The Female Leader's Essential Toolkit for Navigating the Future of Work

The landscape of work is shifting, and the leaders of tomorrow are the women forging their paths today. In an era where adaptability, innovation, and resilience are non-negotiable, this blog post is dedicated to equipping female leaders with the tools they need to not just survive but thrive in the evolving world of work.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the past and present, and most critically, to prepare for a future where gender equality in leadership is the norm, not the exception. It's time to explore the resources that will elevate your leadership, foster growth, propel careers, and ultimately contribute to the collective advancement of women in the workplace.

Top 10 Live/Hybrid Leadership Events in 2024 

• The Future of Everything - May 21-23, 2024
• Social Innovation - June 4-5, 2024
• Women Lead Festival - June 13-14, 2024
• Lead Dev New York - March 19-20, 2024
• World Diversity In Leadership Conference - July 3-5, 2024 
• World Business Forum Singapore - July 10-11, 2024 
• Global Leadership Summit - August 8-9, 2024.

Books Every Future Female Leader Should Read

In an age of information overload, books remain a timeless source of wisdom, influencing perspectives and transforming lives.

1. "Grit" by Angela Duckworth 
2. Win Like A Girl -Maureen Electa  Monte 
3. Switch on Your Brain - Dr. Caroline Leaf 
4. Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting, Expanded Study Edition: The Astonishing Power of Feelings 
5. Power of Feelings- Lynn Grabhorn 
6. Presence by Amy Cuddy 
7. Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication by Vanessa Van Edwards 
8. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown 
9. Relationships at Work: How to Authentically Network in Your Company by Rachel B. Simon
10. Sell Yourself - How to Create, Live, and Sell a Powerful Personal Brandbby Dr. Cindy McGovern 
11. A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work by Juliet Funt
12. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Must-Listen Podcasts for Female Leaders

Podcasts offer a convenient and engaging way to stay informed and inspired on the go. For female leaders looking to expand their horizons, consider tuning into these enriching podcasts.

1. Women at Work

The Harvard Business Review’s Women at Work podcast addresses societal and professional challenges women face in the workplace, offering insights that are essential for navigating the corporate world.

2. Marie Forleo 

Named by Oprah as a thought leader for the next generation and owner of one of Inc.’s 500 fastest growing companies, Marie Forleo’s goal is to help you become the person you most want to be. Marie and her guests share actionable strategies for greater happiness, success, motivation, creativity, productivity, love, health, contribution, and fulfillment — often with a lot of laughs.

3. Money Rehab - Nicole Lapin-NYT bestselling author and Money Rehab podcast hostess.

4. Mel Robbins' insights on procrastination in her podcast episode "The Reason You Procrastinate Is Not What You're Thinking".

5. Dominate your Day Podcast -  Focused on leaders in the workplace who are difference makers and making an impact in the workplace.

TED Talks That Will Energize Your Leadership Inspire Action

TED Talks are renowned for distilling complex ideas into digestible insights. For an injection of empowerment, views these TED Talks that provoke thought and kindle   fire within to set future leadership endeavors aflame.

1. A 3-step guide to believing in yourself: Sheryl Lee Roth

“We’ve got to act like we believe in ourselves,” she said. “When we believe in ourselves and act on it, we create possibilities that never would have been possible had we not just believed.” 

2. "Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection" by Reshma Saujani

The founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani, examines the societal programming of girls to be 'perfect' and 'play it safe' which she argues limits their bravery and risk-taking. It's a must-see for leaders committed to creating a workplace that fosters courage and innovation. 

3. "Color Blind or Color Brave" by Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, discusses the importance of acknowledging and addressing race in the workplace. Her talk gives leaders, particularly those from privileged backgrounds, the tools to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity. 

Online Courses to Sharpen Your Leadership Edge

Continuous learning is essential in staying competitive and competent. The following online courses cater to the specific needs of female professionals looking to excel in their leadership roles. 

1. "Authentic Leadership" on Coursera

This course focuses on the complexities of leadership in our dynamic environment. Women often struggle to find a leadership style that feels authentic to them; this course guides you through the process of discovering and leveraging your unique leadership strengths.

2. "Visible Leadership" on LinkedIn Learning

Being visible as a leader is crucial, and yet this is an aspect that women leaders often find challenging. This course teaches strategies to enhance your visibility in a way that feels comfortable and authentic.

3. "Leading With Effective Communication" on Udemy

Effective communication is a non-negotiable skill for leaders. This course hones in on how to tailor your communication style to be more influential, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their impact in the workplace.

The Community of Female Founders and Leaders

Nothing beats the power of connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and challenges. Joining a community of female founders and leaders can provide a support network, opportunities for collaboration, and access to valuable resources. 

1. Professional Women's Associations

Professional women’s associations often provide mentorship opportunities as part of their services. These associations can be a rich source of guidance and support from seasoned professionals sharing their knowledge and experience.

2. Female Founders Fund

The Female Founders Fund provides early-stage investment to companies founded or co-founded by women. Their community is a fantastic resource for networking and accessing the collective wisdom of successful female entrepreneurs.

3. Ellevate Network

Ellevate Network is committed to the professional and economic well-being of women. As a member, you'll have access to local and virtual chapters, as well as a plethora of resources Women's Business Centers (WBCs) are a part a national network of entrepreneurship centers throughout the United States and its territories, which are designed to assist women in starting and growing small businesses. WBCs seek to "level the playing field" for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world. WBCs provide free, to low-cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business. 

4. American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)

The American Business Women’s Association provides leadership, education, and networking support. Their site provides free links to news, trends, social media updates, and job postings. This organization also focuses on women’s social issues and outreach impacting female entrepreneur.

5. Mompreneur Center

Entrepreneur magazine’s site for “mompreneurs.  Articles on this site covers topics ranging from work-life balance to business ideas to success stories from moms who are making their own entrepreneurial dreams come true.

In summary, as a woman in leadership, staying ahead in a changing work environment is not just about adapting but about being equipped with the right knowledge and resources. From the written word to the spoken, and from individual coaching to the communities we surround ourselves with, each resource serves the greater purpose of empowering women to step into upcoming roles with confidence. Women are not just workers of the future; they are the architects. And it is through these carefully chosen tools that they will craft new futures, not just for themselves, but for the world of work at large.

The future of work is being reimagined and rewritten by the very hands that are at the helm. This Women’s History Month, as we look back at achievements, we also look forward to a forthcoming era where each woman's leadership voice adds a unique, invaluable chapter to the unfolding narrative of success and innovation. Alight, then, female leaders, with the resources shared, and with your spirit to grasp the reins of the future. The stage is yours. It always was and always will be. You are more than ready to claim it.

Feel free to download our white paper: Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back? Download the white paper here. 

I would love to connect with you as navigate 2024  - set up a discovery call to connect.