1.Why is “an approach to leadership that resonates with women” needed?
For too long, women have aspired to actualise a leadership pinnacle defined, described
and role modelled by men. Browsing through the leadership aisles in bookstores, one
finds that most titles are authored by men and primarily from the Western world. The gold
standard thus becomes a gendered, uncontextualized theory that is covertly forced upon
all and sundry.
1.Why is “an approach to leadership that resonates with women” needed?
This may all be well, until one notices the gender disparities that continue to prevail
despite all efforts. Evidence also shows that although women have made gains in wages,
educational attainment and career prestige, they are less happy than their predecessors,
both in absolute terms and relative to men. Leadership, as it currently stands, has also
failed us, as climate change threatens to engulf our earth, mental health burden becomes
insurmountable and the future fails to look hopeful.
As we look to create a new world order that is visionary and future fit, it is imperative to
understand what fits with ease in half the world’s mind frame, the invisible half that tried
to fit in a world designed by men and for men. A leadership approach that resonates with
women is not only a discussion that has been a long time coming, but it may well bring
out the elements of empathy, enterprise, collaboration, adaptability and the creativity
needed for the world to heal and bounce back.
2.Halfway through the Expedition what are you uncovering?
There is much written, with backing data, about women not supporting other women in
career paths and beyond. The Expedition has proven otherwise. Exceptional women
leaders from across age, race, career specialties and time zones have worked together
with compassion, patience, understanding, sharing of intellect and vulnerabilities towards
a singular goal, giving a nebulous idea the shape of coherence in a space of immense
psychological safety. One can therefore surmise that data suggesting otherwise is but a
reflection of placing women in worlds where the rules are mired in a competitive, zero
sum game.
It has also been an interesting process to see how as we peel layers of resonance, more
nuances emerge; those of heritage and traditions, race and ethnicity, language and
culture, patriarchy and colonialism, generational chiasm and diverse priorities and more.
While it has been a journey of seeking answers of leadership, each member is also
uncovering themselves, making this an odyssey of collective self realisation.
Words that have emerged repeatedly include collective vision, authenticity, integrity,
excellence, harmony, collaboration, creative purpose, amongst others.
To read more about Ayesha, click here
