Throughout my career exploring global values, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing incredible female leaders—from world leaders to business pioneers—gaining first hand insight into their vision, resilience, and impact.
Yet I’ve seen how systemic biases, self-doubt, and communication challenges can hold women back. Women in leadership drive inclusivity, foster stability, and strengthen economies, but unlocking their full potential requires intentional support and skill development. That is one of the reasons International Women’s Day is so important.
This International Women’s Day, people development company Insights is running a series of workshops to equip women with the confidence and skills needed to accelerate their careers. Akanksha Ahluwalia, who is helping to run the workshops, shared six leadership areas that women leaders should focus on to enhance their impact and success. Here are those areas in her own words:
1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is foundational to leadership development. Recognising and overcoming impostor syndrome, reframing challenges as opportunities, and embracing continuous learning can help women step into their full leadership potential. By shifting perspective, women leaders can approach setbacks as learning experiences rather than barriers to success.
2. Fostering Self-Awareness
Strong leaders understand their behaviours and the motivations behind their decisions. Self-awareness enables them to manage personal challenges while identifying new opportunities for professional growth. Developing this skill helps leaders navigate workplace complexities with clarity and confidence, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in decision-making and team dynamics.
3. Building a Compelling Personal Brand
Leadership extends beyond expertise; it requires influence. Crafting a strong personal narrative and developing an impactful elevator pitch allows women leaders to establish credibility and inspire change. By owning their story, women can position themselves as thought leaders and create lasting professional impact.
4. Mastering Networking Skills
No leader operates in isolation. Building a robust and supportive network is essential for career growth. Women must strategically expand their professional circles, develop a network map, and navigate biases that may limit their opportunities. Effective networking not only fosters collaboration but also provides a strong support system during career transitions or challenges.
5. Thriving Through Change
Change is inevitable, and resilience is key to navigating transitions successfully. Women leaders should develop practical strategies for managing change, overcoming resistance, and leading with agility. Embracing adaptability allows women to turn uncertainties into opportunities for professional advancement.
6. Enhancing Contemporary Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of strong leadership. Women leaders must adapt their communication styles to foster collaboration, connection, and impact. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can evoke emotion, inspire teams, and drive meaningful change. Mastering contemporary communication techniques ensures that women leaders can effectively share their vision and rally support for their initiatives.
By developing these six key leadership skills, Akanksha argues that female leaders can break through barriers, build confidence, and make a lasting impact in their careers and communities.
Leadership is not just about holding a position—it’s about influence, resilience, and continuous growth. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s commit to fostering environments where women can thrive, lead, discover their values and shape a more inclusive future. Whether through workshops, mentorship, or personal development, investing in these skills is an investment in stronger, more diverse leadership for all.