The Most Inspiring Women Leading Business in 2025

Page 1


rtuneLeader

Linda C. Coughlin

Editors Insights

Inspiring Women Who Are Changing the Game

In a world where transformaon is constant and

innovaon fuels progress, it is the fearless visionaries, parcularly women who are rising to redefine the landscape of business. This special edion of The Fortune Leader proudly honors The Most Inspiring Women Leading Business in 2025, a collecve of pioneers who are challenging convenon, driving purpose-led growth, and building more inclusive, empowered futures.

Gracing our cover is Lin Coughlin, Founder & President of Great Circle Associates, whose work in guiding leaders through high-stakes transformaons has inspired change on a global scale. Lin’s story exemplifies the strength, clarity, and strategic brilliance that today’s leaders require to truly break barriers and reimagine success.

Alongside her, we celebrate the achievements of other remarkable leaders: Erika Jordan, Owner and Director of Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center; Sheetal Story, CEO of Story of Spirit; and Linda Du, Managing Director of Okta Investment GmbH.

Each of these women brings a unique perspecve and powerful story that resonates far beyond the boardroom. Their journeys remind us that leadership is not defined by tles, but by the courage to create change and the compassion to upli others.

We invite you to be inspired by their stories, reflect on their insights, and join us in celebrang the enduring strength and brilliance of women in business.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-chief

Sco Edward

Sales & Markeng Manager Lily Hayler

Business Development Manager Lauren Green, Millie Butler, Rosie Jonas

Business Development Execuve Victoria Mahews, Ashley Tucker

Art and Design Director Paul Brown

Research Analyst Robert Smith

Follow US

For any editorial queries, Write us at editor@thefortuneleader.com

For any other queries, Write us at sales@thefortuneleader.com

Linda C.Coughlin

The Most Inspiring Women Leading

Linda C.Coughlin

LinCoughlin,ahighlyexperiencedoperating

executive,generalmanager,boardmember,and results-orientedconsensusbuilder,isthe FounderandPresidentofGreatCircleAssociates.She specializesindeliveringinnovativesolutionstoclients facingcomplex,high-stakeschallenges,aimingto achievemutuallybeneficialoutcomes.Heradvisory services,offeredattheenterprise,team,andindividual levels,leverageherextensivecoachingandmentoring experienceandherwell-developedskillsat leadingthe designandexecutionoftransformationalinitiativesthat yieldsignificantresultsacrossvariouseconomicand competitivelandscapes.

TheJourney

Linhasdedicatedovereighteenyearstoadvisingand coachingleadersandleadershipteamsacrossbothpublic andprivatesectorsonfivecontinents.Sheisrecognized forher'just-in-time'strategicinvestmentsaimedat developingandadvancingleaderswhoaremost accountableforachievingexceptionalresults.The outcomesofhereffortsincludemeasurablereturnson investmentforallsuchinitiatives,aswellasnotable enhancementsinindividualandorganizational efficiency,effectiveness,productivity,andinnovation.

“Ihelpleadersandleadershipteamsactualizetheirfull potential. AndIhelporganizationsenvisiondisruptive strategiesandplanandexecutedecisionsrequiring significantdeparturesfromthestatusquo,”addedLin.

Furthermore,Linalsoplaysaroleinfacilitatingand,in certaincapacities,drivingresults-orientedresponsesto criticalopportunitiesanddelicateoperational, organizational,andpersonalchallenges.Linexcelsin mentoringandempoweringclientstoattainthe unforeseen.

AboutGreatCircleAssociates

GreatCircleAssociatesisamanagementconsultingfirm thatassistsleadersandleadershipteamsinenvisioning, planningfor,andexecutingchangeatafundamental level,withafocusongrowthandturnaroundstrategies.

Lincollaborateswithcorporateexecutives, entrepreneurs,andhigh-potentialfast-trackleaders.

Advisoryservicesencompassthecreationandexecution ofoperational,organizational,communication,andrisk managementplansthatsupportstrategiesdesignedto transitiontonewendstatesinbothB-to-CandB-to-B markets,allinpursuitofambitiousgrowthorturnaround goals.

Examplesincludetheplanningandexecutionofthe aftermathofvarioustransactions,suchasmergers, acquisitions,IPOs,jointventures,anddivestitures;startups;anddecisionsregardingrestructuring,downsizing, rebranding,andenteringnewmarkets,amongothers.

WhyGreatCircleAssociates

ClientschooseGreatCircleAssociatesandLinwhen disruptivedeparturesfromthestatusquoarerequired–whatshereferstoasChangeatCore™ordepartures fromdeeplyembeddedmindsetsandmature,entrenched cultures,structuresandoperations.

Thistypeofchangeisthemostchallengingtoanticipate, planforandmasterfullyexecute.Itisalways accompaniedbystrain,whetheronindividualleaders, employees,customers,orinfrastructure.Theriskof consequentdestabilizationandlossofbusiness momentumishighandmustbeaggressivelymanaged.

Herstrategicadvisorysolutioninginvolvesworkwith corporateexecutives,entrepreneursandhigh-potential fast-trackleadersandleadershipteamslookingto transitiontonewendstatesthatinclude,forexample, audaciousgrowthobjectives,rapidturnaroundneeds, restructurings,rebrandinginitiatives,andculture transformationrequirements.

GreatCircleAssociatesalsooffersExecutiveCoaching Solutionsthatsupportavarietyofpersonal,measurable objectives.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedto, positioninghighpotentialleadersforchangesintheir rolesand/orasubstantialexpansionoftheirportfoliosof responsibility

CoreCompetencies

Linpossessesexceptionalskillsinproblem-solving, conceptualthinking,strategyformulationandexecution, aswellascollaboration.Moreover,sheisadeptat planningandexecutinglarge-scalechangeinitiatives acrossvariousoperatingenvironmentsandfunctions.In addition,hercorecompetenciesencompassbrand managementandthedevelopmentandimplementation ofcommunicationstrategiesforenterprisesand individuals.Sheappliesbestpracticesinorganizational andleadershipdevelopmenttoexecutecriticalpath strategies,utilizingoutcome-focusedadvisoryand mentoringtoolsandtechniques.

HerLeadershipStyle

Lin'sleadershipstylehasalwaysemphasizedclarityof purpose,workingthroughandwithkeystakeholdersand acommitmenttocoaching,mentoringteammembers andstakeholderstotherealizationofsharedsuccessin safeandtrustingenvironmentswherecreativeand innovativethinkingandactioncanflourish,andwhere failingforwardiscelebrated

Linisalsoaforward-lookingresultsfocusedstrategic advisorwhocanidentifyandcommunicatedifficult realities,envisionthepossibilities,andcreatethe conditionsfortheirrealization.

GuidanceforAspiringInnovators

Inaworldwhereadaptabilityandinnovationleadto ongoinggame-changingresults,thecapacitytoempower teammembersthroughouttheorganizationemergesasa vitalcomponentinpromotingtransformation.Lin emphasizesseveralrelevantpoints:

• Empoweredteammembersfeelappreciatedand trusted;

• Empoweredemployeesexhibitheightened creativity,whichisacatalystforinnovation;

• Organizationsthatempowertheirworkforceretain toptalent;

• Empoweringorganizationscultivaterobustbrands

• Mutualtrustandsupportbreedsbelievabilityanda commitmenttoachievability

• Transparencyandcommunicationsexcellenceisan essentialaspectofaculturethatisbothempowered andempowering.

Bychampioningempowermentstrategiesthatpermeate cultures,leaderscantransformtheirorganizationsinto dynamic,adaptable,andresiliententitiesthatpositionfor difficult-to-replicatecompetitiveadvantageandsustained game-changingoutcomes.

“Aleaderisgreat,notduetothepowertheypossess,but becauseoftheircapacitytoempowerothers." John Maxwell,OrganizationDevelopmentexpert

LeavingBehindaLegacy

Linisavisionarystrategicadvisorandexecutivecoach, empoweringexecutives,entrepreneurs,leadershipteams, andhigh-potentialleadersonfasttrackstoaddressthe mostcomplexchallengesanddifficult-to-replicate strategicopportunitieswhenitmattersmost. Importantly,sheknowshowtocreatethenecessary conditionsfortheirresolutionandachievement.

Followingseveralyearsofcoaching,mentoring,and leadingchange-drivenoperations,Lin'sjourney continuestoevolve.AstheFounderandPresidentof GreatCircleAssociates,shehasemergedasapivotal influencebehindsomeofthemostaudaciousleadership transformationsincontemporarybusiness.

However,Lindoesnotperceiveherworkthroughthe lensofmetricsortitles.Instead,Linviewsitthrough moments:whenaleadertransitionsfromfearto confidence,whenateamrestorestrust,whenacompany reorientsitselfwithitsmission,andwhenanindividual courageouslyrevealstheirtrueself.

The Most Inspiring Women Leading

JORDAN ERIKA ERIKA JORDAN

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Certified Hyperbaric Specialist

ErikaJordan,theOwnerandDirectorofHyperbaricsOrlando

andHyperbaricsNewSmyrna,hasdedicated18yearstothe hyperbaricfield.Shebeganhercareerinaprivatehyperbaric clinicandprogressedtotheroleofseniorsafetydirectorata prominenthospital.Throughherdiverseexperiencesinvarious positions,Erikagainedinvaluableinsightsthatinformedherdecision toestablishherowncenters.Thisextensivebackgroundallowedher toidentifyeffectivepracticesaswellasareasforenhancement, ultimatelyaimingtoelevatepatientcareandsafetystandards.

BreakingtheBarriers

“AsaleaderoneofthehardestchallengeswaswhenIopenedmy secondlocationinNewSmyrnaBeach.Ihadmovedtotheareato ensureasmoothopening,”addedErika.

Erikahighlightedthatshebelievedshehadeverythingmeticulously organizeduntilshediscoveredshewaspregnant,justthreedays beforeherrelocation.Thepressureoflaunchingasecondlocation, managingtheexistingoperationsinOrlando,andpreparingfor motherhoodprovedtobeoverwhelming.However,shepersevered.

Throughthisexperience,sheuncoveredanewfoundinnerstrength thatignitedherdeterminationandenthusiasmtocontinue.When therewerenopatients,sheactivelyengagedwiththecommunity, goingdoortodoortoestablishconnectionswhilepromotingher practice.Inthatinitialyear,Erikaforgedvaluablerelationshipsthat wereessentialforherbusiness'sgrowthinasmalltown.

QualitiesofaGreatLeader

Erikaassertsthateffectivecommunication,empathy,and resiliencearecrucialqualitiesforaleaderinthe contemporarylandscape.Withoutstrongcommunication skills,aleader'svisionmayremainunclear,hinderingothers fromunderstandingandfollowingtheirdirection.Giventhe numerouschangesandpressurespresenttoday, demonstratingempathytowardsteammembersisvital,asit fosterstrustandsupport.Furthermore,asaleader,youare oftenthefirstpointofreferenceforguidanceduring challengingtimes.Byexhibitingresilience,youconveyto yourteamthatyouaresteadfast,capableofovercoming difficulties,andabletomaintainapositivedemeanor.

LeavingbehindaGreatLegacy

ErikaJordan'slegacyiscenteredaroundhertransformative workinhyperbaricmedicine,particularlyhereffortstomake hyperbaricoxygentherapy(HBOT)moreaccessibletoa broaderpopulation.Herlegacyisbuiltonseveralkeypillars suchas:

AdvancementofHyperbaricMedicine:Erikahasspent overadecadeinthefield,risingfromchamberoperatorto seniorsafetyspecialist,andultimatelyfoundingherown hyperbarichealingcenter.Herexperienceandexpertisehave helpedpushtheboundariesofhowHBOTcanbeusedfora widerangeofconditionsbeyondthetraditional,insuranceapprovedindications.

FoundingHyperbaricHealingTreatmentCenter

(HHTC):In2017,ErikafoundedHHTCinOrlando, Florida,withavisiontoprovideaffordable,high-quality HBOT.Underherleadership,HHTCexpandedtomultiple locationsandgrewtooperateseveralstate-of-the-art chambers,benefitingpatientsofallagesandconditions.

CommunityImpactandOutreach:Erikahasworkedto integratehyperbarictherapyintothebroadercommunity, withastrongcommitmenttosupportingnonprofits, particularlythosehelpingveterans.Shehasalsobeen involvedwithorganizationsliketheAmericanCancer Society,demonstratingherdedicationtomakingapositive societalimpactbeyondpatientcare.

EducationandAdvocacy:Asacertifiedhyperbaric specialist,ErikaadvocatesforbroaderawarenessofHBOT's potentialbenefits,pushingtoexpandtreatmentaccessfor variousmedicalandwellnessneeds.

EmpoweringWomeninLeadership

Erikaadvocatesforbusinessestoestablishclearand transparentpathwaysthatenablewomentoprogressinto leadershiproles.Sheemphasizestheimportanceof ensuringthatwomenaregivenequalconsiderationfor promotions,high-profileprojects,andleadershippositions, assertingthatgendershouldnotbeviewedasahindrance.

AdvisetotheAspiringLeaders

Erikaemphasizestheimportanceofdiscoveringones' passionandpursuingitwholeheartedly Whenapersonis genuinelyenthusiasticaboutone'sfield,heismotivatedto enhancetheknowledgeandimprovetheskillscontinuously.

Eriksalsohighlightsthefactthatsomethinghasnotbeen accomplishedpreviouslydoesnotimplythatitcannotbe achieved;itsimplymeansthatasolutionhasyettobe found.Additionally,progresswillnotoccurinstantaneously Itisessentialtorecognizethatsuccessrequirestime,and

eachobstacleshouldbeviewedasanopportunityfor learning.Thespeedatwhichyounavigatethesechallenges willsignificantlyinfluenceyourpersonaldevelopment.

MyMentor

AninfluentialandmotivatingmentorinErikas'sjourney wasDr WilliamMaxfield,Erika'sinitialmedicaldirector Asaradiologistandagloballyrecognizedpioneerinthe fieldofhyperbaricmedicine,hewastheprimaryresource foranypatient-relatedinquiries.Heprovidedguidanceon patientcareandnecessarytreatmentadjustments.His extensiveknowledgewasevidentinhisnumerous publications,andheconsistentlyofferedthorough explanations,ensuringthatErikaunderstoodthefactual basisforhisresponses.

Oneofhismostrenownedworks,"TheOxygenCure,"has garneredawidereadership.Additionally,hereferredErika herfirstpatientwhensheestablishedherclinicin2017.Dr. WilliamMaxfieldplayedasignificantroleinherpersonal developmentbyconnectingherwithmedicalprofessionals intheCentralFloridaarea.Atthattime,Erikawas27years oldandembarkingonherindependentjourney,andhis esteemedreputationcontributedtootherstakingher seriously

ChangestoSupportWomenLeaders

Providingarangeoftraininganddevelopmentinitiatives focusedonenhancingleadershipskillsinwomencanequip themforadvancedrolesandboosttheirself-assurancein theircapabilities.Confidenceiscrucial;withoutabeliefin one'sabilitytosucceed,tasksmaynotbecompleted effectively.Continuoustrainingandteamsupportwill furtherimproveresults.

TheFutureRoadmap

ThisyearmarkstheeighthanniversaryofEriks'inaugural location.Sheexpressesherdeepgratitudeforthenumerous patientsshehashadtheprivilegetoserve.Inresponseto thegrowingdemandforherservices,shehasexpanded bothexistinglocationstoensurethatnopatientisturned away.Sheaspirestoestablishathirdlocationtofurther provideessentialall-naturalmedicinethatcanbenefit everyone.Followingthis,sheintendstoprioritizeeducation andsafetyregulationstoenhancethestandardsofpatient carewithinherprofession.

Inaneracharacterizedbyswifttransformations,the

necessityforvariedleadershipisincreasinglyevident. Despiteadvancementsinnumeroussectors,women remainsignificantlyunderrepresentedinleadershiproles acrossarangeofdomains,suchaspolitics,business, science,andtechnology.Promotingwomen’sparticipation inleadershippositionsnotonlyfostersprogressbutalso guaranteesafuturemarkedbyequitableopportunities,the encouragementofinnovation,andtheappreciationof diverseviewpoints.

BreakingDownBarriers

Throughouthistory,womenhaveencounteredavarietyof obstaclestoattainingleadershippositions,including culturalstereotypes,societalnorms,andrestrictedaccessto educationandprofessionalnetworks.Nevertheless,these challengesareprogressivelybeingconfronted.An increasingnumberofwomenareseekinghighereducation, acquiringessentialexperience,andenteringfieldsthatwere previouslydominatedbymen.Thistransformationisnot solelyfocusedonachievinggenderequality;italso recognizesthattheattributesofeffectiveleadershipare determinedbyskills,vision,andresilienceratherthan gender

BuildingRoleModelsfortheFuture

Theriseofwomeninleadershiproleshasaprofoundeffect, particularlyinestablishingrolemodelsforfuture generations.Whenyounggirlsobservewomenthrivingin positionsofauthority,theyaremoreinclinedtobelievein theirownpotentialforsuccess.Thisfeelingofpossibilityis immenselyimpactful.Witnessingwomenleadwith assuranceandforesighthelpstodismantletheobstaclesof self-doubtandsocietalconstraints.Asaresult,girlscometo understandthatleadershipisnotconfinedtoaspecific gender.

Furthermore,womenoccupyingleadershiprolestendtobe moresensitivetomatterssuchasequitablecompensation, work-lifeintegration,healthcareaccess,andeducational opportunities,whichcontributestoamoreinclusive approachintheirleadership.Theiruniqueexperiencesas womenequipthemwiththenecessaryinsightstochampion policiesthatservenotonlytheinterestsofwomenbutalso thebroadercommunity.Consequently,womeninleadership arepivotalininfluencingpoliciesthatadvancegender equalityandsocialjustice.

TheBusinessCaseforWomeninLeadership

Inthebusinesssector,organizationsthathaveahigher representationofwomeninleadershippositionsgenerally achievebetterperformancecomparedtothosewithalower presenceofwomeninseniorroles.Accordingtoareportby McKinsey,firmsthatrankinthetopquartileforgender diversitywithintheirexecutiveteamsaretwenty-one percentmorelikelytoattainabove-averageprofitability Theinclusionofwomencontributesvariedviewpoints, enablingcompaniestogainadeeperinsightintotheir diverseclienteleandrespondeffectivelytoevolvingmarket conditions.

Furthermore,womenfrequentlyexcelinmanagingvarious priorities,askillthatgainssignificanceasorganizations adapttoglobalchallenges.Femaleleadershaveexhibited remarkableresilienceinhandlingcrises,showcasingboth adaptabilityandempathyduringchallengingperiods.This capabilityiscrucialinthecurrentdynamicbusiness environment.

AFutureofEqualityandEmpowerment

Encouragingtheupcominggenerationofwomentoassume leadershippositionstranscendstheconceptofequality;it representsastrategicinvestmentinthefuture.The involvementofwomeninleadershipfostersamore inclusive,innovative,andempatheticsociety.Asan increasingnumberofwomenattainleadershiproles,they willgeneratearippleeffectthatinspiresandmotivates futuregenerationstoaspiretogreaterheightsandbroader ambitions.

Toachievegenuinesocietaladvancement,itiscrucialto advocateforandelevatewomenleadersacrossalldomains. Thisapproachenablesustoharnessthecomplete capabilitiesofeachperson,fosteringamorepromisingand justfutureforeveryone.

The Most Inspiring Women Leading

Okta Investment GmbH LINDA DU

Canyoushareyourleadershipjourneyand

whatinspiredyoutobecomealeaderinyour field?

Myleadershipjourneystartedwithadeepbeliefin financeasatoolforempowerment.Earlyinmycareer,I workedwithKiva,supportingmicrofinanceinstitutions inSouthernAfricathatprovidedcapitalaccessto entrepreneursinunderservedcommunities.That experienceshowedmehowtransformativefinancial inclusioncouldbe.AfterearningmyMBAfromYale,I workedinmanagementconsultingatMcKinsey& Company,advisingretailbanksintheMiddleEastand Europeonstrategyandinnovation.Butovertime,I realizedIwantedtobuildcompaniesthatreflectedmy ownvalues.IfoundedOktaInvestmentGmbH,aprivate investmentfirmwithSPVsfocusedonrenewablesand emergingmarkets,andlaterMoolaMoney,asoftware platformhelpingmillennialsandGenZgainaffordable accesstopersonalizedfinancialguidance.Acrossboth ventures,myfocushasbeenoncreatingsystemsthat democratizeaccess—whethertoinvestment opportunitiesorfinancialknowledge.

Whatkeyqualitiesdoyoubelieveareessentialfora leaderintoday'sbusinessworld?

Today'sbusinessworlddemandsadaptabilityand resilience.LivingandworkingacrossSouthernAfrica, theUSA,theMiddleEast,andEuropetaughtmehowto quicklyadapttodifferentbusinessculturesandlead

acrossdiverseenvironments.Myexpeditions,like kayakinginGreenlandandcyclingacrosscontinents, reinforcetheimportanceofbeingateamplayerand beingpracticalandresourcefulinunpredictable conditions.Anotheressentialqualityisboldnessdespite differences.AsafemaleAsianfounderandinvestor operatinginspaceswhereI'mtheonlyonewholooks likeme,I'velearnedthatleaningintowhatmakesme different,ratherthantryingtofitamold,hasbeencritical tobuildingauthenticleadershipanddrivinginnovation.

Whichcompanydoyourepresentandinwhich industrydoesitoperate?

IrepresentboththecompaniesIfounded,Okta InvestmentGmbHandMoolaMoney,whichoperate withinthebroaderfinanceindustry.Oktaisaprivate investmentcompanywithexperimentalstrategies targetingsustainablesectorsandemergingmarkets. MoolaMoneyisafintechplatformbuilttodemocratize financialeducationandguidance,helpingindividuals makesmarterfinancialdecisionswithoutthehighcosts typicallyassociatedwithtraditionalwealthmanagement services.

Whatlegacydoyouhopetoleavebehindforfuture generationsofwomeninbusiness?

Ihopetoleavealegacyofempoweringotherstotake controloftheirfinancialfutures.Throughrunning investmenteducationworkshopsforwomenfounder

networkslikeDreamers&DoersandAmela,I'veseen firsthandhowfinancialliteracycanunlockleadership potential.Mydreamistoscalethatimpactfurtherby makingfinancialempowermentpartofthefoundation forfuturegenerationsofwomenfoundersandleaders.

Whatstepsdoyoubelievethebusinessworldstill needstotaketofurthersupportandempowerwomen inleadershiproles?

Businessesneedtorethinktraditionalworkstructures.At MoolaMoney,we'veorganicallybuiltafoundingteam ofwomen—CEO,COO,softwareengineer,and founder'sassociate—byprioritizingtalentandpassion overstereotypes.Ourteamincludesanaspiringpilotand softwarecompanyfounder,atop-notchcorporatelawyer andCOOandanindependentassetmanager We'vealso embracedflexibleworkingarrangements,includingparttimecontractsandremote-firstpolicies,tosupport differentlifestagesandrealities,whichsometimesmean teammemberscallinfromanAirBnBinSpain.Creating flexible,inclusivepathstoleadershipmakesiteasierfor womentoriseandstayinleadershiproles.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetootherleadersand entrepreneursaspiringtodriveinnovationintheir fields?

Startbeforeyoufeelready,becausetrueinnovation comesfromiteration,notwaitingforperfection.Builda strong,values-alignednetworkbecauseinnovationisn'ta solojourney.Surroundyourselfwithpeoplewhopush youtothinkbigger,stayontrackandmostimportantly, laugh.

Whohasbeenakeymentororrolemodelforyou, andhowhastheirinfluencehelpedshapeyour journey?

I'vebeenfortunatetohavepowerfulmentorsandrole modelswhoalsohappentobewomenofadventure. RuthStorm,aleadershipcoach,helpedmeunderstand howemotionalintelligencecanbeasourceofstrengthin high-pressurebusinessenvironments,andhowtohave yourcakeandeatitwhenitcomestohavingafamily, careerandadventure.HannahMcKeand,apolarexplorer whoholdsmultiplerecordsforreachingtheSouthPole,

hasbeenanotherrolemodel.Herexampleshowedme thatpreparation,endurance,andmentaltoughnessare transferableskills,andhowtodeftlymanageteam dynamicsinharshenvironments.

Whatchangesdoyouthinkbusinessesshouldmake tosupportwomenleaders?

Businessesneedtonormalizediverseleadershipstyles andinstitutionalizesponsorshipprograms.Sponsorship, whereleadersactivelyadvocateforwomen's advancement,isfarmorepowerfulthanmentorship alone.Puttingmorewomeninleadershipandhiring positionscanhelptocreatechangeaswomenaremore likelytohireotherwomen-myall-femaleteamat Moolaistestamenttothat.

Canyoudiscussasignificantchallengeyoufacedasa leaderandhowyouovercameit?

OneofthegreatestchallengesIfacedwasnavigating hostileworkenvironmentsearlyinmycareer.Itwasn't justaboutdifficultindividuals,itwasaboutcultures wherecompetitionwasvaluedovercollaboration,and politicsoverpurpose.Iovercametheseexperiencesby stayingdeeplyrootedinmyvalues,settingmypersonal boundaries,andultimatelydecidingtobuildmyown companieswherecultureisintentional,positive,and empoweringfromthegroundup.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiringleaders lookingtomakeadifferenceintheirrespectivefields?

Daretobuildwhatdoesn'tyetexist,andchoosework thatyougenuinelybelievein.Whenyourworkis alignedwithyourvalues,it'smucheasiertofindthe perseveranceneededtoleadthroughchallenges.Also, havetheself-respectnottostayinenvironmentswhere youarenotvaluedorrespected.Leadershipstartswith settingyourownstandards—knowingwhentowalk awayisjustasimportantasknowingwhentostayand build.

SUCCESS THROUGH CONNECTION:

The Hidden Value Of Networking For Women Entrepreneurs

Inthecontemporary,rapidlyevolving,andintensely

competitivelandscape,networkingservesasan essentialinstrumentforachievingsuccessinthe businessrealm.Forwomenentrepreneurs,thesignificance ofcultivatingrobustprofessionalrelationshipsextends beyondmereconnection;itinvolvesestablishinga supportivecommunitythatempowers,mentors,anddrives themtowardtheirgoals.Networkingtranscendsthesimple actofexchangingbusinesscardsorparticipatinginindustry gatherings.Itfocusesonforgingauthentic,meaningful relationshipsthatencouragemutualdevelopment,andfor womenentrepreneurs,suchanetworkcanbe transformative.

ThePowerofWomenSupportingWomen

Asignificantadvantageofnetworkingforwomen entrepreneursliesintheabilitytoengagewithotherwomen whocomprehendthedistinctchallengestheyencounter Thesechallengesmayincludemanagingwork-lifebalance, addressingbias,ordealingwithrestrictedaccesstofunding. Byforminganetworkoffellowfemaleentrepreneurs, womencancultivateanenvironmentconducivetosharing experiences,insights,andresources,whilealsooffering crucialemotionalandprofessionalsupport.

Historically,womenhavefacedsignificant underrepresentationinthefieldofentrepreneurship,with theiraccesstofinancialresourcesandnetworking opportunitiesfrequentlyconstrained.Networkingservesas avitaltoolinaddressingthisdisparitybylinkingwomento prospectiveinvestors,mentors,andcolleagueswhocan facilitatenewopportunities.Additionally,through networking,womencanenhancetheirvisibilityand establishcredibility,therebysimplifyingtheprocessof attractingnewclients,partners,andemployees.

MentorshipandGuidance

Anadditionalsignificantbenefitofnetworkingisthe chancetoconnectwithmentorswhocansharetheir guidanceandinsightsderivedfrompersonalexperiences.

Accomplishedwomenentrepreneurs,whohave successfullyfacedthehurdlesofestablishingabusiness, canimpartcrucialadvice,motivation,andunderstanding. Mentorshipplaysavitalroleinsurmountingchallenges, particularlyforwomenwhomightlackaccessto conventionalsupportsystems.Amentorcandeliver valuablefeedback,assistinthedecision-makingprocess, andofferanewviewpointonbusiness-relatedissues.

Mentorshipencompassesmorethanmerelyobtaining guidance;italsoinvolvescontributingtothegrowthof others.Aswomenentrepreneursprogressintheircareers, theycansupportthenextgenerationoffemalebusiness leadersbyprovidingmentorship.Thisfostersarobustcycle ofencouragement,enablingwomentouplifteachother, therebydismantlingobstaclesandreshapingthedefinition ofsuccess.

ExpandingOpportunitiesThroughNetworking

Establishinganetworkfacilitatesaccesstonewbusiness prospects.Therelationshipsthatwomencultivatecanlead topotentialcollaborators,partners,andclientswhoalign withtheirvaluesandobjectives.Byparticipatingin networkingevents,engagingwithindustry-specific organizations,orleveragingsocialmediaplatforms,women canexpandtheirinfluenceandexplorenewmarkets.Such connectionsmayresultinstrategicalliances,business referrals,andinvestmentopportunitiesthatmightnotbe accessiblethroughconventionalbusinessavenues.

TheBottomLine:StrengthinNumbers

Networkingfundamentallyrevolvesaroundestablishinga communitythatprovidessupport,guidance,and opportunities.Forwomenentrepreneurs,thesignificanceof networkingextendsbeyondmereideaexchange;itinvolves cultivatingenduringrelationshipsthatpromotegrowth, collaboration,andsuccess.Byengagingwithfellow women,sharinginsights,andprovidingassistance,women entrepreneurscandiscoveruntappedopportunitiesand createpathwaysforenhancedaccomplishments.

Sheetal

A Cerfied Psychic Medium, Professional Astrologer, Spiritual Grief Support Counsellor & Wholisc Business Strategist and Coach

TheJourney

SheetalStory'spathtoleadership commencedfollowingthearrivalof hersecondchild,drivenbya profoundaspirationtoassistothers. Thismarkedtheawakeningofher intuitiveabilities,whichevolved fromasubtlepromptingintoa significantguidingforce.Byheeding thisinnercall,shegraduallyfound herselfengagedinhercurrentroleof supportingindividualsinrealizing theirsoul-alignedpurposes.Although Sheetaldidnotinitiallyaimtotake onaleadershiprole,hercommitment tothiscallinginspiredothersto followherexample.

OvercomingtheChallenges

Oneofthemostsignificant

challengesthatSheetalencountered wasmanagingthedemandsofher familylifealongsideherprofessional career Withtwoteenagersanda husbandwhorelyonher,shehadto adaptherprioritiesdynamicallyin responsetovarioussituationsat home,suchastravel,illness,or emergencies.Thischallenge motivatedSheetaltoestablisha businessthatdemandslessofher time.Byofferingamembershipfor womeninterestedinspiritualgrowth anddevelopingacomprehensive collectionofself-pacedcourses,she createdabusinessmodelthat profoundlysupportsherclients withouttheneedtoexchangetime formoney

TheEssentialQualitiesofaLeader

AccordingtoSheetal,apowerful leaderintoday'sworldmustpossess

self-awareness,emotional intelligence,spiritualalignment,and theabilitytolistenintuitively.Such leadersshouldbeprofoundly connectedtothemselves,toothers, andtothevisiontheyuphold.There isagrowingneedforleaderswho operatefromaplaceofauthenticity, recognizingthatinneralignmentis equallyascrucialasexternal strategies.

StepstoEmpowerWomen

Womenshouldbesupportednotonly intheirrolesasleadersbutalsoas themultifacetedindividualstheyare, encompassingtheiridentitiesas mothers,daughters,partners,and communitybuilders.Itisessential forwomentoredefinetheconceptof leadershipitself.Theydonothaveto emulatemaleleadershipstylesto wieldpowereffectively The

corporateenvironmentmustadopt valuessuchascollaboration, emotionalintelligence,andthe essenceoffemininity.Furthermore,it iscrucialtocreatemore opportunitiesforwomentoupliftone anotherwithinacommunity frameworkratherthanfostering competition.

MessagetotheInspiringLeaders

“Getradicallyhonestaboutwhoyou areandwhatyouareheretodo. Innovationcomesfromsoul alignment,nottrend-chasing,”says Sheetal.

Sheetalemphasizesthatoriginality, personalexperience,andintuitionare invaluableassets.Sheencourages leaderstoplacetheirtrustinthese qualities.Additionally,Sheetal advocatesfordeliveringmessagesin unconventionalsettings.Sheenjoys engagingwithdiverseindividualsto

broadenherimpactandconveyher messagetoalargeraudience.

MyRoleModel

Sheetalhasbeenshapedby numerousmentors,withherthree mostsignificantinfluencesbeingher mother,Oprah,andSpirit.Her mother,animmigrantfromMalaysia andadedicatedworking professional,exemplifiedresilience, andcommitmentasshepursuedher educationwhileraisingSheetal. Oprah'sjourneyofovercoming adversity,trustingherinstincts,and creatingaservice-orientedempire hasprofoundlymotivatedSheetal. Additionally,Spirithasconsistently servedasherforemostmentor, providingguidancethroughevery decision,obstacle,andachievement.

LeavingaLegacyBehind

Sheetalaimstotransformthe

leadershiplandscapeforwomen permanently.Sheenvisionsafuture wherethenextgeneration understandsthatintuitionand achievementcanharmoniously coexist.Shebelievesthat experiencinggriefdoesnotequateto beingbroken,itisactuallyabig evolutionaryjumppointforyourlife andsoul.Andthatintuitionservesas avaluableleadershipasset,andthat aligningwithbothcosmicandhuman designisnotmerelyamystical conceptbutastrategicapproachto generatingwealth,freedom,and meaningfulimpact.

TheFutureAhead

Sheetalisdedicatedtotheongoing developmentofStoryofSpiritInc. byenhancingtheirprograms, broadeningthemembershipbase, andcreatinginitiativesthatassist womenduringlifetransitionsand spiritualawakenings.Sheaimsto expandherStoryofSpiritPodcastto engagelargeraudiencesandto presentonplatformsandsubjects thatsignificantlyimpactindividuals' lives.Additionally,sheisplanningto hostexclusiveretreatsandintroduce anewmastermindprogramfor intuitivewomenleaders.Inthelong run,sheenvisionsherselfauthoringa book,fosteringacommunityforthe spirituallyinclined,andcontinually elevatingthestandardsofsoulalignedleadershipinthisnew businessera.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
The Most Inspiring Women Leading Business in 2025 by The Fortune Leader Magazine - Issuu