Unveiling the quintessence of leadership through the prism of accomplished women, this article presents an amalgam of wisdom distilled from the journeys of female trailblazers. With insights from experts in varied fields, it offers actionable lessons that are as diverse as the women themselves. Discover transformative strategies and perspectives that have shaped the world, as this piece delves into the lives and legacies of iconic leaders.
One female leader who has deeply inspired me is actress and humanitarian Tippi Hedren—not for her iconic Hollywood career, but for her compassion and curiosity that transformed countless lives. In the 1970s, while volunteering at a refugee camp in Sacramento, California, Tippi created an educational program to help Vietnamese refugee women, including my mom, learn skills like typing and sewing in hopes of building careers.
During this program, the women admired Tippi's manicured nails, sparking an unexpected moment of curiosity. Instead of brushing off their interest, Tippi wondered how this small detail could offer an opportunity. Acting on her curiosity, she shifted her program to teach the women the profession of manicuring. This pivot launched careers that grew into the thriving nail salon industry we know today.
I share this story in my TEDx Talk, "What if? The Life-Changing Power of Curiosity and Courage." Tippi's leadership inspires me because it shows how curiosity, combined with courage, can lead to meaningful action. She didn't stop at sympathy; she asked bold questions: "What talents are being overlooked? How can I open a door for them?" Her ability to take a creative leap reminds me of the immense potential we unlock when we embrace curiosity as a leadership tool.
As a leadership trainer and facilitator, I strive to embody and teach this approach. I encourage teams to ask expansive questions like, "What if?" or "How might we?" These questions spark new ideas, uncover hidden possibilities, and pave the way for innovative solutions. Tippi's story reminds us that leadership is about more than directing—it's about creating opportunities, even in the most unexpected ways, and letting curiosity be the spark that moves us forward despite challenges.
Van Lai, Founder|CEO| Author, worksmart Advantage
An article by Kamala Harris's videographer, Azza Cohen, really inspired me recently. Azza talked about how she observed the former VP navigating her career in a male-dominated world and admired her strength and confidence. Working around Kamala during her term led Azza to change the way she approached situations during her day-to-day, including standing up for herself more. Reading about her growth was an eye-opening perspective on what women experience in the workforce. In my own career, I have been more mindful of standing my ground especially in a predominantly male environment, rather than automatically apologizing for something without an actual reason.
Jessa Farber, Director of Creative Operations, Bristol Associates, Inc.
One female leader who has greatly inspired me is Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Her ability to lead with relentless strength, commitment to the environment, and collaborative spirit has left a lasting impact. Wangari broke barriers as the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree, later becoming Chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and an associate professor. She used her voice to bring innovative ideas to light, advocating for women's empowerment and environmental conservation.
Her collaborative approach, particularly working with the British and Norwegian governments to protect the Congo Forests, demonstrated the power of partnership in achieving meaningful change. Inspired by Wangari, I have learned the value of perseverance, using my voice to champion important causes to help and support others, and fostering collaboration to create impactful solutions. Her leadership reminds me that true change often requires courage, resilience, and a commitment.
Simone Sloan, Executive Strategist, Your Choice Coach
For me, the female leader who inspires me is Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. She is a force—bold, unapologetic, and relentless in her pursuit of justice. She doesn't just take up space; she reshapes it. What inspires me most is her fearless advocacy for the underrepresented and her refusal to play small in rooms designed to overlook her. She understands that leadership isn't about fitting into the mold—it's about breaking it.
That's a lesson I've carried into my work: Owning my voice, challenging outdated systems, and leading without permission, guilt, or apology. Like Congresswoman Crockett, I believe in using strategy, resilience, and a bit of well-placed disruption to drive real change. Because leadership isn't about surviving the system—it's about transforming it.
Sarah Langley, CEO, LeadHer International
I'm inspired by Gina Gotthilf and Leah Solivan, two trailblazing entrepreneurs who beat the odds by solving real problems and paving the way for others. As a Latina Jewish woman, I've faced the triple headwind of being a woman, a racial minority, and part of a historically persecuted religion as have both of these highly successful women.
Gina co-founded Latitud, a platform that helps Latin American entrepreneurs scale their businesses despite systemic barriers, while Leah built TaskRabbit, revolutionizing the gig economy before it was even a thing. They didn't wait for permission or perfection—they just built.
Like them, I've battled the paralysis of perfection, but I've learned that progress before perfection leads to profit. Gina's commitment to supporting underestimated founders reminds me why I donate a percentage of our profits to organizations that uplift underserved communities. And like Leah, who saw an unmet need in how people outsource tasks, I focus on solving real-world problems—helping people not just land jobs but build lasting, impactful careers.
Making it in business takes more than just grit for women like us—it's about defying expectations, breaking through barriers, and proving we belong in spaces that weren't designed for us. That's the mindset I bring to my work every day, and I'm here to make sure more of us do exactly that.
Adriana Cowdin, CEO and Executive Coach, Be Bold Executive Coaching
I deeply admire former CEO of PepsiCo. Indra Nooyi's purpose and people-centric leadership style. One of the most inspiring examples of this was her habit of writing personal letters to the parents of her senior executives, recognizing their role in shaping great leaders. This act of appreciation reinforced the idea that leadership isn't just about results but about valuing people beyond their roles. I also admire how, during times of crisis, she prioritized employee well-being, expanding benefits instead of just focusing on cost-cutting, proving that caring for people strengthens a company in the long run.
Her ability to lead with authenticity and humor, openly discussing the challenges of balancing work and family, has encouraged me to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. She has shown that leadership is not about power but about serving others, which has influenced me to be more intentional in acknowledging and uplifting those around me. Her belief that companies should do well by doing good has shaped how I think about success—not just in business, but in relationships and personal growth. Inspired by her, I strive to lead with greater empathy, gratitude, and purpose, ensuring that those I work with feel valued and empowered.
Carolina Caro, CEO, Conscious Leadership Partners
One female leader who has inspired me in the past is one of my first bosses, Adelaida S. Diaz-Roa. Adelaida is a serial entrepreneur and mentor. I met Adelaida when I was in my final year of high school and interned for one of her former companies in the travel space.
Adelaida had a very direct and honest leadership style while also being incredibly warm.
These are three main lessons from Adelaida's leadership qualities, which are many, that I have applied to my own life and career, especially when in a leadership position.
Annie Chopra, Founder & CEO, She TheQueen
Oprah Winfrey changed how I see storytelling in marketing. She built an empire by making people feel seen. It wasn't just about what she said—it was how she connected with every person she interviewed. That level of authenticity is rare, and it works because people crave realness. In content creation, scripted perfection doesn't build trust. Real moments do.
When working on UGC campaigns, I apply that same lesson. Instead of hiring actors or forcing a script, I look for creators who genuinely love a product. One Amazon campaign for a skincare brand took off because the creator shared her own struggles with acne while using the product. No filter, no edits—just her real experience. That's what sells.
Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC manager/Marketing manager, Rathly
Dolly Parton has always been a huge inspiration to me—not just as an entertainer but as a savvy businesswoman and philanthropist. She built an empire while staying true to herself, proving that success and kindness can go hand in hand. Her generosity, like funding childhood literacy through the Imagination Library, shows how business can be a force for good. What I admire most is her authenticity—she never tries to be anything she's not, and people love her for it. That's a lesson I try to apply in my own career: lead with empathy, stay true to your values, and success will follow.
Adrian James, Product Manager, Featured
Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula—it’s a mosaic of lived experience, personal values, and courageous choices. From curiosity-fueled pivots to fearlessly challenging the status quo, these women exemplify what it means to lead with heart, resilience, and impact. Whether you’re building a business, managing a team, or navigating your own career path, their stories remind us that leadership can be both bold and deeply human.
At Fox Fractional, we believe the best teams are built by leaders who think differently. That’s why we connect organizations with fractional executives who bring not only strategic expertise but also the empathy, authenticity, and courage that drive lasting change.
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