The Positive Impact of Female Leadership

With today being International Women’s Day, I have been reflecting on the positive impact that female leaders have had throughout the world this year. Each of these women has faced adversity whilst forging a path for herself and a path for those who will follow in her footsteps.

As a father, I believe every young girl should have someone who is like them to look up to, and with every story we share of a remarkable woman, the more likely that will be. I see my 11- and 14-year-old daughters searching for positive female role models to inspire and guide them, and I’m happy to say that there are a diverse range of women from every cultural, economic, and spiritual background driving change around the globe. I’m grateful that my daughters have the opportunity to watch these women, be inspired by their achievements, and aspire to be a positive change in the world. And so, I would like to highlight some of the women who have had a major influence on the world throughout 2020, and whom I am proud for my daughters to look up to.

This year in politics, many women have triumphed despite the challenges facing the world. In fact, throughout 2020, handling the COVID-19 pandemic has shook some of the strongest world leaders; but women demonstrated that they lead remarkably well in a crisis.

In Europe, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has been praised for how well she handled the pandemic; she did so in such a way that the spread of the virus and the economic impact on Germany was minimized. Merkel is set to retire later this year after holding her position for 15-years, but she has made it clear that she is a considered, bold and unflappable leader even in the face of a worldwide crisis.

Another woman leading her country fearlessly is Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, who has made headlines all of this year for her enviable leadership style. Known for hopping on Facebook Lives regularly and speaking directly to the people of New Zealand, she was reelected in October 2020 after her expert handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern’s communication style has resonated with many people across the globe and has normalized a more empathetic leadership style which I have personally loved to see.

And right here at home in New South Wales, our Premier Gladys Berejiklian has demonstrated to her constituents exactly what a Servant Leadership approach is about. I have enjoyed watching her demonstrate her values consistently being demonstrated throughout the last year, and believe she has lead with calmness under immense pressure, compassion and conviction at every turn.

In the US, 2020 became a milestone year for women in leadership when Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States of America. The win also made her the first African American Vice President, first Asian American Vice President, and the highest-ranking female official in American history. After her win, Kamala declared that while she is the first female to achieve this feat, she will not be the last- inspiring women across the globe to reach for their potential – great to see that glass ceiling being shattered.

While politics are an excellent arena for women to display leadership, the world of business was changed forever this year when Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble, became the youngest self-made CEO billionaire to take her company public at age 31. Watching her sign the IPO for her dating app, whilst holding a baby in her arms, is an image I am happy for my young daughters to see. They don’t need to choose between having record-breaking career success or becoming a mother – you can achieve wonders personally and professionally with the right vision, level of support and dedication.

Finally, it is important to draw attention to the women in our close circles who are leading and inspiring their communities and families. My wife Abirami took a risk this year by launching a business called Viam Organics. I’m looking forward to seeing her take this luxury home fragrance collection to the world and I am grateful to her for demonstrating to our daughters that they can do whatever they set their minds to.

My business partner, Leila, has the ability to expertly juggle countless projects. Whether she is facilitating a leadership session for a large government entity, training future Executive coaches, or taking part in a coaching programme herself as a delegate – her knack for undertaking various projects simultaneously and for delivering exceptional results, is nothing short of incredible.

So, to all the women inspiring change today and for the future - thank you.

Happy International Women’s Day, 2021!