Women in Leadership 2024 Recap

Women in leadership seems to be a topic that never ends. Every year women hit new milestones and familiar roadblocks. Negotiation strategies, overcoming burnout, and getting the whole team or org on board for change, all while communicating properly are areas where women still struggle. To lead their teams to greatness (and their careers), women feel like they walk a tightrope between likeability, building real leadership skills, and getting the recognition they deserve.

In this article, we'll review women in leadership in 2024 and key lessons learned.

Key Lessons Learned in 2024

Negotiation and Advocacy

2024 saw the end of "Women don't ask". Both men and women come to the table ready to negotiate. Women still face perception issues at the negotiation table such as backlash for "being assertive". Yet, many women have to overcome imposter syndrome, believing they deserve what they ask for, if not more.

For anyone to have a successful negotiation, they should:

• Go in knowing their value
• Use numbers and data to back up their ask
• Practice their pitch
• Go in with a "win-win" approach, but be prepared to walk away

The Power of Mentorship and Community

Women who mentor or those who have mentors are more likely to pursue leadership roles and believe in themselves. Mentors help combat isolation and provide networks for women to flourish.

Kajuana Kuwonu , MBA , an Underwriting Strategy Leader, shares her mentorship philosophy. "For the past 24 years, I have been deeply committed to developing, coaching, and mentoring women. This commitment has been woven into the fabric of my leadership journey since the very beginning, and it continues to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work," Kuwonu said.

You don't need an official title to be a mentor or a leader. Kuwonu explains, "As a servant leader, I view mentorship as a privilege - an opportunity to invest in others and help them reach their fullest potential." It helps to have a mentorship framework to guide mentees. "My approach to mentorship is grounded in three key principles: being visionary, leading without authority, and encouraging others to embrace their authentic selves," Kuwonu said. "I believe that true leadership is not about commanding from the top, but about guiding and empowering those around you to flourish."

Challenges

Women (and anyone, really) don’t need to constantly battle the perception of being "too much" or "not enough." Instead of tiptoeing around expectations, it's about choosing what you want and going for it. In 2024, the theme that stood out most was breaking free from these constraints.

Trust your intuition

Trust your intuition and embrace the leadership style that speaks to you. Understanding strengths or weaknesses in areas like nonverbal communication, creating a vision with your team,

Of course, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. In Lead Your Team to Greatness, Kendel Paulsen, MA, CDCS, ACC said industries should train their leaders before putting them into leadership roles. This avoids maverick leadership styles and having to fix problems caused by leadership mishaps down the road.

Leadership can be learned

Some people are born with an innate sense to lead but everyone can learn how to do it better. Leadership isn’t about an inherent trait; it's a learned practice that anyone can improve. The key is to stay committed to learning and adjusting to your environment. With the right mindset, anyone can lead effectively.

You're never too old to be a leader

Dr. Geneva J. Williams writes that you're never too old to be a leader. She believes 2025 will break down barriers and biases to overcome age and gender gaps. In her article, Williams writes, "Women over 50 aren't just changing how we think about leaders—they're actively reshaping leadership itself." If you're ready to bring your life experience, take on the challenge, and help others then you can show what it means to be a leader.

Closing Reflections

In 2024, we’ve seen women in leadership break free from stereotypes and expectations. Leadership isn’t about fitting into a predefined mold; it’s about choosing your own path, trusting your intuition, and honing your skills. Whether you’re 25 or 55, leadership is about bringing your authentic self to the table, regardless of age or gender.

Women challenge outdated perceptions. They bring their life experiences and unique perspectives to the forefront. As we look ahead to 2025, we can expect even more barriers to fall, creating a leadership landscape where anyone, regardless of age, can thrive.

Women leaders in 2024 have taught us that the most effective leaders embrace their journey, trust their intuition, and keep learning. As we build on this momentum, let’s remember that leadership is not a destination - it’s an ongoing experience.

As we look toward 2025, reflect on your leadership journey.

What limitations have you broken free from this year?

What new boundaries are you ready to challenge in the next?

Whether you're an experienced leader or just beginning your leadership career, your voice, experience, and perspective matter.

Share your thoughts on how women in leadership have shaped your year.

What lessons did you learn, what challenges did you overcome, and how are you preparing for the future?

Let me know in the comments and let’s inspire each other as we build the leadership of tomorrow.

Plus, looking for awesome women in emerging tech to follow? I've got you.

• Cathy Hackl
• Samantha G. Wolfe
• Andy Fidel ?
• Catherine D Henry
• Irena Cronin
• Cortney Harding
• Katie McIntyre
• Hannah Taylor
• Bebette Ryan
• Sam Luck
• Audrey Lane
• Yolanda A. Barton
• Joowon Kim MacDowell, MFA
• Fernanda Boccard

Articles

• The ‘Hidden Figures’ Of Spatial Computing by Cathy Hackl
• The Feminine Edge: Redefining Innovation And Design For The Future
• The “hidden figures” of AI: Women shaping a new era of ethical innovation by Christina Montgomery