Breaking Stereotypes: Leadership, Vulnerability + Empathy
As women in business, we often face the delicate balance of breaking boundaries while staying true to who we are. For me, leadership has always meant more than just making decisions - it’s about vulnerability, honesty, and the courage to bring empathy into our work, which has traditionally been valued for strength and power over connection.
This International Women’s Day, I want to reflect on what it means to be a woman leader, the unique qualities we bring to the table, and how, despite facing challenges, we continue to change the narrative in industries where women have been underrepresented or even overlooked. Women occupy 17.1% of CEO positions and 30.5% of key management roles in Australian organisations.
Vulnerability and Honesty: The True Strength of Leadership
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, especially in leadership, where many are expected to maintain a facade of invincibility. But for me, embracing vulnerability has been key. When I allow myself to be honest about challenges, failures, overwhelm, needing a moment to reset, and moments of uncertainty, I hope I can show my team and clients that it’s okay to be human. Let’s be real and raw more often.In business, being vulnerable does not mean being weak. It means being willing to acknowledge when you don’t have all the answers and being open to others’ ideas, perspectives, and insights. This honesty builds stronger relationships, fosters trust, and feels good - it reminds us that we don’t need to go it alone, and it’s okay to lean in and ask for help when we need it.
Empathy: The Heart of Strong Leadership
One of the most powerful traits that women in leadership bring is empathy. The ability to understand and share the feelings of others creates a bond that goes beyond transactional leadership - it creates a sense of belonging and shows connection and care. Empathy allows us to recognise people as individuals, not just as employees, contractors, or clients, and this human approach cultivates deeper relationships.
Solution-Oriented Thinking: Embracing Challenges with Confidence
Another key aspect of leadership is being solution-oriented. As women, we’ve often had to fight harder to be heard, respected, and recognised in industries traditionally dominated by men. But this challenge has only made me more resilient. It’s taught me to approach problems with a mindset that seeks solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.We’ve all heard the stereotypes - women are too emotional, too soft, or too nurturing to be effective leaders. But I’ve found that emotional intelligence is not only valuable; it’s a necessary skill. Women bring unique perspectives, including the ability to think critically and remain calm under pressure. This balance of intellect, emotional awareness, and a can-do attitude allows us to navigate complex situations and come up with practical solutions that work.
Breaking Stereotypes: My Personal Journey
We’re not just capable of leading - we’re the best at it. As a woman in business, I’ve had to challenge stereotypes at every turn, whether it’s negotiating lease terms, dealing with banks, managing vendors, or leading a team. Knowing your stuff is non-negotiable.For me, it’s about staying hyper-focused, setting clear expectations for myself and others, keeping standards high, and executing the plan, no matter how scary it seems. The reality is that running a business is not for the faint-hearted; it requires a unique blend of grit, adaptability, and confidence. By challenging stereotypes head-on, we create space not only for ourselves but for other women to follow in our footsteps.
The Future: More Women Leading with Purpose and Strength
Looking ahead, I am excited for what the future holds for women in leadership. We’re breaking down barriers every day, whether in the corporate world or in small businesses here in Australia. But while there is so much to celebrate, there’s also more work to be done.As women, we must continue to embrace our unique strengths - vulnerability, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, supporting each other, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders to do the same.
On this International Women’s Day, I’m proud to be a woman in business and to serve the Mode community. I couldn’t have done it without the belief other women had in me nearly 6 years ago when I opened that first mat Pilates studio on Pittwater Road in Manly. You showed up for me, and my wish is for Mode to show up for you.
I love you. You are amazing. Together we are unstoppable.
LB x
