Most Influential Women Leaders in Career Growth & Workplace Culture, 2025

Chellie Phillips

Women Leaders in Career Growth and the Evolving Workplace

Intoday'sincreasinglydynamicprofessional landscape,thepresenceandimpactofwomen leadersarereshapingthenormsofcareergrowth andworkplaceculture.Thepathhasnotbeenwithoutits challenges,butithasbeenmarkedbyperseverance, intelligence,andasteadycommitmenttoprogress.The riseofwomeninleadershippositionsisnotsimplya matterofrepresentationitisareflectionofevolving prioritiesinorganizationsthatvalueintegrity,empathy, andcollaborativestrength.

Womenleadersbringwiththemadistinctivesetof experiencesthatoftentranslateintothoughtful, inclusiveleadership.Theirapproachtoproblem-solving tendstobalancestrategicvisionwithemotional intelligence,fosteringenvironmentswherediverse perspectivesarewelcomedandindividualcontributions arerecognized.Thesequalitieshaveproventobe particularlyvitalinthefaceofrapidtechnological change,shiftingworkforceexpectations,andthe increasingemphasisonworkplacewell-being.

Careergrowthforwomen,however,remainsanarea thatcallsforcontinuedattentionandintentionalsupport. Structuralbarriersandsubtlebiasesstillexistinmany sectors,limitingaccesstokeyopportunitiesfor advancement.Yet,despitetheselimitations,women havefoundinnovativewaystonavigateandinfluence thesystemsaroundthem.Theyhavecultivatednetworks ofmentorship,builtresilientcommunitiesofsupport, andledinitiativesthatchallengeoutdatednorms.Their leadershipisoftenasmuchaboutliftingothersasitis aboutpersonalsuccess.

Inredefiningleadership,womenhavealsocontributed toabroaderunderstandingofsuccessitself.Ratherthan

adheringtorigidhierarchiesortraditionalmarkersof power,manywomenleadersprioritizesharedachievement andsustainablegrowth.Theytendtobuildteamsthatare motivatednotonlybygoals,butbypurposeaquality increasinglyvaluedbyyoungergenerationsenteringthe workforce.Thisapproachhashelpedfostermoreadaptive, human-centeredworkplacesthatarebetterequippedto handlethedemandsofachangingworld.

Asorganizationscontinuetoevolve,theinclusionand elevationofwomeninleadershipmustnotbeseenasa trend,butasafoundationalelementoffuturereadiness.It requiressustainedcommitment—frompolicytopractice andaculturethatvaluesmeritwithoutassumption, ambitionwithoutpenalty,andleadershipwithout stereotype.

Thisisnotmerelyacallforequality;itisarecognitionof thedepthanddimensionwomenbringtoprofessional spaces.Itisanacknowledgmentoftheirrighttolead,to influence,andtodefinesuccessontheirownterms.The storiesofwomenwhohaveadvancedthroughdedication andquietresolveremindusthatleadershipisnotabout commandingtheroom,butaboutchangingtheroom's direction—withintegrity,clarity,andpurpose.

Incelebratingtheircontributions,wealsoacceptthe responsibilitytobuildenvironmentsthathonortheir potential.Theprogressmadeismeaningful,butthepath aheadremainsopen—anditisonethatmustcontinuetobe shapedbyvoicesthathavetoolonggoneunheard.The futureofworkisnotjustmoreinclusivewithwomenatthe helm;itisfundamentallybetter.

From theEditor’s desk

18 Leading the Digital Revolution Responsibly: Ethical Innovation, Holistic Thinking & Inclusive Global Transformation

34 The Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global Tourism: A Strategic Analysis

42

26 Rethinking Leadership in Times of Disruption: The Rise of the Fractional Model Transformational Leadership Approach Driving Organizational Growth

50 Tamara Sunbul, MD, MBA,CPHIMS, FHIMSS, PMP

April, 2025

Chel ie hillips

Withnearly30yearsofexperienceincorporate communications,ChelliePhillipsisa powerhouseinthefieldsofleadership, workplaceculture,andpersonalbranding.AsVice PresidentofCommunicationsandPublicRelationsat Coweta-FayetteEMC,shehasledimpactfulinitiatives thatshapebrandreputationandemployeeengagement. Beyondhercorporaterole,Chellieisthevisionaryfounder of Successfully Ever After,agrowingcoachingand consultingcompanydedicatedtohelpingprofessionalsand organizationscreatecultureswherepeopleandbusiness thrive.

Abest-sellingauthorandsought-afterspeaker,Chellie inspiresaudiencestoovercomeburnout,redefinesuccess, andbuildworkplacesrootedinhersignatureV.A.L.U.E. Cultureplatform.Hermissionisclear:toequipleaders withpracticaltools,empoweringthemtofoster environmentswhereemployeesfeelseen,valued,and motivatedtocontributetheirbest.

Passionate,relatable,anddrivenbypurpose,Chellie Phillipsishelpingorganizationsacrossthenationwrite theirown“SuccessfullyEverAfter”stories—one meaningfultransformationatatime.

FromStorytellertoCultureShaper

ChelliePhillips'journeybeganinasmallSoutherntown, whereshewasraisedinafamilythatvaluedhardwork, community,andfaith.Herpassionforstorytellingtookroot early—whenashortstoryshewroteinseventhgradewona statecompetition,itsparkedalifelongloveforwritingand communication.

Shepursuedadegreeinjournalismandlaunchedhercareer asafeatureseditoratanewspaper,latertransitioninginto radio,corporatecommunications,andleadership.Witheach role,Chelliehonedherabilitytocraftstoriesthatinspire, inform,anddrivemeaningfulchange.

Herprofessionalpath,combinedwithadeepbeliefthat peopledeservetoworkinenvironmentswheretheyfeel valuedandheard,ledhertochampionworkplaceculture transformation.Seeingtalentedindividualsstifledbytoxic environmentsfueledhercommitmenttohelping organizationsbuildspaceswherebothpeopleandbusiness thrive.Thispassionbecamethefoundationforhersignature V.A.L.U.E.

CultureFormulaandthelaunchofhercoachingand consultingbusiness, Successfully Ever After—aplacewhere herexpertiseincommunication,leadership,andstorytelling comestogethertocreatelastingimpact.

MissiontoTransformtheWorkplace

Afternearlythreedecadesincommunications—from newspapersandbroadcastingtoelectric cooperatives—ChelliePhillipshasseenitall.She'sbeena writer,editor,PRstrategist,andexecutiveleader.Butitwas apivotalmomentduringaparticularlychallengingseason atworkthattransformedherperspective:shewatchedan organizationbegintounravelnotfromalackofstrategy, butfromalackofconnection.Noonefeltseen—andthe culturesuffered.

ThatexperiencelitafireinChellietogobeyondmanaging messages.Shemadeithermissiontohelpleaderscreate workplaceswherecommunicationfosterstrust,belonging, andengagement.AsVicePresidentofCommunicationsand PublicRelationsatCoweta-FayetteEMCandfounderof Successfully Ever After,shebringsbothexecutiveinsight andcoachingexpertisetothetable.

Chellie'ssignatureapproach—embodiedinherbook Culture Secrets andherV.A.L.U.E.Culture Formula—guidesorganizationsinshapinghealthy,highperformingcultures.Herworkisgroundedinthereal-world demandsofleadership,anddrivenbyadeepbeliefthat peopledeservetoworkinenvironmentswheretheyfeel valued,heard,andempoweredtothrive.

EmpoweringVoices,Transforming Workplaces

Likemanywomeninleadership,Chellie Phillipshasexperiencedthechallengeof havingtoworkharderforhervoicetobe heard.Earlyinhercareer,shefaced burnout,drivenbythepressuretodoitall andproveherworth.Throughthosehardearnedlessons,shediscoveredthat authenticleadershipisn'taboutbeing everythingtoeveryone—it'saboutbeing rootedinyourvaluesandconsistentin yourimpact.Thatphilosophyshapeshow sheleadstodayandwhatsheteachesthose strivingtogrowwithoutlosingthemselves alongtheway.

Chellieisadynamicspeakerontopics suchasworkplaceculture,career development,andthetransformative powerofcommunication.She'spassionate abouthelpingleadersrecognizethattheir voicehasthepowertoshapeengagement, driveperformance,andfosterbelonging. Shealsochampionswomenin leadership—guidingthemtoembracetheir strengths,establishhealthyboundaries, andleadwithconfidence.ToChellie,these aren'tjust“nicetohave” discussions—they'remission-critical conversationsforthemodernworkplace.

SpeakwithPurpose

ChelliePhillipsbelievesthateverygreat presentationbeginswithlistening.Before steppingonstage,shetakesthetimeto understandheraudience—theirchallenges, goals,andculturaldynamics.Thisthoughtful approachallowshertotailoreachmessagesoit feelspersonalandrelevant,notone-size-fits-all.

Herspeakingstyleblendsstorytelling,audience interaction,andreal-worldcasestudiestocreate alastingimpact.Chellie'sgoalisn'tjustto inspire—it'stoequip.Shewantseveryattendee toleavefeelingbothempoweredandpreparedto takemeaningfulaction.

Attheheartofhermessageisapowerfultruth: Start before you feel ready Chellieencourages audiencestoembracetheirstories,evenif they'restillunfolding.Perfectionisn'tthe goal—authenticityis.Sheremindsleadersand professionalsalikethattheirvoicematters,and thatsomeoneintheroomneedsexactlywhat they'velivedthrough.Hertalksareacallto connection,courage,andclarity.

VisionforTransformativeLeadership

ChelliePhillipsdrawsinspirationfromvoices likeBrenéBrown,whosebook Daring Greatly reshapedherunderstandingofleadership.It helpedherembracevulnerabilitynotasa weakness,butasasuperpower—acorebelief thatnowguideshowsheleadsandconnectswith others.Shechampionstheideathatthemost courageousleadersarethosewillingtobeseen, toowntheirmistakes,andtoleadwithheart.

Lookingahead,Chellieenvisions Successfully Ever After becomingapremierleadershipand culture-buildingresourcefororganizations acrossthecountry.Sheplanstoexpandher V.A.L.U.E.Cultureplatformwithinnovative tools,digitallearningprograms,andhands-on workshopsthathelpleaderstransformworkplace culturefromtheinsideout.Alongsidethis growth,shehopestocontinuewriting,speaking, andmentoringthenextgenerationof leaders—empoweringthemtobuildworkplaces wherepeopledon'tjustshowup,buttrulythrive.

Leadingthe Digital RevolutionResponsibly

Ethical Innovaon, Holisc Thinking & Inclusive Global Transformaon

Intoday'sfast-pacedandinterconnected

businesslandscape,emergingtechnologies aredisruptingtraditionalmodels,redefining value,andpresentingbothunprecedented opportunitiesandcomplexrisks.Artificial intelligence,blockchain,quantumcomputing, andadvancedanalyticsarenolongerfuture concepts—theyaredrivingthenow.Butinthis ageoftransformation,thequestionisnotonly whatwecanbuild,buthowandwhywebuild it.

Weareataturningpoint.Technological advancementmustbeguidedbyethical principles,inclusivegovernance,andhumancentereddesign.Tofullyharnessthepotentialof thisrevolution,wemustbreakdownsilos, encouragecollaborationacrossdisciplines,and embraceholistic,ethical,andinclusive leadership Thefuturedependsnotonlyon innovation—butonthekindofinnovationwe choosetochampion

CEAMM:APlatformforEthical,Agile,and People-CenteredInnovation

Aspartofthismission,IfoundedCEAMM—a digitalplatformcreatedtofostertheethicaluse oftechnologythroughagile,collaborative,and openinnovation.CEAMMisbuiltarounda simplebutpowerfulidea:replacesiloed structureswithpeople-centeredcirclesthat allowindividualsandorganizationstoconnect easily,shareknowledge,andco-createimpactful solutions.

ThroughCEAMM,wepromoteanenvironment wherecitizens,startups,corporates,

academia,NGOs,andpublicinstitutionscan cometogether,collaboratesmartlyandflexibly, anddelivertechnology-drivenprojectsaimedat buildingamoreinclusive,sustainable,and equitableworld.

CEAMMservesasamodelofhowdigital ecosystemscanbeleveragedtoalignbusiness objectiveswithsocialimpact,mobilizecrosssectoralexpertise,andempowerteamstodrive sustainableinnovationwithpurpose

TheEthicalImperative

Technologiescanupliftsocieties—butwhen usedirresponsibly,theycanalsoexacerbate inequality,infringeonhumanrights,andsow distrust.Therisksofalgorithmicbias,data misuse,surveillance,andexclusionarydesignare nolongerhypothetical.Fromfacialrecognition systemsthatfailtoidentifymarginalizedgroups tosocialmediaalgorithmsthatamplify misinformation,we'veseenhowunethical technologyharmscommunities.

Itisthereforeessentialthatethical considerationsareembeddedateverystageof technologicaldevelopment—fromideationand designtodeploymentandgovernance.Ethicsis notacheckbox;itisacontinuousprocessthat mustguideeverydecisionandinteraction.

InclusiveandHolisticLeadershipforaDigital Future

Toleadresponsiblyinthisnewera,wemust adoptaninclusiveandholisticapproachthat transcendssectoralanddisciplinaryboundaries.

Technologydoesn'texistinavacuum.Itsimpactripples acrosseconomies,cultures,politics,andpersonallives.

Ethicalleadershiptodayrequires:

• Empathy-drivendesignthatconsidersthelived experiencesofusers.

• Cross-functionalcollaborationthatbringstogether policy,technology,humanities,andbusiness.

• Proactiveinclusionofunderrepresentedvoicesin allstagesofdevelopment.

• Systemsthinkingtounderstandthelong-term, interconnectedeffectsofinnovation.

Mostimportantly,wemustrethinkourunderstandingof leadershipitself.Truetransformationisnotdictatedfrom thetop;itisco-createdbyallstakeholders,withend usersasactiveparticipants—notpassiverecipients— ofchange.Whenpeopleareinvolvedearlyintheprocess, notonlyisinnovationmoreeffective,butitisalsomore just

TheRoleofGlobalCooperation

Globalchallengesdemandglobalsolutions.Toensure digitaltransformationisinclusive,weneedinternational cooperationandmultilateralcollaboration.Platforms likeCEAMMshowhowdiverseactors—fromcitizens andscientiststostartupsandsocialenterprises—can aligntheireffortsinrealtimetoaddresssharedproblems.

Throughsmart,agilecollaborationtools,partnerscancodevelopsolutionsforeducation,sustainability,healthcare, humanitarianaid,anddigitalliteracy.Thesesolutionsmust be:

• Human-centeredandaccessible.

• Openandinteroperable,encouragingcollaboration, notcompetition.

• Scalableandreplicableacrossregionsandcontexts.

Technologyshouldbetheconnector,notthedivider And globalinstitutionsmustsupportthisbycreatingpolicy frameworksthatenableethicalinnovation,dataprotection, anddigitalsovereignty—particularlyforvulnerable populations.

TechnologyasaDriverforPeaceandGenderEquality

BuildingGlobalPeace

Digitaltoolscanbecomepowerfulinstrumentsfor peacebuildingandcrisisresponse.Forexample,early warningsystems,conflictmapping,andmobileeducation platformscanprovidestabilityinconflictzones.Opendata andblockchaincanincreasetransparencyin humanitarianaid.

Butpeacecannotbeachievedthroughtechnologyalone.It requiresintention.Ethicaluseoftechnologyinfragile contextsmustinclude:

• Strongprivacysafeguards.

• Culturalsensitivity.

• Localcommunityinvolvement.

BridgingGenderGaps

Womencontinuetofacesignificantbarriersinaccessing, designing,andleadingtechnologicalinnovation.The genderdigitaldivide—inskills,participation,leadership, anddesignbias—limitsnotonlywomen'spotentialbut alsoglobalprogress

Tobridgethisgap,wemust:

• Ensureinclusivedatasetsanddesignprocesses.

• Investintraining,mentoring,andleadership opportunitiesforwomeninSTEM.

• Buildsafedigitalenvironmentsfreefromharassment.

• Integrategenderequitygoalsintocorporatedigital strategiesandinnovationpipelines.

InspiringYouthandEmpoweringChangeAgents

Youtharenaturalinnovatorsanddigitalnatives.They shouldnotbesidelined—theyshouldbeempoweredas co-leadersofthedigitalfuture.Initiativesmustinclude:

• Youth-ledinnovationhubsandincubators.

• Opportunitiestoco-createpolicyandplatforms.

• Accesstoeducationanddigitalresourcesin underservedareas.

Theirinvolvementensuresthattechnologyisboth forward-lookingandrootedincommunity.

SociallyResponsibleTechnology:ABlueprintforthe Future

Toensurethatnooneisleftbehindinthistransformation, wemustdesigntechnologythatis:

• Ethical:Compliantwithhumanrightsandgrounded inclearmoralframeworks.

• Inclusive:Designedwith—notjustfor— marginalizedanddiversecommunities.

• Sustainable:Environmentallyconsciousand resource-aware.

• Empowering:Enablingindividualstoparticipatein andshapetheirfutures.

• Collaborative:Builtontrust,cooperation,andcocreationacrosssectors.

Technologyshouldnotbeusedtosimplymakefaster decisionsorautomateexistinginequalities.Itshouldhelp usmakebetterdecisions,buildempathy,promoteequity, anddelivervaluethatupliftshumanity

SpiritualityastheGuidingForceofEthicalInnovation

Atthecoreofthistransformationliesatruththatisoften overlookedinboardroomsandtechlabs:spiritualityisnot

separatefrominnovation—itisitsessence.Itisthe threadthatconnectshumanintentionwithuniversal purpose.Itiswhatremindsusthatourcreationsaresacred, andourimpactmustreflectnotonlyintelligence,but wisdom,compassion,andcollectiveresponsibility

Spirituality—understoodnotthroughreligion,butthrough adeepreverenceforlifeandinterconnectedness—mustbe integratedintothewaywedesign,govern,andscale technology.Itoffersthemoralcompassweurgentlyneed, especiallyasdecision-makersstandatthecrossroadsof exponentialadvancementandprofoundinequality

Wemustredefinevaluecreation—notjustinfinancial terms,butintermsofcontributiontohumanflourishing, societalbalance,andplanetarywell-being.Business, nations,andcommunitiesmustbegintoask:Doesthis innovationhealorharm?Doesitunifyordivide?Does itupliftorexploit?

Inthisspirituallens,prosperityisnolongerdefinedby GDPalone,butbycollectivewell-being,harmony,and justice.Developmentbecomesasharedjourney,where growthdoesnotleavesomebehindbutelevateseveryone forward—especiallythemostvulnerable.

Transformation

Tofacethechallengesoftoday’stechnological revolution—drivenbyartificialintelligenceand globalinnovation—wemustlookbeyondthe materialandeconomicdimensionsofprogress. Truetransformationisnotonlytechnicalor strategic;itmustalsobeethicalandspiritual.In thisnewera,integratingthespiritualdimensionis essentialtoensurethattechnologyserves humanity,ratherthanreducingittomere productivityordata.

Thisisthedeeperpurposebehindthechoiceofthe namePopeLeoneXIV.Hisdecisionrecallsthe legacyofPopeLeoXIII,whorespondedtothe upheavalsofthefirstIndustrialRevolutionwiththe socialteachingsofRerumNovarum,defendingthe dignityofworkersandthepoor.LikePopeFrancis, LeoneXIVisdeeplycommittedtostandingwith themostvulnerable.ButlikeLeoXIII,healso seekstoengagetheChurchmoreactivelyonthe sociopoliticallevel—recognizingthatthisnew technologicalrevolutiondemandsamoraland spiritualresponseequalinscopetothe transformationitself.

PopeLeoneXIVbelieveswearefacingahistoric turningpoint,similartothepost-WorldWarIIera, whenleaderswerecalledtorebuildnotonly economiesbutthesoulofnations.Today,withAI andglobalsystemsreshapinghumanlife,wemust againask:whatkindofworldarewebuilding? Andforwhom?

Global,holisticthinkingmustnotrejectprofit— butredefineitthroughthelensofhumandignity andthecommongood.Wemustaligninnovation withcompassion,andprofitwithpurpose,thinking globally,actinglocally,andensuringnooneisleft behind.

Thewayforwardisasharedjourney:building agile,inclusive,people-centeredsystemsthrough collaborationacrosssectorsandborders.Butabove all,thisjourneymustbeguidedbyconscious leadership,moralresponsibility,andadeep spiritualawareness.Onlythencanwetransform notjusttechnology,butalsoheartsandsocieties.

Women Leaders in Career Growth: The Future is Theirs

Theworldhaswatchedwomenrise—fromquietcontributorsinthebackgroundto powerhouseleaderswhoaretransformingeveryfieldtheytouch.Now,it'snotjust aboutcatchingup.It'sabouttakingover.Thefutureisn’tjustopentowomen—it’s leaningintheirdirection.Associetyevolves,technologyadvances,andvaluesshift, onethingisbecomingabundantlyclear:thefutureofleadershipbelongstowomen.

TheTippingPoint:FromPresencetoPower

We’vereachedaglobaltippingpoint.Nolongercontentwithmerelyhavingaseatat thetable,womenareflippingthetables,redesigningtherules,andsettingnew agendas.Thepresenceofwomeninleadershippositionsisnolongersymbolic—it’s powerful,strategic,andessential.

FromKamalaHarrisredefiningpoliticalhistoryasthefirstfemaleVicePresidentof theU.S.,toWhitneyWolfeHerdbecomingtheyoungestself-madefemalebillionaire withBumble—womenarenotjustparticipatinginthefuture,theyarebuildingit.

Leadershipstylesarechangingtoo.Thetraditionaltop-down,fear-drivenmodelsare fading.Intheirplace?Collaborative,emotionallyintelligent,andinclusiveleadership —traitsthatwomenhavelongbroughttothetable,andnow,theworldisfinally valuingthemaskeytofuturesuccess.

YoungWomen,BigDreams,BiggerPlans

Thepipelineoffuturefemaleleadershasneverlookedstronger Acrosstheglobe, younggirlsaregrowingupinaworldwherewomenleadnations,negotiate internationaldeals,launchbillion-dollarstartups,anddriveinnovationinAI,climate science,andhealthcare.

Thesegirlsaren’tjustdreaming—they’restrategizing.

WithrolemodelslikeGretaThunberginclimateadvocacy,AmandaGormanin literature,andGitanjaliRaoinscience,GenZwomenarecomingofageinaworld

whereambitionisn’tadirtyword—it’sanexpectation. They’restartingbusinessesinhighschool,launching podcastsincollege,andbreakingrecordsbeforehitting30.

Thefutureisn’twaitingforthem.They’realreadyclaiming it.

TheCorporateWorldisShiftingGears

Companiesarefinallyrecognizingthatdiversityisn’ta checkbox—it’sasuperpower.Boardsandinvestorsareno longerjustseekingreturns;theywantresilience, innovation,andhuman-centeredleadership.That’swhere womenthrive.

Accordingtonumerousstudies,companieswithdiverse leadershipperformbetterfinancially,aremoreinnovative, andhavehigheremployeesatisfaction.It’snocoincidence thatforward-thinkingcompaniesarefast-trackingwomen intoC-suiteroles,notasanodtoequality,butasastrategy forsurvivalandsuccessinthefutureeconomy

Female-ledbusinessesareboomingtoo.Overthelast decade,women-ownedstartupshavegrownexponentially Thesebusinessesaren’tjustprofitable—theyare sustainable,sociallyconscious,andbuiltforlongevity

RewritingthePlaybookforLeadership

Thefuturewillnotbeledbypowersuitsandclosed-door meetings—itwillbeshapedbycompassion,agility,and authenticity.Womennaturallybringthesequalitiesinto leadership.Theyaremorelikelytoleadwithpurpose,to empowerteams,andtoadvocateforlong-termgrowthover short-termwins.

Theoldplaybookisbeingshredded.Initsplace,womenare writingnewrules:

· Collaborationovercompetition

· Communityoverhierarchy

· Purposeoverego

Thesevaluesresonatemorewiththeglobalworkforce, especiallytheyoungergenerationwhoprioritizemeaning overmoneyandflexibilityoverformality Womenleaders naturallyalignwiththeseshifts,makingthemtheperfect architectsofthefuture.

Technology,Innovation,andWomenattheHelm

AswestepdeeperintotheageofAI,spaceexploration,and biotechrevolutions,thepresenceofwomeninSTEMand

innovationiscrucial.Thegendergapintechisclosing, slowlybutsteadily,andwomenarenotjustenteringthe space—they’releadingit.

FromReshmaSaujani(founderofGirlsWhoCode)to GwynneShotwell(PresidentofSpaceX),womenare steeringtechnologicalrevolutions.Andwithmoregirls beingencouragedtopursueSTEMcareersthaneverbefore, thefutureofinnovationisrichwithfemalepotential.

ImagineafuturewhereMarsiscolonizedunderthe directionofafemale-ledspaceagency.Afuturewhere climatechangeisreversedbyeco-solutionsborninthe mindsofwomen.Thatfutureisalreadyforming—and womenareatthecenterofit.

Conclusion

Thefutureisnotaquestionmarkforwomenanymore— it'sadestinationtheyarealreadywalkingtowardwith confidence,courage,andclarity.Leadershipisevolving, andwomenarenotjustadaptingtothechange—theyare drivingit.

Theworldisfinallycatchinguptothetruththatwomen havealwaysknown:theywereborntolead,toinnovate, andtochangetheworld.Andthemostpowerfulchaptersof theirleadershipstoriesarestillahead.

Thefuture?It’snotjustbright—it’sbrilliantly, unapologeticallyhers

Howthe World Sees Them Now

Thelandscapeofgloballeadershipistransforming—andattheheartof thischangearedynamic,resilient,andvisionarywomen.Nolonger confinedtotheshadowsorlimitedtosupportroles,womenleadersare nowcommandingboardrooms,governments,andinnovationlabsacross theworld.Theglobalperceptionofwomeninleadershiphasshifted dramatically,andit’sabouttime.Today,womenleadersarenotjustseen —theyarerespected,celebrated,and,moreimportantly,expected.

AShiftinGlobalPerspective

Therewasatimewhentheveryideaofawomanleadinganation,a Fortune500company,oratechstartupwasmetwithskepticismor surprise.Societyhadinternalizedthenotionthatleadershipequaled masculinity Thatbeliefhasbeenchallenged—andisnowbeing dismantled—bywaveafterwaveofpowerfulfemaleleaderswhohave provennotonlytheircapabilitybutalsotheiruniqueandtransformative styleofleadership.

Globally,thereisagrowingrecognitionthatwomenbringdistinct qualitiestoleadership—empathy,collaboration,resilience,and adaptability.Infact,studiesshowthatcompanieswithwomenintop executiverolesoftenoutperformthoseledsolelybymen.Countrieswith femalepoliticalleaders,suchasNewZealandunderJacindaArdernor GermanyunderAngelaMerkel,haveearnedworldwidepraisefortheir compassionateandeffectivegovernance.

FromExceptiontoExpectation

Whereonceawomaninaleadershiprolewastreatedasananomaly, today,sheisbecomingtheexpectation.Thesightofwomenleading high-leveldiscussions,makingtoughdecisions,orlaunchingbilliondollarventuresnolongerraiseseyebrows—itearnsapplause.

ThesuccessstoriesofleaderslikeMaryBarra(GeneralMotors), RosalindBrewer(WalgreensBootsAlliance),andNgoziOkonjo-Iweala (WorldTradeOrganization)haveelevatedpublicperception.These womenarenotjustleaders;theyaresymbolsofwhat’spossiblewhen barriersarebroken.

Theirpresenceinleadershipsendsapowerfulmessage: leadershipisnotaman’sgame.Itisaboutintelligence, vision,andexecution—allqualitiesthatknownogender

Media,

Representation,andVisibility

Themediahasplayedacrucialroleinreshapinghowthe worldviewswomenleaders.FrommagazinecoverstoTED Talks,socialmediaspotlightstoprime-timeinterviews— womenleadersarenowfeaturedfortheirideas, achievements,andboldstrategies.

Thisvisibilitymatters.Itnotonlynormalizesthepresence ofwomeninpowerbutalsoinspiresanewgenerationof girlstoaimhighwithoutdoubtingtheirplaceatthetable. Womeninleadershiparenolongerframedas“breakingthe mold”—theyarenowseenasthemolditself,redefining whatitmeanstoleadinthe21stcentury.

RespectBuiltonResults

Therespectthatwomenleadersenjoytodayisnothanded outasafavor—it’searnedthroughrelentlessperformance. They’veledorganizationsthroughcrises,championed innovation,builtinclusivecultures,anddeliveredresults thatspeaklouderthanbias.

DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,manyofthecountries withthemosteffectiveresponseswereledbywomen. LeaderslikeFinland’sSannaMarinandTaiwan’sTsaiIngwengainedinternationalpraisenotjustforbeingwomenin charge,butforhoweffectivelytheymanaged unprecedentedchallenges.Theirperformancesparked headlinesandseriousdiscussionsabouthowfemale leadershipmayofferkeyadvantagesintimesofcrisis.

ChallengesRemain,ButtheLensHasChanged

Thisisn’ttosayallbarriershavevanished.Womenstill facegenderpaygaps,underrepresentationinexecutive roles,anddeeplyrootedculturalbiases.Butthelens throughwhichtheworldviewswomenleadersisevolving.

Ratherthanquestioningwhetherwomencanlead,societyis nowaskingwhytherearen’tmoreofthemleading.It’sa powerfulshift—fromdoubttodemand.Peoplenolonger seegenderasalimitationbutaspartofadiverseleadership identitythatenrichesorganizationsandgovernmentsalike.

ANewEraofRoleModels

Perhapsthemostexcitingpartofthisshiftisthecreationof anewkindofrolemodel.Younggirlsnolongerhaveto looktofictionalcharactersorexceptionstofindinspiration.

Real-worldexamplesareeverywhere.Theyseewomen negotiatingpeacedeals,runningmultimillion-dollar startups,flyingfighterjets,anddrivinglegislativechange.

Andit’snotjusttheyoungergenerationthat’snoticing. Acrosseverydemographic,thereisgrowingrespectand admirationforwomenleaders.Theirdreamsarenolonger metwithsurprise—they’rebackedbyapplause, mentorship,funding,andcollaboration.

Conclusion

Theworldnowviewswomenleadersthroughalensof admirationandnecessity Theirdreamsarerespected,and theiraccomplishmentsareacknowledgedaspartofalarger narrativeofprogress.Womenarenolongerleadingbehind thescenesorwaitingforpermission—theyareshapingthe future,onepowerfuldecisionatatime.

Theriseofwomeninleadershipisnotatrend—it’sa transformation.Andtheworld,atlast,iswatchingwith respect,recognition,andhighexpectations.

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

CXO Article

TheImpactof U.S. Tariffs on Global Tourism: AStrategicAnalysis

by Dr. Manida Xongmixay-Lau, CHP

TheTrumpadministration’spolicyof imposingtariffsonproductsand servicesfromcountrieswithwhichthe UnitedStateshasatradedeficithas raisedcriticalquestionsregardingits broadereconomicrepercussions, particularlyforglobaltourism.This articleoffersastrategicexplorationof theimplications.

EconomicTheory:Tourismasan ExportSector

Importtariffsdonotdirectlyaffectthe tourismsector.Ineconomictheory, tourismisclassifiedasanexport sector,notanimport.Liketraditional exports,tourismsellsgoodsand servicestoforeignconsumers, generatingforeignexchangeand boostingnationalGDP.

Specifically:

Tourismboostsforeignexchange earningsthroughspendingonlodging, transport,food,andactivities.

• Itstimulatesnationaloutput throughemploymentcreation, supportforlocalbusinesses,and governmentrevenuegeneration.

• Tourismcompetes internationally,influencedby exchangerates,economic conditions,andevolvingtravel trends.

• Governmentsactivelydevelop tourismasanexportstrategy,

fosteringcompetitivenessand attractingforeignvisitors.

Thehospitalityindustry,which encompassestransportationservices suchasairlines,cruiseships,andtaxis; accommodationssuchashotels, homestays,andresorts;entertainment venueslikecasinos,festivals,and shoppingmalls;andretailsectorssuch assouvenirsandgoods,directly benefitsfrominboundtourism.

Thus,theTrumptariffsdonot immediatelyaffectthepricestourists paywhentravelingtotheU.S.,but theymayinfluencethebroader ecosystemoftravelbehaviors.

UnderstandingtheSourceof InternationalVisitors

Contrarytocommonperception,most internationaltouristsoriginatefrom neighboringcountriesratherthan distantlocations.In2024,nearly50% ofthe78millioninternationalvisitors totheU.S.werefromCanada(20 million)andMexico(17million). Historicalandculturaltiesalsodrive tourismflows,asseeninthetravel patternsbetweenFranceanditsformer AfricancoloniesorDutchtourists visitingIndonesia.

Decision-MakingDriversfor HolidayDestinations

Countriesheavilyinvestintourism

promotion,butunderstandinghow touristsselectdestinationsiscritical:

1. PersonalFactors:Demographics, income,education,prior experiences,andmotivations(fun, novelty,mentalrelaxation,escape fromroutine).

2. DestinationFactors: Accessibility,affordability, culturalofferings,natural attractions,andvisarequirements.

3. ContextualFactors:Seasonality, availablevacationdays,andtravel companions.

Notably,thefinalchoicereliesheavily onemotionsratherthansolelyrational analysis.Touristsseekhappiness, novelty,andasenseofescapism, prioritizingemotionalresonanceover cost-benefitcalculations.

Holidays:PursuitofHappiness AmidUncertainty

Touriststhoroughlypreparetomitigate uncertainties,includingtransportation, accommodations,culturalnorms,and paymentoptions.Experiencedtravelers andthosewithhighereducationlevels showgreaterresiliencetounforeseen events.However,morethanactual risks,perceptionsofriskinfluence destinationchoices.

Emotionssignificantlycolor perceptions,decision-making,andrisk assessments.Fear,excitement,

nostalgia,anduncertaintycanreinforce ordeterdestinationselection,often outweighingrationalfactors.

ConsumerPowerandAlternatives

Whiletheoreticallyhundredsof destinationsareavailable,tourists narrowtheirchoicesbasedon emotionalcomfort,perceivedsafety, andfamiliarity.Consumerpowertoday ismassive,drivenbypurchasing decisions,onlinereviews,socialmedia advocacy,andcollectiveactionslike boycotts.

Touristswieldmarket-shaping powerbyinfluencingproduct offerings,destinationmarketing strategies,andcorporatebehaviors towardsustainabilityandethics.

U.S.TariffsandTheirRippleEffects onTourism

Politicalandeconomicconflicts,or eventheirperception,influencetravel behaviors.Tariffsdonotdirectlyalter travelcosts,butcontributetoa growingperceptionoftheU.S.asa "foreigner-unfriendly"and "unpredictable"destination.

Beyondtariffs,theTrump administration'simmigration restrictions,heightenedvisascrutiny, arbitraryentryrefusals,and deportationsbasedonnationalityor politicalviewshavefurtherfueledthis imageandintroducedsignificant uncertaintyforinternationalvisitors.

PracticalConsequences:

· Higherdomesticcosts: Tariffsmaymakeeverydaygoods scarcerormoreexpensive,impacting touristexperiences.

· Perceivedhostility: Unwelcomingpoliciesandsporadic enforcementagainstforeignerscreate

emotionalbarrierstotravel.

· Travelhesitations:Canadiansand Mexicans—twoofthelargestsource markets—havealreadyshowngrowing reluctancetovisittheU.S.,whichisevident inbookingcancellationsandreducedtravel intentions.

Ifthesetrendspersist,thesetrendscould adverselyimpactmajoreventslikethe2026 FIFAWorldCupandthe2028Olympics.

Conclusion

Tourismisnotimmediatelyordirectly affectedbytariffsasanexport sector.However,thesecondary psychologicaleffects—higher perceivedcosts,uncertainty aroundentry,andatarnished nationalimage—could significantlydetertourism inflows.

Neighboringcountries, particularlyCanadaand Mexico,areexperiencing thesharpestreactions,but thebroaderglobal sentimentrisks underminingtheUnited States’appealasa preferredtravel destination.

Ultimately,tourism thrivesonperceptions ofsafety,hospitality, andfreedomof movement.Policies thatintroduce unpredictabilityor hostility—even unintentionally—erod ethesefoundational pillars,threateningnot justimmediate tourismreceiptsbut thelong-termbrand valueof"Destination USA.”

Accomplishments Determination, and Dreams,

Themodernworldisfinallyrecognizingwhatwomenhave alwaysknown—theyarejustascapableofleading, innovating,andexcellingintheircareersasmen.Across industries,womenarerisingtothetop,smashingceilings, andredefiningwhatleadershiplookslike.Thesewomen didn’tjustarrivetherebychance—theydaredtodream, pursuedtheirgoalswithpassion,andovercamecountless challengesalongtheway.

ChasingDreamsinaMale-DominatedWorld

Fordecades,women’sdreamsofprofessionalsuccesswere oftenmetwithskepticism,discouragement,ordownright barriers.Buteveninthefaceofsystemicbias,countless womenheldontotheirvisions.Fromdreamingofbecoming CEOstoaspiringtoleadglobalchangethroughpolitics, science,orthearts—womenhavecarvedpathswhere noneexisted.

TakethestoryofIndraNooyi,theformerCEOofPepsiCo, whogrewupinChennai,India,withavisionthatstretched farbeyondherhometown.Withgritandeducation,she climbedthecorporateladderinaforeignlandandbecame oneofthefirstwomenofcolortoleadaFortune500 company.Herjourneyremindsusthatdreams,nomatter howfar-fetchedtheymayseem,areworthchasingwithall ourmight.

OvercomingtheBarriers

Theroadtoleadershipforwomenisrarelysmooth.There areglassceilings,societalexpectations,andanongoing battleforequalpayandrecognition.Manywomenalsoface thechallengeofbalancingfamilylifewiththeircareers,a strugglethat’softenunrecognizedbutveryreal.

Buthere'stheinspiringpart—womenkeeppushing forward.

Whetherit’sthroughnegotiatingbetterroles,speakingupin boardrooms,ormentoringthenextgenerationoffemale professionals,womenhavefoundwaystoturnobstacles intosteppingstones.LeaderslikeMaryBarra,theCEOof GeneralMotors,haveredefinedindustriesthatwereonce considered“off-limits”towomen,provingthat perseverancealwayspaysoff.

CelebratingAchievementsandSettingNewStandards

Womenleaderstodayarenotjustachievingsuccess— they’rereshapingentireindustriesandcultures.Their impactgoesbeyondtitlesandsalaries.They’remakingthe workplacemoreinclusive,empoweringothers,andproving thatleadershipisnotaboutgenderbutvision,courage,and

integrity.

FromOprahWinfreyinmediatoJacindaArderninpolitics, fromMalalaYousafzaiineducationtoGitaGopinathin economics—theaccomplishmentsofthesetrailblazersare rewritingthedefinitionofsuccess.They’veturnedtheir dreamsintolegacies,showingyoungergenerationsthat nothingisoutofreach.

InspiringtheFutureGeneration

Perhapsthemostpowerfulimpactofwomenleadersistheir abilitytoinspireothers.Whenayounggirlseessomeone wholookslikeherleadingacompany,winningawards,or changingtheworld,sherealizesthatshetoocandreambig.

Mentorship,storytelling,andvisibilitymattermorethan ever Womenwho’vemadeittothetoparenowextendinga handtohelpothersrise.They'releadinginitiatives,starting foundations,andusingtheirvoicestospeakforthosestill findingtheirs.

Conclusion

Womenleadershaveproventimeandagainthattheir dreamsarepowerful—andachievable.Their accomplishmentsarenotonlypersonalvictoriesbut milestonesforsocietyasawhole.Aswecontinueto supportandcelebratethegrowthofwomenincareers,we pavethewayforafuturewhereleadershiphasnogender —onlypassion,purpose,andpotential.

Organizationsarestartingajourneyof self-discoveryandevolutionas economiesworldwiderecoverand settleintotheirnewnormalfollowing thepandemic.Inadditionto geopoliticalunpredictability, businessestodaymustbeflexible, innovative,andresilient.

Thetraditionalwaysofworkingor doingbusinessarenolongerrelevant. Igenuinelybelievethat transformationalleadershipis necessaryforfirmstogrowduring theseperiodsofchangeand uncertainty

Wehaveexamples,suchasMicrosoft, andApple,ofcompaniesthathave transformedovertimeundervisionary andtransformationalleadershipand notonlysurvivedbutthriveina digitaleconomywheretechnologyis changingrapidly,muchfasterthan everinourlifetime.

WhyTransformational Leadership?

Transformationalleadershipisan approachthatinspiresandmotivates individualstoexceedtheir expectationsandcapabilities.Itis characterizedbyaleader'sabilityto bringaboutsignificantchangeby aligningtheorganization'sobjectives withthepersonalgoalsofits employees.Accordingtomy observations,visionarieswitha specialfusionofcharm,compassion, andstrategicthinkingmakeup transformationalleaders.

WhatistheRoleof transformationalleaders?

Inthefaceofuncertainty, transformationalleadersprovide direction.Theyareabletofindtheir wayforwardinchaoticsituationsand

maneuverthroughchallengingand unstableenvironments.Theseleaders makeitpossiblefortheircompanies toadaptandprosperbyencouraginga cultureofinnovationandcontinuous improvement.

Inmyopinion,transformational leadershipencompassesmorethan justbigstrategicchoices.These executivesdemonstratetotheirstaff, investors,clients,andother stakeholderstheimportanceof cooperation,openness,andhonesty

Howdotheydriveengagementand empowerment?

Employeeempowermentisa fundamentalprincipleof transformationalleadership. Transformationalleadersraise engagementandmoralebyfostering anatmospherewherepeoplefeel appreciatedandencouragedtoshare theirthoughts.I'vepersonally witnessedhowthisstrategycanboost creativityandproductivity

Transformationalleadersmake investmentsintheirteammembers' growth.Theyacknowledgeand rewardaccomplishmentsandoffer chancesforlearningand development.Theworkforce'sskills andabilitiesareimproved,anda senseofaccountabilityandownership isalsofostered.

Howdotheynavigategeopolitical uncertainties?

Intoday'sinterconnectedworld, geopoliticaluncertaintiescanhave far-reachingimpactsonorganizations andeconomies.Thereisalsotherisk ofpoliticianspromotingnationalism becomingpopularinthemajorityof democracieswhichimpactstheglobal organizationsandintegratedsupply

chains.Transformationalleadersare skilledatforeseeingandaddressing theseissues.Theykeepupwithworld eventsandtrends,andtheyusethis informationtomakewell-informed decisionsthatprotecttheir organizations'interests.

Transformationalleaderscanreduce risksandtakeadvantageof opportunitiesbybuildingstrong relationshipswithstakeholdersin variousregionsandkeepingaglobal perspectivethroughcommercial acumen.Bybeingproactiveand flexible,theycantransformpossible risksintoadvantagesovertheir competitors.

Whatisthelinkbetween transformationalleadershipand organizationalgrowth?

Thereisnodenyingthelinkbetween transformationalleadershipand organizationalexpansion.Adynamic andresilientorganizationthatis capableofnavigatingtheintricacies ofthecontemporarybusiness environmentisproducedwhen leaderswelcomechangeand encouragetheirteamstofollowsuit.

Transformationalleadership,inmy opinion,isaboutcreatinga sustainableandinclusivefuturerather thanjustattainingfinancialsuccess. Theseleadersworktoimprove societyandtheenvironmentandplace ahigherpriorityoncreatinglongtermvaluethanonachievingshorttermgains.

Whatarethetwoeffectivetactics adoptedbytransformational leaders?

Throughavarietyoftactics, transformationalleaderstake everyonealongontheirjourney

Thebestapproachistofoster inclusiveculturewhereteam memberscanfreelyexpresstheir opinionswithoutworryingabout backlash.Toguaranteethatall questionsandconcernsareaddressed andthatanyfeedbackisintegrated intoaplanofactionandchangethe narrative,theypromoteopen communication.

Thesecondtacticisencouraging cooperationandteamworkamongall departmentsandfunctionalbusiness unitstorewardandcelebrate creativityandpromoteavarietyof viewpoints.Employeesfeelmore investedasaresult,whichencourages creativethinkingandendeavors.

ThePersonalBeliefsThatGuide MyLeadership

Severalfundamentalideasthat complementthetenetsof transformationalleadershiphave influencedmydevelopmentasa leader.Ifirmlybelieveinthe transformativepowerofacommon vision.Performanceisfueledbya senseofunityandpurposecreated whenallmembersoftheorganization

areworkingtowardthesame objective.

Second,Ithinkthatsettingagood exampleisimportant.Mydeeds speaklouderthanmywordsasa leader.Isetthebarforexcellenceand integritybymodelingthevaluesand conductIwantfrommyteam.

Thirdly,Ithinkempathyandlistening arecrucial.Makingmorethoughtful andcaringdecisionsismadepossible bymyabilitytocomprehendthe viewpointsandworriesofothers.It alsofacilitatesthedevelopmentof solid,reliablerelationships.

Finally,Ibelieveinandpassionfor continuousimprovement.The businessworldisconstantlyevolving, andstayingaheadofthecurve requiresacommitmenttolifelong learningandadaptability The continuousimprovementandlifelong learnermindsetfosterateamculture ofinnovation,understandingrisksand adapting,improvingthewaysof workingtocreatevalueandinthe long-termcreatingshareholdervalue andsustainingorganizationalgrowth.

Conclusion

Transformationalleadershipismore importantthaneveraswemove forwardinaworldthatischangingall thetime.Adoptingthisstrategywill helpusnavigateuncertainty,propel organizationalgrowth,andimprove society

Transformationalleaderscreate resilientorganizationsthatcanthrive inanysetting,empowertheirteams, andencourageinnovation.Theyare morethanjustleaders;theyare changeagentswhospuradvancement andachievement.

AboutAuthor

Withover20yearsofexperience, AmanKaur-Shaikhasspearhead HRtransformationalprojects leveragingHumanCapital Management(HCM)systems, analyticsandRPA.Shehas deliveredinnovativesolutionsfor largeglobalbusinesses, successfullyimplementingHRIS solutionsandgloballearning contentprograms.Amanis recognizedasathoughtleaderin SAPandfrequentlyspeaksat industryeventslikeMastering SAPandHRConnect.Her academiccredentialsincludean MBA,aPostgraduateDiplomain InformationSystems Management,andaBachelor's degreeinComputerScienceand Engineering.Additionally,she holdscertificationsinproject management,change management,leansixsigma,and occupationalhealthandsafety.A seasonedtechnologyleaderand digitaltransformationexpert, Amanprovidesstrategicguidance toenhanceHReffectiveness.

Women Leaders in Career Growth: The Time

is Now

Inthepast,thejourneyofwomeninleadershippositionswasoftenfilledwithbarriersand unspokenrules.Societyhadlongheldtraditionalviewsontherolesofwomen,particularlyin professionalsettings.However,theseoutdatednormsarerapidlydissolving,makingwayfora neweraoffemaleleadershipthatismorerelevantandnecessarythaneverbefore.Today, womenaretakingcharge,shatteringtheglassceiling,andpavingthewayforfuturegenerations toriseineverysectorimaginable.

Formanyyears,leadershiproleswerepredominantlyassociatedwithmen,andthebeliefthat womenwerelesssuitedforsuchpositionswasingrainedinthefabricofmanyorganizations. Thishistoricalbiaslimitedwomen’scareergrowth,oftenforcingthemintopredefined,lowerrankingpositionsdespitetheirqualificationsandcapabilities.Butthetidehasshifted.Theriseof womenleadersintheworkplaceisnolongeranovelty—it’sanexpectedoutcomeofprogress.

Severalkeyfactorshavecontributedtothisremarkabletransformation.First,theworldhas witnessedasignificantsocietalshiftthatadvocatesforgenderequality.Withmovements promotingequalrights,equalpay,andequalopportunitygainingmomentumacrosstheglobe, womenhavebecomemoreemboldenedtoclaimtheirrightfulplaceintheprofessionalworld. Thepursuitofgenderparityisnotadistantgoalanymorebutanimmediateimperative,as researchcontinuestohighlighttheeconomicandsocialadvantagesofdiverseleadershipteams.

Inparallel,educationandprofessionaldevelopment opportunitiesforwomenhaveexpandeddramatically. Accesstohighereducation,specializedtraining,and mentorshipprogramshasempoweredwomentopursue careersinindustriesthatwereonceoutofreach.Whetherin finance,technology,healthcare,orthearts,womenhave proventheirabilitytoleadwithvision,determination,and innovation.Today’swomenleadersarenotsimplyfilling roles—theyaretransformingorganizationswiththeir strategicthinking,emotionalintelligence,andinclusive leadershipstyles.

Theemergenceofwomenleadersisalsoaresultof changingorganizationalcultures.Manycompaniesarenow focusingonfosteringdiversityandinclusionascore principles,recognizingthatdiversitydrivesbetterdecisionmaking,higherproductivity,andimprovedemployee satisfaction.Womenarebeinggiventheopportunityto contributetheirideas,takeonsignificantresponsibilities, andbuildteamsthatthriveundertheirleadership.These companiesunderstandthatleadershipisnotdefinedby gender,butbyskill,commitment,andtheabilitytoinspire andmotivateothers.

Moreover,technologyhasplayedanessentialrolein levelingtheplayingfieldforwomeninleadership.Therise ofremotework,digitalplatforms,andcollaborativetools hasallowedwomentobalancetheirprofessionalambitions withpersonalresponsibilitiesmoreeffectively.The flexibilityprovidedbytheseadvancementshasempowered manywomentopursuecareergrowthontheirterms, withoutbeingconstrainedbytraditionalofficestructuresor rigidworkinghours.Thisshifthasmadeiteasierfor womentojugglemultipleroles,whetherasleaders, entrepreneurs,orcaregivers,provingthattheycanexcelin allaspectsoflife.

Inaddition,womenarenowmorevisibleinleadership positionsthaneverbefore.Theirsuccessstorieshave inspiredotherstopursuetheirambitionswithoutfearof failure.Whenwomenseeotherwomenbreakingdown barriers,theyrealizethattheytoocanachievegreatness. Thispowerfulcycleofmentorshipandrepresentationis fuelingtheriseofevenmorewomeninleadershiproles. Femaleleaderstodayarenotjustsittingatthetable—they areredefiningtheconversation,settingnewstandardsfor success,andencouragingthenextgenerationofwomento followsuit.

Buttheroadaheadisnotwithoutitschallenges.Despitethe significantprogressmade,womenstillfaceobstacles, includingunconsciousbias,unequalpay,and

underrepresentationincertainindustries.Thesebarriers, whilediminishing,stillexistandrequirecontinuedeffortto overcome.However,themomentumisundeniable.The risingnumberofwomenleadersisatestamenttothefact thattheirtimehasarrived,andtheirinfluenceisonly growingstronger

Today’swomenleadersareequippedwiththetools, experiences,andnetworksthatpreviousgenerationscould onlydreamof.Theyunderstandthevalueofresilience,the importanceofadaptability,andthepowerofcollaboration. Theyarestrategicthinkerswhocannavigatecomplexity anduncertaintywithconfidence.Moreimportantly,theyare redefiningwhatitmeanstobealeader—onewholeads withempathy,valuesdiversity,andempowersotherstorise alongsidethem.

Thetimeforwomentotakethereinsinleadershipisnow Womennolongerneedtowaitforpermissiontolead—they havealreadyproventheirworth,andthefutureistheirsto shape.Witheachpassingday,womenarepushing boundaries,breakingbarriers,andrewritingtherulesof whatitmeanstobeasuccessfulleader Andasthis transformationcontinues,theworldwillonlybebetterfor it.Thefutureofleadershipisdiverse,inclusive,andledby womenwhohaveshown,onceandforall,thattheirtime hascome.

TamaraSunbul, MD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, PMP

Roles:

• DigitalHealthTransformationandInnovationStrategic Advisor

• FormerMedicalDirectorofClinicalInformatics,Johns HopkinsAramcoHealthcare(JHAH),Kingdomof SaudiArabia

• Chair,EvidenceandEvaluationWorkstream,Global DigitalHealthPartnership(GDHP)

• Chair,HealthcareInformation&ManagementSystems Society(HIMSS)MiddleEastCommunitySteering Committee

• Co-founderandPartnershipLead,InternationalDigital HealthWorkforceDevelopmentAssociation(ZIMAM)

• InternationalKLASAdvisoryBoard(KAB)Member

Bio:

Dr TamaraSunbulisagloballeaderindigitalhealth transformation,AIgovernance,datascience,andhealthcare innovation.Withover31yearsofexpertiseinhealthcare, informationmanagement,performanceanalytics,and strategicplanning,shehasbeeninstrumentalinreshaping healthcareatAramcoandJohnsHopkinsAramco Healthcare(JHAH)whereduringhertenure,she spearheadedtransformativeinitiativestointegrate technology,optimizecaredelivery,andenhancepatient outcomes.

Dr.Sunbul’sdistinguishedcareerbeganin1994atthe SaudiAramcoMedicalOrganization(SAMSO)after earningherMBBSinMedicineandSurgery.Earlyon,she tookonleadershiproles,establishingthePrimaryCare PatientOwnershipProgram,whichbecameamodelfor enhancingcontinuityofcareandpatientengagement.By

1996,shehadalreadyventuredintomedicalinformatics, leadingIT-drivenprojectstoenhancehealthcareefficiency. Herdedicationtohealthcaretechnologyandleadershipwas solidifiedthroughkeycertificationsandadvancedtraining, includingherCPHIMScertificationin2011,completionof LeadershipStrategiesforITinHealthcareatHarvardT.H. ChanSchoolofPublicHealthin2016,andearningherPMP certificationin2016.Dr.Sunbul’spivotalroleunfoldedin January2018,whensheledtheseamlessrolloutoftheEpic EHRacrossJHAH,enhancingclinicaloperationsand physicianintegration.Herinitiativesin2019resultedinthe establishmentoftheStrategyandRiskManagementOffice, drivingcomprehensiveplanning,governance,andpolicy implementationalignedwithISO31000RiskManagement frameworkandEPMOstandards.Hercommitmentto furtheringherexpertiseinmedicalmanagementculminated inearninganMBAfromtheUniversityofMassachusetts IsenbergSchoolofBusinessin2023,incollaborationwith theAmericanAcademyofPhysicianLeaders.AtJHAH,Dr Sunbulledlarge-scaledigitaltransformationinitiatives, positioningtheorganizationamongthemostdigitallymature healthcareinstitutionsglobally.Sheplayedapivotalrolein achievingHIMSSStage7EMRAMandCHIMEMostWired Level9certifications,overseeingEpicEHRoptimization, AIdrivenanalytics,andtelemedicineexpansion,which earnedJHAHtheKLASPinnacleAwardforEMRUsability. ShealsospearheadedthedevelopmentofAIgovernance frameworks,ensuringtheethicalandeffectivedeploymentof AIinclinicaldecision-making,whiledrivingdata governanceandregulatorycompliance,aligningwithSaudi PDPLandNDMOstandards.Herexpertiseinpopulation healthledtotheimplementationofAI-integrated personalizedmedicineandvalue-basedcaremodels, reinforcingherreputationasapioneerindata-driven healthcare.

Beyondthat,Dr.SunbulisaHIMSSDigitalMaturity Surveyor,assessinghealthcareorganizationsworldwideon EMRAMandAMAMstandardstodrivedigitalmaturity andinteroperability.ShealsoplaysakeyroleinCIO/CMIO leadershiptrainingprograms,equippingexecutiveswith strategicdigitalhealthleadershipskills.Dr.Sunbul’s influenceextendstotheglobalstagethroughherrolesinthe InternationalKLASAdvisoryBoardandtheGlobalDigital HealthPartnership(GDHP).AsChairoftheGDHP EvidenceandEvaluationWorkstream,shehasdeveloped globalframeworksforassessingdigitalhealthtechnologies, focusingonscalability,interoperability,andequity Additionally,shecofoundedandservesontheBoardof DirectorsattheInternationalDigitalHealthWorkforce DevelopmentAssociation(ZIMAM),wheresheleads initiativestoaddressdigitalhealthworkforcechallenges worldwide.Herimpactonglobalpolicyandhealthcare innovationincludescontributionstotheUnitedNations EconomicCommissionforEurope(UNECE),whereshe playedaroleinshapingpublic-privatepartnership(PPP) frameworksforsustainabledigitaltransformation.Shealso ledthedevelopmentofthehealthcareandtelemedicine sectionofthedigitaltransformationPPPpolicyguidance andcontributedtopolicyrecommendationsforgender equalityinitiativesinPPPs.

Recognizedasathoughtleaderandindustryvisionary,Dr. Sunbulhasreceivednumerousaccolades,includingthe 2025HIMSSChangemakerAward(CXOSenior Executivecategory),ZIMAM/HIMSSDigitalHealth LeaderoftheYear(2022),ArabianBusinessKSAWomen inBusinessAward(2023,HealthcareCategory),and HIMSSFuture50ClassClinicalLeader(2021).Asa sought-afterkeynotespeaker,shedeliversstrategic insightsatHIMSS,LEAP,ArabHealth,KLAS,and UNECEsummits,shapingglobaldiscussionsonAIin healthcare,digitaltransformation,datagovernance,andIT strategy

Currently,asaDigitalHealthTransformationand InnovationStrategicAdvisor,Dr.SunbulisdrivingAIpoweredhealthcareinnovation,digitaltransformation strategies,andglobalpolicyframeworks.Sheremains committedtoleveragingemergingtechnologies,fostering cross-bordercollaborations,andshapingthefutureof digitalhealth.

ClaimtoFame(Summary):

Dr.TamaraSunbulisagloballeaderindigitalhealth transformation,withover31yearsofexpertisein healthcare,informationmanagement,performance analytics,andstrategicplanning.Sheplayedapivotalrole inreshapinghealthcareatJohnsHopkinsAramco Healthcare(JHAH),wheresheservedasMedicalDirector ofClinicalInformaticsandledtransformativeinitiativesto integratetechnology,optimizecaredelivery,andenhance patientoutcomes.Underherleadership,JHAHachieved prestigiousrecognitions,includingHIMSSStage7 EMRAM,CHIMEMostWiredLevel9,andtheKLAS PinnacleAwardforEHRExperience.

Dr.Sunbul’sinfluenceextendstotheglobalstagethrough herleadershiproleswiththeGlobalDigitalHealth Partnership(GDHP),theInternationalKLASAdvisory Board,ZIMAM,andHIMSS.Shehascollaboratedwith internationalleaderstodrivedigitalhealthstrategies, establishevidence-basedframeworks,andadvancehealth systemsworldwide.Hercontributionstohealthcare innovationhaveearnedhernumerousaccolades,most recentlythe2025HIMSSChangemakerinHealthAward (CXOSeniorExecutivecategory).AsaDigitalHealth TransformationandInnovationStrategicAdvisor,Dr. Sunbulremainscommittedtocreatinginnovative pathways,leveragingAIandemergingtechnologies,and fosteringinternationalcollaborationstoshapethefutureof healthcare.