Nowadays, women are equally represented in most professions and job titles recognized across the globe. There are famous politicians, CEOs, famous athletes in what was once considered “men’s” sports, such as football, and even famous women astronauts and soldiers!
But in today’s article, we’ll be touching on the essence of the business and discussing: what is the thing that made women so powerful and determined in terms of achieving personal and business goals with such ease?
From being a developer of creative WordPress web design services to an after-work sports mom and school project companion, let’s take a peek at what diversity has brought into the world of business in the 21st century.
But most importantly, let’s take a look at the seven most valuable lessons we could learn from these powerful women who have taken a major leap toward both personal growth and business empowerment.
Entering the Gates of Equity and Equality: The Stepping Stone
In the annals of history, the struggle for women's rights has been a turbulent journey, marked by resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of pioneers like Klara Zetkin. Born in 1857, Zetkin was a fervent advocate for women's suffrage and played a pivotal role in advancing the cause of gender equality. Her relentless commitment to securing voting rights for women led to her enduring hardship and persecution, yet her unwavering resolve remained unshaken.
Zetkin's story mirrors that of countless other courageous women who fought for their rights.
Suffragettes such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Emmeline Pankhurst tirelessly campaigned for women's right to vote, enduring imprisonment, hunger strikes, and public scorn. Their sacrifices paved the way for future generations, demonstrating that progress often comes at a steep price.
Throughout the 20th century, women continued to break down barriers and demand equal rights. The suffrage movement bore fruit with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States in 1920, granting women the right to vote. However, it was only the beginning of a long journey towards achieving true gender equity.
Statistically, the growth of women in crucial positions has been a slow but steady ascent.
From the corporate boardrooms to political arenas, women have gradually been making their mark. In the 21st century, we have witnessed a significant increase in women holding executive roles, such as CEOs, and occupying influential positions in various industries. This shift reflects a broader societal transformation toward recognizing the untapped potential of women in leadership roles.
Laws and regulations have also evolved to support gender equality. Anti-discrimination laws, maternity leave policies, and affirmative action measures have been implemented to level the playing field. While progress has been made, challenges persist, and the battle for gender equality is far from over.
As we firmly walk into the 21st century, the gates of equity and equality have cracked open, allowing women to make strides in all aspects of life. Now, let's delve into the seven valuable lessons we can learn from the powerful women who have blazed a trail in the world of business.
Seven Important Things to Learn from Business Women Today
In the world of business, several strong businesswomen have emerged as role models, inspiring others with their resilience and success. Women like Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg, and Indra Nooyi have not only achieved remarkable professional accomplishments but have also used their influence to empower and uplift other women in their respective fields.
Here are their “success secrets” and how you can perform better if you implement them.
#1 Turn Each Chit Chat into Value
Women have often been recognized for their exceptional social skills. Women tend to be more sociable than men, excelling in communication and building relationships. In the business world, this trait can be a powerful asset. Women often create vast networks of friends and acquaintances, opening doors to valuable connections and opportunities.
How do I do it?
Active Listening: Pay close attention to what others are saying. This not only fosters genuine connections but also helps you understand the needs and desires of your network.
Build Meaningful Relationships: Focus on nurturing relationships, rather than transactional interactions. Genuine connections are more likely to lead to fruitful collaborations.
Networking Events: Attend industry-specific events and conferences to expand your circle. Engaging in these environments can help you forge valuable connections and gather industry insights.
#2 Seize Every Opportunity
Successful businesswomen have a knack for recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities. They understand that opportunities can come from unexpected places and have the courage to take calculated risks. Being proactive and ready to seize every chance that comes your way can propel your career and business endeavors to new heights.
How do I do it?
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on industry trends and market developments. Knowledge is key in identifying opportunities that others might overlook.
Embrace Change: Be open to change and adaptability. Sometimes, the most promising opportunities arise during times of disruption.
Be Open for Collaboration: Collaborate with others in your industry. Networking can lead to valuable opportunities through shared knowledge and partnerships.
#3 Mistakes are Just Part of the Process
In the pursuit of success, both in business and in life, making mistakes is inevitable. Remarkably, some of history's most significant breakthroughs have been the result of unintentional errors.
Successful businesswomen understand the value of learning from their mistakes and turning them into opportunities for growth.
How do I do it?
Embrace Resilience: Take inspiration from women like Sara Blakely, who turned her initial rejection of Spanx into a billion-dollar business. Don't be deterred by setbacks—use them as stepping stones to success.
Iterate and Improve: Like Coco Chanel, who revolutionized the fashion industry through innovative designs, continually refine your strategies and products. Learn from your mistakes and adapt to changing circumstances.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Encourage a culture of learning within your team, following the example of women like Elizabeth Feinler, who overcame adversity in her groundbreaking research, developing the world of domains as we know it! View mistakes as opportunities for improvement and innovation.
#4 Learn What You Can Control
Successful businesswomen excel in understanding the balance between what they can control and what is beyond their influence. This discernment is crucial for maintaining focus and achieving long-term goals. By directing their energy toward the things they can change, they make significant strides in their careers and businesses.
How do I do it?
Prioritize Goals: Take a cue from women like Margaret Thatcher, who broke barriers to become the first female British Prime Minister. Focus on setting clear, achievable goals that are within your control.
Adapt to Challenges: Like Amelia Earhart, who ventured into the male-dominated field of aviation, adapt to challenges and remain persistent in your pursuits. Concentrate on overcoming obstacles rather than dwelling on external factors.
Self-Management: Women such as Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, exemplify effective self-management. Control your reactions and emotions in challenging situations to maintain composure and drive progress.
#5 Plan the Things You Can't Control
In the ever-changing landscape of business, unforeseen circumstances are a constant reality. Successful businesswomen understand that while they can't control everything, they can certainly plan for contingencies. This proactive approach helps them remain resilient and adaptable in the face of uncertainty.
How do I do it?
Scenario Planning: Effective scenario planning involves thorough preparation and strategic decision-making to anticipate and address potential disruptions. It's a proactive approach that allows businesses to navigate uncertain terrain with preparedness...
Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks and devise strategies to mitigate them, following the example of Malala Yousafzai, who continues her advocacy for girls' education despite security threats.
Adaptability: Like Angela Ahrendts, who successfully navigated Apple's retail division through periods of change, cultivate adaptability as a core competency to tackle the unexpected.
#6 Don't Fear the Unknown
In the business world, uncertainty is a constant companion. Successful businesswomen embrace the unknown as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of fear. They understand that stepping out of their comfort zones and venturing into uncharted territory can lead to innovation and new possibilities.
How do I do it?
Embrace Curiosity: Cultivate a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and strategies, much like pioneering women in business who dared to enter untapped markets.
Risk-Taking: Be open to calculated risks, knowing that bold decisions can yield great rewards, just as young Kelsey Raymond, who ventured her business success thanks to her strong decision-making skills.
Innovation: Be open to innovation and creative problem-solving, much like Grace Hopper, whose pioneering work in computer programming revolutionized the industry. Embracing innovation can lead to remarkable achievements in uncharted territory.
#7 Be Your Biggest Fan
In the world of business, self-belief is the driving force behind success. And what's more empowering than being your own biggest fan? Successful businesswomen know the power of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-love. They understand that to achieve greatness, you must first believe in your own potential.
How do I do it?
Self-Validation: Take a page from the playbook of women like Hedy Lamarr, the dubbed “mother of Wi-Fi” and other portable technologies. Her unwavering self-belief and motivation fueled her remarkable career shift from a beautiful Hollywood actress into one of the most significant women in tech in our history—with NO official education on the topic she excelled!
Flexibility: Embrace change and growth in the face of adversity, just as Adele Goldberg, the only woman among a group of men who built the Smalltalk-80 programming language. She broke barriers and reshaped the tech landscape, bringing the first modern Graphics User Interface (GUI) featuring windows, icons, menus, and pointers (WIMP).
Dream Big: Think audaciously and dare to dream big, like Madam C.J. Walker, who defied the odds to build a successful beauty empire. Your belief in your dreams can turn them into reality.
Summary
As we wrap up our exploration of the seven valuable lessons from women in business, remember this: You are your greatest asset, and your belief in yourself is your most powerful tool.
Embrace each of these lessons with passion and determination, for they are the steppingstones to your personal growth and business empowerment. Your journey may be filled with challenges, but it is in those moments of adversity that your resilience and self-belief will shine the brightest.
Believe in your dreams, just as these remarkable women did, and watch as you leave an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond.
