today.
Be Your Authentic Self
Venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital always says, “Be uniquely you so that the people looking for you can find you.” As a first-time tech founder, married co-founder and not a technical founder, I have felt encouraged by these words in difficult times. Arlan reminds me that the people who are supposed to be on the journey with you will find their way to you. – Courtney Caldwell, ShearShare, Inc.
Dream Big and Know Your Worth
Anna Geller, my literary agent, taught me the power of dreaming big, advocating for my worth, knowing my boundaries and understanding the fine print. Her mentorship has not only given me confidence as an author, but it has also shaped my career and instilled a profound understanding of what genuine collaboration should always feel like. – Jennifer Sodini, Hidden Hand Media
Confidently Pave Your Own Path
I am inspired by women who continuously pave new roads for themselves and others. They are far from complacent, rarely following the usual or expected path. Our deputy CEO, Barbara Lavernos, is a powerful leader who has inspired me to consider all boulevards, while feeling the legitimacy to do so. Whatever your interest or goal, you should not be asking yourself “why” but “why not”! – Angelike Galdi, L’Oréal
Listen First and Speak Last
The most important lesson I learned as a leader is to be a good listener. By that I mean really hear what your team, clients and people who support you are saying. A great tip I learned was to always speak last. It shows people respect and honors their point of view first. It also gives you an opportunity to address points you may not have considered. Trust the process! – Adrianne Fekete, I Am Unbreakable™ Global Media
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
Advocate for Your Younger Self
Women can often struggle to advocate for themselves in boardrooms, in job roles and in relationships because we want others to be comfortable. My female therapist once told me, “Advocate for the younger version of you inside.” Would you let someone treat them this way? What do they need? Vocalize that externally and defend her like hell. It’s made it much easier for me to verbalize self-advocacy. – Sarah Jenkins, The Romans New York
Surround Yourself With Positive Female Role Models
From hearing my grandmother’s story to observing my mentor, Cynthia Johnson, and her leadership, the lessons I’ve learned command “owning it.” My grandmother, a Black Cuban immigrant in the 60s, went from not speaking the language to being Ph.D.-educated. When everyone said “no,” she said, “Yeah, OK.” Today, that self-trust and drive resonates with me, with a final lesson: to always keep women like my abuela near. – Magen Baker, Bell + Ivy
Take Care of Yourself and Set Boundaries
If we are at 100 percent, we can be at 100 percent for others. Had I known this sooner in life, I feel I could have done more and have been a better person sooner. Another lesson was the art of saying “no” — meaning, boundaries are good. These are basic lessons that have kept me true to my life’s purpose and growing as a person. – Susan Johnston, New Media Film Festival®
Understand That Failures Are Opportunities
Resilience and adaptability in facing challenges and failures are vital. My mentor taught me setbacks are opportunities for growth, learning and pivoting toward more effective strategies. This lesson is crucial because it embodies the strength needed to navigate the ups and downs of professional life, encouraging me to embrace challenges as stepping stones to success rather than obstacles. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
Find Your Determination in the Face of Adversity
I was told by an older woman a long time ago, “The journey is going to be hard, so what are you going to do to get through it?” This statement taught me determination and resilience in the face of adversity. It also taught me to persevere through challenges with grace and to embrace all the experiences, good and bad, as a part of my personal and professional growth. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations
Keep Making a Difference
My 82-year-old mother is my greatest inspiration. She is trained as an RN and has spent her life advocating for children’s and women’s rights. She started the first natural childbirth program locally and was the school nurse for 27 years. She was part of a team that helped save the county farm. Today, it continues to feed the entire town. She taught me there is no “retire.” She even still rows to stay fit! – Baeth Davis, YourPurpose.com
