EMPOWERMENT
Reframing Power:
Redefining Leadership Through Women's Strengths
MAY 15, 2025
Author
Kate Liu-Bevan
Power. It's a word that’s often linked with authority, dominance and control. But over the years, a quiet revolution has been taking place. Women, with their unique leadership traits, are redefining what power in leadership truly means.
I remember an experience from early in my career that completely reshaped my view of leadership. I was working with a senior female leader who had a reputation for getting things done. But what struck me most wasn’t her strategic prowess or her quick decision-making—it was her deep empathy. She could walk into a room, understand the pulse of the team in an instant, and adjust her approach to make everyone feel heard and valued.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge.”
- Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Facebook and author of Lean In
One afternoon, we were facing a significant challenge on a project. Deadlines were tight, and tensions were high. While others in the room were focused on pushing for immediate results, she paused and asked the team how they were feeling. This demonstrable show of empathy instantly switched the mood in the room and created an environment in which everyone felt heard, supported and motivated to achieve together.
This is just one example of how empathy, a trait often seen as softer or secondary in leadership, can be a profound source of power. Women have a natural ability to empathize with their teams, to connect with others and to understand their needs. This is a strength that fosters loyalty, engagement and trust - all essential for long-term success.
Another leadership trait that women bring to the fore is collaboration. Women are skilled at building networks of support and encouraging collective problem-solving. They know that success isn’t just about individual brilliance but about how well the team can work together. Women frequently see value in every voice, seeking input from others and creating synergy, not silos.
Resourcefulness is another powerful trait that women often bring to their leadership. Often balancing multiple roles—whether in the workplace, home, or community—women develop an uncanny ability to make the most of available resources. They’re problem-solvers at heart, they can think on their feet, find creative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances. In moments of uncertainty, this resourcefulness can drive teams forward, ensuring that obstacles are viewed as opportunities for growth.
Then there’s humility. Humble leaders understand their own limitations and value the contributions of others. Women leaders often lead with a sense of humility, acknowledging their team’s achievements and giving credit where it's due. This fosters a culture of genuine respect and empowerment, particularly in a team context.
“In an environment built on trust, leaders don’t need to assert power - they inspire it.”
The collective result of these traits is that they Build trust. When women lead with empathy, collaboration, resourcefulness and humility thereby cultivating trust from within. Trust becomes the foundation of great leadership because it allows for risk-taking, innovation and shared success. In an environment built on trust, leaders don’t need to assert power—they inspire it.
