In today’s fast-paced business world, it takes more than just hard work and dedication to climb the corporate ladder. To reach a high position in the business world, whether as an executive or entrepreneur, requires a unique set of character traits that are essential for success. Here are some of the most important traits that can help women succeed in the business world:
- Confidence: The ability to believe in oneself and one’s abilities is critical in the business world. Women who are confident in their skills and knowledge are more likely to take risks and pursue new opportunities, which can lead to career advancement. A good example is Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo: Nooyi is known for her unshakable confidence and determination. She famously declared that she would transform PepsiCo from a company that sold “sugar water” to one that offered healthier food and drink options. Under her leadership, the company launched products such as Tropicana orange juice and Quaker Oats oatmeal, and sales grew by 80%.
- Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures is essential for success in business. Women who can persevere through tough times and continue to work towards their goals are more likely to achieve long-term success. A good example is Oprah Winfrey, media executive and philanthropist: Winfrey has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, from a difficult childhood to setbacks in her early career as a journalist. Despite these obstacles, she persisted and went on to become one of the most successful media executives of all time. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, became the highest-rated talk show in US history, and she has since launched her own network and become a prominent philanthropist.
- Strategic thinking: The ability to think critically and strategically is key in the business world. Women who can analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions are highly valued in the workplace. A good example is Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook: Sandberg is known for her strategic thinking and ability to identify new opportunities for growth. She is credited with helping Facebook to become one of the most successful tech companies in history, and is the author of the best-selling book, “Lean In,” which offers advice for women seeking to advance their careers.
- Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others, is essential for success in business. Women who can navigate complex social situations and build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers are more likely to succeed. A good example is Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany: Merkel is known for her ability to navigate complex political situations and build strong relationships with leaders around the world. She has been credited with helping to stabilize the European economy during the global financial crisis, and has been a strong advocate for human rights and social justice.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to change is critical in today’s fast-paced business world. Women who can quickly pivot and adjust to new challenges and opportunities are highly valued in the workplace. A good example is Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors: Barra has shown her adaptability throughout her career, rising from an entry-level engineer to become the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She has overseen a major restructuring of General Motors, including the launch of new electric and autonomous vehicles, and has emphasized the need for the company to be agile and adaptable in the face of changing market conditions.
- Passion: A deep passion for one’s work can be a powerful motivator and driver of success. Women who are passionate about their careers are more likely to be committed, driven, and successful in their roles. A good example is Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx: Blakely is known for her passion for her work and her dedication to helping women feel confident and empowered. She founded Spanx in 2000, after struggling to find comfortable and flattering undergarments to wear under white pants. Today, the company is a global brand, and Blakely is a prominent philanthropist and advocates for women’s health and education.
By studying the examples of these successful leaders, we can gain insight into the character traits that can lead to success in the business world. Whether it’s confidence, resilience, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, or passion, these traits can help us to achieve our professional goals and make a positive impact in our industries and communities.
I would also like to outline, the 3 famous coaching networks for women:
- Lean In: Founded by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In is a global community dedicated to helping women achieve their professional goals. The organization offers online resources, mentorship programs, and peer support networks to help women build their skills and advance their careers. Lean In also hosts an annual conference, which brings together women from around the world to share their experiences and learn from each other.
- Ellevate Network: Ellevate is a global professional women’s network, with chapters in cities around the world. The organization offers a variety of resources, including online courses, coaching programs, and networking events, to help women advance their careers and build their skills. Ellevate also hosts an annual conference, which brings together women from a variety of industries to share their experiences and insights.
- SheEO: SheEO is a global network of women entrepreneurs and investors, dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable world. The organization offers coaching and mentorship programs to help women launch and grow their businesses and also hosts a variety of events and workshops to help women build their skills and connect with other entrepreneurs. SheEO also provides funding for women-led ventures and has supported over 70 businesses around the world.
Hope you enjoyed reading it! Looking forward to your comments and feedback.
Very truly yours,
ILona B. Schukina