As a woman in leadership, what is your definition of success? Has it changed over the years?

With over 35 years of experience in leadership roles, I reflect on my early days and the mindset I had when I first began this journey and can clearly see my growth. I initially struggled with the pressure to demonstrate my capability and prove my worth as a Black woman in leadership. This drive led me to shoulder a disproportionate amount of the team's workload and stress. I became fixated on making sure that every project was a success, often at the expense of my own well-being. If I noticed that someone on my team was struggling or not meeting deadlines, I would instinctively step in to take on their tasks. This overwhelming sense of duty led me to a state of exhaustion, as I was constantly working hard to compensate for any shortcomings within the team. However, as I matured in my role and began to cultivate my own unique approach to leadership, I learned to embrace my responsibilities differently. I started to see myself not only as a "captain of the ship" but also as an instructor in the essentials of community harmony. My focus shifted to nurturing successful teams and ensuring that our projects sparked partnerships within. Success, in my view, is no longer measured solely by project completion but rather by how well each team member feels welcome to embrace their role in the process. As a leader, I encourage individuals to bring their unique skills, knowledge, and innovative ideas to the table, which ultimately strengthens the entire team. These days, my yardstick for success as a leader is rooted in the connections fostered within the team, the ownership of the project displayed by each member, and the collective effort to harmoniously blend cohesively for a finished project. Even if the final deliverables are faced with challenges or imperfections, my ultimate goal is to foster a sense of unity, fulfillment, and growth within each team member. It is in these moments of shared achievement and growth that I evaluate my effectiveness as a leader, acknowledging that true success lies not only in project outcomes but in the profound impact on the individuals I have the privilege to lead and mentor. It is my hope that under my leadership, team members learn collaboration skills that they can not only apply in job settings but also outside of work in their families and local communities as well.

My definition of success as a woman in leadership has evolved significantly over the years. Today, success means making my greatest contribution in my sphere of influence-a concept that has become my guiding principle. I measure success not merely by milestones or titles but by the genuine impact I have on others and how aligned I am with my values, preferences, and beliefs. In my earlier years, I linked success more closely with traditional indicators like status, accolades, and external recognition. As a recovering high achiever, I once saw success through the lens of surpassing expectations, hitting every benchmark, and checking off accomplishments that others deemed impressive. This high-achiever mindset, while valuable, often overshadowed the deeper question: "Does this success resonate with who I truly am and what I want to leave behind?" Now, I see success as being about authenticity and alignment. It's about how I live and lead in ways that honor my individuality, not merely following the established "rules" of success or adopting society's definitions. My journey has taught me that success is highly personal. What fulfills one person might not fulfill another, and it's crucial to define success on our own terms rather than through a pre-existing mold. A profound moment of success for me was launching my first summit, The Power Shift Summit, where I brought together powerhouse women to spark change and conversation about legacy and leadership. It wasn't just the event itself that defined success, but the ripple effect it created-the connections made, the conversations sparked, and the inspiration ignited in other women. Every step I take toward elevating my visibility, building platforms, or facilitating discussions that empower others contributes to this broader vision of success. Today, success is deeply tied to the satisfaction, fulfillment, joy, and gratitude I feel for my contributions. It's about the alignment of my work with my life's purpose. If I've achieved what the world deems successful yet feel disconnected or unfulfilled, I now understand that isn't true success. Success, at its core, should bring a sense of wholeness and joy-a reflection that I am living out my values and my greatest aspirations. In this season of my life, success is about the legacy I'm creating. It's about bringing forth the best of my brilliance in authentic, aligned ways, making an impact that will continue to resonate long after I'm gone.

As a woman navigating the landscape of leadership, my definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, like many young professionals, I was driven by tangible outcomes-completing projects with excellence and achieving measurable results. Success, in my early career, revolved around hitting targets and delivering impressive results. However, as I stumbled through these leadership waters, I discovered a deeper, more meaningful definition of success rooted in collaboration and the growth of those around me. Today, I see success not just as a finished product, but as a journey taken alongside a team that collectively cares about the opportunities we create together. It's about fostering an environment where ideas flourish, where every voice is valued, and where collaboration leads to innovation. The relationships I build with my team members and their professional growth have become the true markers of success in my role. Empowering others and witnessing their journeys is what truly drives me. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, I can often feel diminished or overlooked. Too frequently, women are made to feel that their ideas are less worthy or that they should remain silent. However, I believe that every individual, regardless of gender, holds immense potential. If I can influence even a few minds to acknowledge and embrace this potential, I believe I will have accomplished something significant. Changing the narrative around women in leadership and demonstrating that we are equally capable of inspiring and guiding others is a powerful part of my mission. Being a mother to three daughters adds another layer to my understanding of success. I want to exemplify to them the values of hard work, self-belief, and resilience. I want them to see what a true leader looks like-someone who inspires and uplifts others on their journey. It's essential for me that they grow up believing that they can be anything they aspire to be, and that their voices matter just as much as anyone else's. In the end, I've come to realize that my success is determined by how many people I can help along their journey. It's no longer solely about reaching the finish line; it's about the impact I can make on others as they strive toward their goals. If I've helped even one person in their path to success, then I know I have achieved something meaningful.

As a woman in leadership, my definition of success has evolved over the years. Early in my career as a marketing manager, I was laser-focused on the tangible markers of success-revenue, press, and growth metrics. While these KPIs are important, I had to unlearn that success was only about numbers, because I experienced cognitive dissonance between personal success and professional success. Through receiving a certification from Cornell University in Women's Entrepreneurship, founding my own brand, building a woman-led culture, and leading other young women, I was able to create an environment built around a new definition of success-focusing on personal goals that create profitable team members. For me, success now looks like having a sense of purpose, confidence, and joy in my role. As a woman in leadership, my goal is to foster a space where my team feels inspired, supported, and able to take creative risks. It's my duty as a leader to build a brand and a culture that values people, because fulfilled people will yield metric-based success.

Oh, my goodness, yes. My definition of success has evolved greatly over the years. I spent my first twenty years in corporate, drawing upon all of my masculine traits. Because of that (and my work ethic), I found myself over time in the c-suite surrounded by all male colleagues. I never discussed my motherhood, ignored the fact that I breastfed for two years, and pushed my lumpectomy under the rug. Anything that made me appear female (or anything that made me unrelatable to my male colleagues or reminded me of their stay-at-homes wives) I swept under the rug. Success for me in my current season of life (now a business owner myself) is untangling my past, working with a coach and a therapist on 'who I want to be' in this season of life, and embracing my femininity AND my leadership. There's a lot to unpack, but this process has me more magnetic and successful than I've ever been. It feels RIGHT for the first time in my professional life.

I am currently an entrepreneur and run a multi-million dollar business. My first career was as a executive headhunter on Wall Street. I also went on to found 2 tech companies, with an exit and investor raises. Success to me used to mean hitting "goals" and breaking glass ceilings. Now my definition of success is an inquiry... am I taking care of myself? am I working on things that excite me? do I have time and attention for my daughter and husband? are we able to live well with a lot of space and fluidity? am I sleeping? if I were gone tomorrow would I feel good about how I spent my time? Success is no longer about metrics of achievement but more an internal connection with HOW I am living?

I used to define success as climbing the ladder and achieving the highest-ranked position and salary possible. After I, indeed, reached one of the highest levels possible at my prior firm and earned a very high salary, I realized that this narrative of success was a mirage and empty because I felt so run down that I was miserable. I had no time to enjoy the money that I earned. I wasn't present for my relationships. Now, I define success as gaining two things: (1) time to enjoy life and (2) money to invest in issues and companies I believe in. You can't get back more time, so having the ability to slow down and enjoy the moment is truly precious. Enjoying life means taking time for self-care, spending meaningful moments with friends and family, and--for travel bugs--traveling. Earning enough money to invest in issues includes charities that hit my heart as well as being able to invest in startups that are struggling to make the world a better place. Being a founder is a grind. Founders put in all of the blood, sweat, and tears. They are the ones that are taking on the overwhelming majority of the risk. They need investments to keep going and to achieve a goal that will improve or create a process that the world needs.

As a woman in leadership, my definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Early in my career, I saw success as reaching milestones, achieving goals, and making a measurable impact. It was about climbing the ladder, proving myself, and constantly moving forward. Today, success has taken on a broader, more meaningful definition. It's about leading with purpose, fostering growth in others, and creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. Success now includes balance-between my professional goals and my personal well-being. I've learned that true success is sustainable, compassionate, and adaptable. Ultimately, success isn't just about what I achieve, but the positive impact I leave behind, the resilience I build, and the connections I create. It's about being able to look back and know that I led with integrity, empathy, and purpose.

My definition of success is being able to balance family & being an entrepreneur. Having children and being a working parent is a lot to balance on its own, but adding in running a business with the mental space that occupies can be impossible to handle. Success for me is being able to build a business that provides not only a great service to other businesses and employees people in positions they find meaningful, but being able to put it all aside and be there to raise my kids when the school day is done. This may seem counter to our culture of work non-stop, startup life being 24/7, busyness as a flex syndrome, but feeling able to be a whole human and not just a business owner has been something I'm really proud to have accomplished.

My definition of success has changed a lot, instead of looking at finish lines -- numbers, job titles, houses or cars, or a level of public profile - I factor in things like whether I get to do work that at least sometimes lets me feel like I made a genuine difference in the lives of other people. Success to me is about working with people I respect and admire for people I want to help succeed. To me, growth for growth's sake is meaningless, but profitable growth with interesting clients solving important problems is what keeps me engaged and excited. It's about the ability to spend time with people I love and care about. Creating an environment where your team and clients feel valued and appreciated makes me feel proud that I have built a successful business. Success is very personal so your definition will be--and should be--different than mine. Being helpful to my husband/friends/clients/nieces/nephews/godkids/mentees makes me happy. It is great knowing my experience and hard fought lessons learned can be put to good use as a wife/ advisor/coach/consultant/friend/ volunteer/aunt/godmother /Board member.

It used to be financial only, but now it's a combination of work-life balance, flexibility, doing work I love, and yes-being compensated well for it. As a coach, author, and podcast host, I'm grateful I get to do work I'm passionate about during hours that work for my family's schedule so I can also show up as a mother and wife, as well as, a business owner. Not everyday is perfect (far from it), but overall, this feels like success to me.

For me, success as a woman in leadership is about making a meaningful impact on the people and organizations I serve. In other words, making a difference. Specifically, it's about fostering environments where people feel valued, seen, and empowered to bring their best selves to their work. Early in my career, I might have defined success more traditionally-by achieving specific roles, accolades, or tangible outcomes. Over time, though, I've come to value the quality of relationships, the resilience I help cultivate in teams, and the positive shifts I witness in people's lives and careers as much as any measurable outcome. This definition has evolved as I've grown to prioritize balance, authenticity, and personal growth alongside professional achievement. For me, the objective measure of success is seeing a lasting, positive influence in my work, whether it's helping people navigate challenges, creating inclusive workplaces, or inspiring resilience in those I coach and support.

As a Founder and CEO of two growing businesses my definition of success has evolved over the years. I have been in business for the past 10 years, and when I started I felt that I had to work around the clock in order to succeed. Now, I know that success comes with a well-balanced approach of work AND personal life, and self-care. Success is being able to wake up every day with excitement and joy because you are fulfilling your personal mission. There are days when I still "work around the clock" but now I also take time for myself. This type of success enables me to be a happier and kinder leader as well.

Over the years, women's leadership has evolved significantly. It has transitioned from the necessity of mimicking traditionally 'assertive' traits of leadership to embracing and leading with authenticity grounded in 'nurturing' qualities. This evolution reflects a broader understanding that effective leadership can-and should-be inclusive of diverse styles and perspectives, allowing for a more holistic approach to guiding teams and organizations. The business case for this authenticity is compelling: society is composed of individuals of all genders, making it essential to balance these traits when creating products and services that cater to the entire population. By fostering an environment where diverse leadership styles are valued, organizations can better meet the needs of their customers and drive innovation. This inclusive approach not only enhances employee engagement but also leads to improved business outcomes, as teams that reflect a variety of perspectives are more likely to generate creative solutions and resonate with a wider audience. As a woman in leadership, my definition of success centers on remaining authentic to myself. I firmly believe that true leadership does not require me to change or adopt attributes solely to fit a conventional mold. Instead, I embrace my authentic leadership qualities, which include compassion, empathy, and fostering emotional safety. I stay true to my style, regardless of external pressures or expectations. This commitment to authenticity has profound effects on my relationships and I find that I receive an overwhelming level of love, loyalty, and commitment from those around me. People are drawn to authenticity; they appreciate when a leader is genuine and relatable. Moreover, this authenticity extends beyond the workplace. In my personal life, the relationships I nurture are built on mutual respect and understanding. Friends and family recognize the sincerity in my interactions, which deepens our bonds and enhances our support for one another. Ultimately, staying true to myself not only enriches my own life but also positively impacts those around me. The love and loyalty I receive are reflections of the environment I strive to create-one where authenticity is celebrated, and everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This approach not only defines my success as a leader but also shapes the legacy I hope to leave behind: that leadership can be both effective and deeply human.

My definition of success used to be centered almost entirely on my title and the perceived value others attributed to that. As a leader in the predominantly gendered field of HR, my work was often undervalued and even the people I looked up to in my area of expertise were excluded from strategic conversations. My view of success has shifted from those who have the power to exclude others, to those who go out of their way to include, share, and uplift. I'll know I'm successful not by my title or proximity to the CEO, but by how many people I've helped, had hard conversations with, or shown empathy to when they needed it most.

When I was young and climbing the corporate ladder in a male-dominated industry, I tried extremely hard to be like "men" in leadership roles. I hid my feminine qualities and strived for titles, promotions, pay increases, and prestige, just like them. About 15 years ago, I was looking at my own website and realized something was missing: me! I erased the very traits that made me unique. I revamped everything and stopped trying to cover up who I am. Now, my measure of success is authenticity - being true to myself, my passions, and my talents. My aim is to help others find themselves and create a healthy balance between home and work. We all deserve to go home feeling like we made a difference in the world!

As a woman in leadership, I define success as the balanced pursuit of achieving our company's goals through unwavering ethical standards while nurturing and empowering the individuals who drive those results. True success, to me, is not merely measured by the numbers or milestones we reach, but by the integrity and dedication with which we reach them. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. This means providing them with consistent coaching, recognizing their contributions, and celebrating their achievements. I believe that the most effective and sustainable outcomes stem from a collaborative and motivated team, where each person not only understands their role but feels genuinely invested in our collective success. Success is never a solo journey; it requires a passionate group of individuals working together, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the table.

Me then: "'Success' means I've hit a certain job level, income level, and have the big house and fancy car that I've always wanted!" Me now: "'Success' means I am happy & energized as I wake up each day into a life I've intentionally built, doing work that is meaningful to me and positively impactful to the world around me." Back then, I thought climbing the corporate ladder would lead me to finally finding happiness and feeling like I was good enough in every way. However, what I found instead was something unexpected. Back then, my definition of success was external. So what I found once I'd hit all my big goals in my corporate career was...emptiness. My achievements were unfulfilling. I wasn't magically, suddenly happy as I had fully expected to become at that level in my career. I was more unhappy and unhealthy than ever before. Worse yet, I felt lost. So my definition of success had to change. Now, my definition of success is internal. It wasn't an overnight transformation, but eventually I came to redefine success under my own terms. I'm thankful for the misguided career and life experiences that helped me learn the important distinction between someone else's definition of success, and what 'success' actually means to me. Now, I get to use all those years of misguided career and life experiences to help other women who are where I once was: excelling in a career that is rapidly draining you and confused why that's happening. If that strike a chord within you, then it's high time to redefine 'success' for you!

As a woman in leadership, my definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, I may have focused more on personal achievements and career milestones. However, as I've progressed in my journey, I've come to realize that true success encompasses a broader perspective, especially considering the challenges women face in the workplace. Today, I define success as doing all that I can with the gifts and opportunities I've been given, recognizing that there is much at stake for the future. I believe that every woman has a crucial role to play, particularly in addressing the challenges of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Success, to me, means standing up and making our voices heard - at home, in the office, on projects, in the boardroom, and throughout the workplace. It's about leveraging our strengths and inspiring organizational dedication while paving the way for other women to rise. Ultimately, success is not just about personal accomplishments, but about creating a lasting impact that benefits all women and contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Success, for me, is tightly interwoven with purpose and impact. As a single mother and entrepreneur, my journey with ENX2 Legal Marketing has been about creating genuine relationships and achieving excellence in digital marketing custom for law firms. Over the years, my definition of success has evolved from just surviving as a startup to thriving as a pivotal partner for law firms, exemplified by a project where our SEO strategies increased a client firm's online engagement by 50% within six months. I see success as an alignment of faith, passion, and perseverance. It's about facing challenges head-on, such as when I taught myself to code while raising my son. This adaptability and commitment helped me to establish a company culture that values personal growth alongside professional accomplishments, evidenced by our award-winning employee bonus initiative "Random Sunshine," which boosts morale and productivity. Today, success also means empowering my team to innovate and collaborate effectively. By fostering a workplace where everyone's ideas are valued, we've managed to expand the company while maintaining the harmony I prize so much. It's this synergy that not only brings out the best in my team but also allows us to continually push the boundaries of what we can achieve for our clients.