Why Women in Leadership Drive Business Success

March is a time of celebration and recognition for women across the globe. As we observe International Women’s Day, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge the impact of women in leadership roles and why we cannot allow these conversations to fade into the background.

Today, I’m sharing my personal experiences and professional insights on the importance of women in leadership, corporate governance, and business success.

The Reality of Women in Leadership

When I started my career in the financial services sector, I quickly realized that I was stepping into a world dominated by men. I had no female mentors or role models to look up to. It wasn’t until nearly a decade into my career that I finally had a female mentor—who was based in Germany while I was in California. That’s when I started to see a glimpse of what was possible.

But many of the women who had climbed the corporate ladder ahead of me were single and childless. I was told, flat out, that I would never achieve anything because of my life choices. Instead of accepting this as fact, I challenged the status quo and pushed forward.

One undeniable truth I’ve learned? Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives work. I know because I’m a direct product of them. The only reason I received executive promotions early in my career was because corporations needed to check a box. But here’s the kicker: I was already doing the job before the promotion. The title simply caught up to the output.

This story isn’t unique to me. Many women and minorities have had doors opened through DEI initiatives—not because they weren’t qualified, but because they were already performing at that level, yet overlooked.

Why Businesses Need More Women in Leadership

There are seven key reasons why companies perform better when women are in leadership roles. These are not just opinions; they are backed by research and real-world case studies.

1. Businesses Perform Better

The data is clear: organizations with diverse leadership teams are more innovative, more productive, and more profitable. Homogeneous teams struggle with groupthink and stagnation, while diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and solutions to complex problems.

2. Differing Perspectives Lead to Innovation

Women bring unique perspectives to the table, shaped by different experiences and approaches to problem-solving. A business that lacks diversity in its decision-making process risks blind spots that can have detrimental effects—just look at Target’s recent backlash after abandoning its DEI initiatives.

3. Economic Growth Depends on Women in the Workforce

Women make the majority of household purchasing decisions—from groceries to vacations. When women have higher earning power, they reinvest in their families, communities, and the economy. The push to have women return to traditional gender roles and leave the workforce is not only regressive but also economically damaging.

4. More Inclusive Work Environments

Women in leadership are more likely to advocate for flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and inclusive company cultures. These policies don’t just benefit women; they create a better work-life balance for everyone. The loudest voices advocating for rigid return-to-office policies? Male executives. Women leaders prioritize people over policies, ensuring that businesses thrive without sacrificing employee well-being.

5. Mentorship & Role Models for Future Generations

I had no roadmap when I entered corporate leadership. Without strong female mentors, I had to navigate a landscape built for men—one that often penalized women for being assertive while rewarding men for the same behavior. Representation matters, and young women entering the workforce need to see that success is possible without sacrificing their identity.

6. Stronger Ethical & Corporate Governance

Companies led by women have been found to exhibit better governance, lower corruption, and stronger risk management. Women ask tough questions, challenge unethical behavior, and prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Strong governance ensures that businesses remain compliant, ethical, and prepared for the future.

7. Greater Social Impact & Community Investment

Female-led businesses are more likely to focus on corporate responsibility, sustainability, and philanthropy. They understand that business success isn’t just about profit—it’s about making a lasting impact. If we want a corporate world that values people as much as profits, we need more women in executive roles.

The Call to Action: Support Women in Leadership

Every year, when International Women’s Day comes around, there is a growing movement to dismiss or downplay its importance. But let me be clear: women in leadership are essential for business success, economic growth, and social progress.

It’s not just about gender equality—it’s about building businesses that are resilient, innovative, and ethical. The next time you have the opportunity to mentor, support, or promote a woman in leadership, take it. The future of business depends on it.

What can you do today?

✅ Advocate for more women in leadership roles.
✅ Support female-owned businesses.
✅ Be a mentor—or seek one.
✅ Speak up when you see bias or inequality.
✅ Invest in the next generation of female leaders.

By uplifting and empowering women, we don’t just create a better workforce—we create a better world.