Linda C. Coughlin





Editors Insights

Inspiring Women Who Are Changing the Game
In a world where transforma on is constant and
innova on fuels progress, it is the fearless visionaries, par cularly women who are rising to redefine the landscape of business. This special edi on of The Fortune Leader proudly honors The Most Inspiring Women Leading Business in 2025, a collec ve of pioneers who are challenging conven on, 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 transforma ons 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 perspec ve 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 celebra ng the enduring strength and brilliance of women in business.

EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor-in-chief
Sco Edward
Sales & Marke ng Manager Lily Hayler
Business Development Manager Lauren Green, Millie Butler, Rosie Jonas
Business Development Execu ve Victoria Ma hews, Ashley Tucker
Art and Design Director Paul Brown
Research Analyst Robert Smith
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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 Cer fied Psychic Medium, Professional Astrologer, Spiritual Grief Support Counsellor & Wholis c 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.






