5 Game-Changing Leadership Lessons from Powerful Women You Need to Hear.

Happy International Women’s Day! Here are five powerful leadership lessons from some of the most inspiring women I’ve had the honour of speaking with on The 360 Leadership Podcast. These women are at the top of their game, leading major organizations, driving real change, and paving the way for ambitious women like you to step into strategic leadership with confidence.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership presence, set strong boundaries, and take control of your career, these lessons are for you. Let’s dive in.

1. Master Your Mindset to Elevate Your Confidence

?? Marie Moynihan , Senior HR Leader at Dell Technologies

Marie broke down one of the biggest game-changers in leadership: your mindset controls everything.

Your thoughts drive your emotions, which directly impact your confidence. If you want to be seen as a strategic leader, you need to train your brain to stop negative thought patterns before they derail your confidence.

Marie’s go-to strategies:?

• Stay calm and balanced—even in high-pressure situations.?
• ?Identify what keeps you centred (exercise, sleep, quiet time) and make it non-negotiable.?
• Set clear boundaries—Marie completely disconnects from work on weekends, and her team respects that.

Key Leadership takeaway: Confidence isn’t about always feeling fearless. It’s about managing your mindset and protecting your energy so you can lead with clarity.

2. The Future of Leadership is Shaped by Inclusive Policies

?? Barbara O'Malley (she, her) , Chief People Officer at Irish Life Group

Barbara highlights that leadership today isn't just about individual success—it’s about fostering inclusive workplaces where employees can thrive at every stage of life. Companies that ignore this shift will struggle to attract and retain top talent.

• End outdated workplace norms – Address topics like fertility, parental leave, and domestic abuse with real policies and leadership training.
• Adapt to Gen Z expectations – Younger generations demand purpose-driven work, flexibility, and mental health support—companies must evolve or lose top talent.
• Invest in real support systems – Leadership programs, mentorship, and well-being initiatives drive higher engagement and retention.

Key Leadership takeaway: The future of leadership isn’t just about business metrics—it’s about human impact. Organizations that actively support employees at every stage of life will be the ones that thrive.

3. Stop Letting Micromanagement Hold You Back

?? Aoife O'Brien , Founder of Happier at Work

Micromanagement is exhausting and demoralising. If you’re dealing with a micromanager, Aoife’s advice is simple: Take control of the conversation.

How?

• Focus on impact, not blame—frame the issue around how it affects your ability to perform rather than criticising the manager.
• Anticipate their concerns—why are they checking your work constantly?
• Address it upfront. Set proactive check-ins—own your time by offering structured updates.

Key Leadership takeaway: If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will. Set the standard for how you want to be managed.

4. Invest in Yourself Like Your Career Depends on It—Because It Does

?? Catherine Doyle , Managing Director in Microsoft??

Too many senior women are drowning in the day-to-day and neglecting the one thing that will truly advance their careers: self-investment.

Catherine’s go-to strategies:

• Schedule self-investment time—just one hour a week for reading, networking, or upskilling can transform your leadership impact.

• Seek mentorship—don’t wait for someone to offer, go after it. Own your career—no one else will drive your growth for you.

Key Leadership takeaway: If your job is driving you instead of you driving it, it’s time to reclaim control.

5. Challenge Gender Bias and Flip the Script

?? Selena Rezvani (she/her) , Leadership Speaker & Author

Women in leadership still face double standards. Assertiveness in men is seen as a strength, while women are labelled as difficult. Selena shared a simple yet powerful way to challenge this bias:

• Call it out. If someone criticizes a female leader for being “too direct,” ask: Would we say that about a male colleague??
• ?Flip the script. If someone says, “She’s not warm enough,” ask, “Why is warmth the expectation?”?
• Shift the narrative. Focus on results and leadership impact—not likability.

Key Leadership takeaway: Bias thrives in silence. If you don’t challenge unfair assessments, they will continue to shape decisions at the top.

Ready for More?

In the latest episode of The 360 LeadHERship Podcast, "5 Game-Changing Leadership Lessons from Powerful Women You Need to Hear," I dive deeper into these strategies with real-world insights from top female leaders.

?? Listen to the episode now and start applying these game-changing leadership lessons today: [Link]

About the Author:

When it comes to helping senior women leaders lead strategically, confidently, and with greater impact, Lucy Gernon is the trusted Executive Coach for ambitious, family-oriented women who feel overwhelmed, undervalued, and stretched too thin.

Lucy empowers women in senior corporate leadership roles who are juggling everything—leading teams, managing careers, and balancing family life—but feel stuck in survival mode. With her proven coaching frameworks, Lucy helps them step back, think strategically, and lead with confidence and clarity. The result? Career acceleration, greater influence, and the time and energy to focus on what matters most.

Lucy is the Founder of 3SIXTY Leaders Club, the premier professional development community for ambitious corporate women leaders. Master strategic thinking, unlock unshakable confidence, and reclaim the balance you need to lead with impact—without burning out or missing out on life's precious moments.. Designed for women who want more than just promotions, it’s for those ready to:

• Lead with purpose and impact.
• Reclaim their time and energy.
• Be fully present for their families while excelling at work.

With over two decades of corporate experience and 750+ hours of coaching and training, Lucy brings unmatched expertise and relatability to the table. She’s an ex-Pharma leader, multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and mother of three who’s walked the path herself. She combines a Master’s Degree in Science, professional coaching certifications accredited by the ICF, and a Positive Psychology qualification to deliver actionable, results-driven coaching.

Lucy is also the host of The 360 LeadHERship Podcast, a top-ranked show globally and the go-to podcast for women in leadership who want practical strategies and inspiration to thrive in their careers and lives. She’s an International Speaker and Corporate Trainer, delivering impactful workshops and keynotes that focus on strategic leadership, confidence, and work-life integration.

Lucy has worked with countless ambitious women leaders globally, proving that success and balance are not just possible—they’re inevitable when you have the right tools and strategies.

Ready to lead with more confidence, strategy, and impact?

• Apply to join the 3SIXTY Leaders Club

• Contact Lucy