The world is yours...if you have a number two

I was raised by parents who told me I could be anything I wanted to be.

My dad especially encouraged me to reach for the stars and reassured me not to worry about falling, as he would always be there to catch me. "Just do it," he would say.

So I've always let my ambition, rather than my fears, guide my professional pursuits.

But there's something you're not told when you're younger or just starting out—you can't achieve anything great by yourself.

A strong work ethic, intelligence, creativity, and vision are all important, but they’re not enough. You must also have support, a team, and, more specifically, a strong number two—especially if you are a woman in leadership.

Last month, I kicked off a brand-new weekly blog series created for everyone, but especially for businesswomen and female founders who are in transition or trying to navigate their careers, businesses, and the concept of "having it all." You can check out the blog here .

My thoughts and perspectives are deeply influenced by my experiences as a Black female entrepreneur, community leader, and business professional for the last 20 years (which is insane to write, lol).

This week's moment of clarity:

Success becomes easier to achieve when you don't do it alone.

Asking for help is your super power.

When we think about successful women leaders, we often focus on their vision, determination, and ability to break through barriers. But there’s another key ingredient to their success that doesn’t get enough attention: the importance of having a strong number two. This is someone who is not just capable, but confident enough to support a woman leader, playing a crucial role in their mutual success.

A good number two can be male or female, but I find it particularly interesting to explore the dynamics when a powerful woman brings on a very powerful man to support her.

This collaboration often symbolizes a shift in power structures, demonstrating that leadership is not tied to gender but to capability and vision. When a woman leader brings on a male colleague as her number two, it visibly disrupts outdated assumptions about who should hold power.

Y'all I can only speak in realities with this blog, not in hopes and dreams. We do not live or work in an equal society.

Women leaders still face a glass ceiling and a glass cliff .

Having a male number two can sometimes make breaking through these barriers more manageable. What I mean by that is men often have access to networks, influence, or insights that can complement the female leader’s approach, helping her navigate spaces that have historically been less accessible to women.

The public and organizational perception of a female leader with a male number two can be very distinct from a female-female partnership; not wrong or bad but just different in how its perceived by others. A male number two might lend additional credibility in environments where male leadership is still the norm. This can be particularly useful in industries or cultures where gender bias is more prevalent, and having a male number two can help bridge gaps in perception and influence.

I’ve got some examples, of course.

Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Jacobs. Oprah had a trusted partner in Jeff, who managed the business side of her empire as the COO of Harpo Productions. While Oprah was the face of the brand, Jeff’s behind-the-scenes work was critical to building the multi-billion-dollar empire that Harpo became. His support allowed Oprah to focus on her creative pursuits, making their partnership a cornerstone of her success.

Another great example is Angela Merkel and Wolfgang Sch?uble. As Germany’s first female Chancellor, Merkel led the country through numerous challenges, including the Eurozone crisis. Sch?uble, her Finance Minister, was a key figure in her administration, providing the economic expertise and political influence necessary to implement her vision. His steady support helped Merkel navigate crises and cement her legacy as one of the world’s most respected leaders.

Indra Nooyi and Mike White also exemplified this dynamic. During Nooyi’s time as CEO of PepsiCo, White, who served as Vice Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo International, was instrumental in driving the company’s global strategy. His operational expertise allowed Nooyi to focus on broader strategic initiatives, such as her "Performance with Purpose" agenda, which reshaped the company’s approach to sustainability and health.

These partnerships work because both the leader and their number two are confident and secure in their roles. The number two isn’t threatened by the leader’s power and success; instead, they amplify it. And for women leaders, particularly those navigating the challenges of being underrepresented or underestimated, this kind of partnership is invaluable.

I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss this dynamic in real time—Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent selection of Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election. While she had other credible, experienced choices, Harris chose someone who is not only competent but also comfortable playing the supportive role of a number two. Walz, a respected governor, embodies the kind of partnership where the number two’s focus is on amplifying the leader’s vision and ensuring their shared success.

Politics aside, I’ve often reflected on how different my corporate career and my journey as a business owner might have been with this type of partner.

Selfless.

Committed.

Loyal.

Honest.

Proud to support on her journey towards greatness.

But in order to attract a kickass number two, you have to be willing to ask for help, admit that you aren’t perfect and you can’t do it on your own.

Asking for help plays a critical role in the success of any leader, and it’s particularly significant in the context of having a strong number two. For many, especially women leaders, asking for help can feel like an admission of weakness or inadequacy. However, it’s actually a sign of strength, self-awareness, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.

But this is HARD.

Especially if you come from a background where you’ve had to depend on yourself to make things happen.

I’ve come to discover that it is not just okay to ask for help, but it’s even more amazing to allow yourself to receive it.

Some ideas to help as you explore this:

Recognize your limits No one can be an expert in everything. By asking for help, especially from a trusted number two, you allow them to fill in the gaps with their knowledge or skills, allowing you to focus on what you do best. This greater focus will help you make more informed decisions and produce a stronger overall strategy.

Burnout is real Leadership is demanding, and trying to do everything alone can lead to burnout. By asking for help, you gain the power to delegate tasks and share the workload, ensuring you don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Lead by example When leaders openly ask for help, they set a positive example for their teams. It normalizes the idea that seeking assistance is a natural part of the leadership process. This can create a more supportive and collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing and seeking help when needed, which is a game-changer.

True leadership is about recognizing that strength comes from collaboration and leveraging the talents of those around you. A number two isn’t just a backup; they’re an essential partner in your journey to success.

Thank you for reading and your support.

See you next week,

Jasmin