International Women's Day 2025: Accelerating Action – Leadership Lessons from Trailblazing Women Who Turned Dreams into Reality

Authentic leadership isn’t about avoiding obstacles but pushing through them with unwavering grit. It’s about showing up every day, no matter how tough the road gets, and putting in the work with unshakable consistency. Every trailblazer believes their dreams are worth fighting for—even when the world tells them otherwise.

The journey to leadership is paved with determination, belief in the impossible, and the courage to dream beyond what we can see. These women exemplify the transformative power of holding onto your dreams—no matter how audacious—and turning them into reality with consistency, grit, and a whole lot of heart.

Coaching Season is talking about Shonda Rhimes, who demonstrated the power of women and storytelling in entertainment, Dr. Mary Lou Jepsen, an inventor and innovator from STEM, Jennie Platt, the CMO at TD Bank USA, Li Karlsen, a freediver with a warrior’s spirit, and Leena Nair, the first Indian-origin CEO of Chanel. Each of them has defied the odds, shattered stereotypes, and proven that with enough grit and belief, even the wildest dreams can become a tangible force for change. These women aren't just leaders—they are dream makers, and their journeys hold the keys to the future of leadership.

Shonda Rhimes: Leadership with Bold Creativity

Shonda Rhimes, the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director, is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. She has redefined how storytelling is done with hit shows like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton. Shonda's leadership offers essential lessons for women everywhere:

🔹 Own Your Leadership Early: Shonda took charge of projects early in her career, stepping up even before she felt fully ready. Her proactive mindset helped her build the confidence and credibility that defined her career.

🔹 Put in the Work: Leadership is earned through consistent effort. Shonda shows that it's not just about talent but also about the grind. She committed to her craft and made an impact through relentless hard work.

🔹 Never Stop Learning: Growth is about continuous learning. Shonda emphasizes the importance of staying curious and adaptable, as it is through learning that true leadership is forged.

🔹 Champion Creativity & Bold Ideas: Innovation is at the heart of leadership. Shonda encourages women to take creative risks, push boundaries, and use their voices to create transformative change.

"Dreaming is nice. But it’s not enough. It’s time to do." – Shonda Rhimes

Leena Nair: Leading with Compassion and Vision

Leena Nair, the first Indian-origin CEO of Chanel, embodies leadership that balances empathy with excellence. Her rise to the helm of one of the world’s most iconic brands offers powerful leadership lessons:

🔹 Lead with Compassion: Leena demonstrates that empathy in leadership is crucial. Making tough decisions with kindness and compassion sets a foundation of trust and respect within teams.

🔹 Value Every Voice: By listening to all perspectives, Leena fosters an inclusive culture where every voice is heard, promoting collective intelligence and collaboration.

🔹 Break Barriers: From humble beginnings in India to leading a global luxury brand, Leena’s journey teaches us that breaking barriers and challenging norms is the key to true leadership.

🔹 Champion Diversity: Leena's leadership is grounded in inclusivity. She ensures that diverse voices contribute to decision-making, driving innovation and success in every facet of her work.

"I truly believe in benevolence, in kindness, in compassion, in empathy. You've got to do tough things in business, but doing it compassionately is very important." – Leena Nair

Jennie Platt: Authenticity and Empowerment in Leadership

Jennie Platt, Chief Marketing Officer at TD Bank, is an advocate for authentic leadership. Her commitment to bringing her full self to work and championing inclusion has led her to create lasting change in the corporate world:

🔹 Embrace Authenticity: Jennie stresses the importance of being true to yourself at work. When women bring their authentic selves to the table, they foster confidence and are better able to lead with integrity.

🔹 Seek and Provide Mentorship: Mentorship has been pivotal in Jennie’s career. She encourages women to both seek guidance and mentor others, fostering a culture of support and inclusion.

🔹 Foster Inclusive Cultures: Inclusive environments empower individuals to thrive. Jennie advocates for workplaces that value diversity and promote creativity, where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

🔹 Balance Ambition with Authenticity: Women should never have to choose between personal authenticity and career advancement. Jennie shows that pursuing both is possible and vital to long-term success.

"When I finally felt like I could be myself in the workplace, I wasn't only happier at work, I was better at my job, too." – Jennie Platt

Li Karlsen: Courage, Adaptability, and Compassion in Leadership

Li Karlsen, a freediver and former captain in the Swedish Armed Forces, leads with resilience, authenticity, and a deep sense of empathy. Her leadership journey is one of overcoming fears, adapting to change, and serving others:

🔹 Face Fears Head-On: Li teaches us that confronting our fears—whether they are in the water or in the workplace—is essential for personal and professional growth. She turned her fear of deep waters into an extraordinary passion for freediving.

🔹 Embrace Authenticity: Freediving allowed Li to find a space free from external expectations, helping her embrace her true self. Authenticity is a powerful tool in leadership.

🔹 Adapt and Evolve: Li’s transition from the military to freediving showcases the importance of embracing change. Leadership requires the ability to adapt to new opportunities and challenges.

🔹 Serve with Compassion: Li's response to a devastating earthquake in Indonesia is a testament to leadership with heart. She shows that true leaders prioritize compassion and service above all else.

"When I left my ego on the beach, I found freediving to be the most amazing sensation." – @Li Karlsen

Michelle Yeoh: Breaking Barriers and Defying Expectations

Michelle Yeoh, the acclaimed actress and activist, has shattered stereotypes with her groundbreaking career. At 60, she became the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, a testament to her perseverance and determination:

🔹 Defy Age Stereotypes: Michelle’s victory at 60 is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to success. She encourages women to reject societal expectations and keep striving for greatness, regardless of age.

🔹 Embrace Cultural Identity: Michelle proudly celebrates her heritage, showing how embracing your cultural identity can inspire others and provide strength on the path to leadership.

🔹 Advocate for Women's Voices: As a UNDP goodwill ambassador, Michelle amplifies women’s leadership, especially in times of crisis, underscoring that their perspectives are crucial to effective solutions.

🔹 Prioritize Family and Community: Michelle's dedication to her family and her acknowledgment of their support highlight the importance of staying grounded and valuing the relationships that shape us.

"Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime." – @Michelle Yeoh

Mary Lou Jepsen: Innovating Fearlessly and Leading Boldly

Mary Lou Jepsen, a visionary technologist and inventor, is leading the way in both medicine and technology. Her career offers essential leadership lessons for women aiming to innovate and make a global impact:

🔹 Challenge the Impossible: Mary Lou has dedicated her career to making the impossible possible, whether in medical imaging or virtual reality. She encourages women to push boundaries and redefine what's achievable.

🔹 Pursue Passion with Purpose: After overcoming personal health challenges, Mary Lou dedicated herself to projects that align with her values, showing that leadership can be fueled by passion and purpose.

🔹 Foster Global Impact: As CTO of One Laptop Per Child, Mary Lou worked to provide affordable education globally, illustrating how impactful leadership can make a difference on a global scale.

🔹 Innovate Fearlessly: Mary Lou's fearless approach to innovation—from tech to healthcare—shows that leaders must embrace new ideas and continuously innovate to drive change.

"What I try to do is make things that everybody knows are utterly, completely impossible—I try to make them possible." – Mary Lou Jepsen

As Coaching Season celebrates International Women’s Day, let’s honor these trailblazers by stepping up in our own lives. Whether in business, science, storytelling, or social change, each of us has the power to lead with compassion, break barriers, and inspire the next generation. The future of leadership is in our hands—let’s make it bold, fearless, and impactful.

"The world needs women who dare to dream big and lead with purpose."

Category: Leadership, Women in STEM, Women in Entertainment, Women in Sports, Women in Finance.

Author: Sheettal Ganeriwal

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