4 minute read 6 Dec 2023

Explore how future-fit leadership empowers female entrepreneurs to navigate modern business complexities.

Business people in modern office

Future-fit leadership: A beacon for female entrepreneurs

Suwin Lee
By Suwin Lee

Head of EY UK&I and China Trade Route, Head of EY Global Restructuring Tax Network, EY Global Solutions Leader for Post Deal Solutions and EY UK&I Transaction Tax Partner, Ernst & Young Europe LLP

Recognized as a trusted restructuring tax advisor. Passionate about growing EY in new and emerging markets, with a particular focus on Post Deal Services. Role model for women and minorities.

4 minute read 6 Dec 2023
Related topics Entrepreneurship Private Business
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Explore how future-fit leadership empowers female entrepreneurs to navigate modern business complexities.

In brief
  • Future-fit leadership is a novel leadership paradigm that emphasizes adaptability, foresight and resilience. 
  • The concept resonates profoundly with female entrepreneurs because it champions innovation, sets novel benchmarks and underscores a resilient spirit.
  • The leadership paradigm can help female entrepreneurs navigate unique challenges faced by women and to better succeed in the modern business landscape.

In a rapidly shifting global landscape, a novel leadership paradigm emerges: future-fit leadership. Distinct from conventional leadership ethos, this paradigm underscores adaptability, foresight and resilience. It's less about tackling challenges post-emergence and more about visualizing potential hurdles and strategizing well in advance. It is a concept that encourages leaders to consider new approaches to growth, team management and talent retention.

Why does future-fit leadership resonate profoundly with female entrepreneurs? Women historically, have epitomized adaptability, deftly navigating multifaceted roles and challenges. As entrepreneurs, they infuse businesses with unique insights, ethos and pioneering strategies. The future-fit approach bolsters these intrinsic strengths.

Future-fit leadership for female entrepreneurs

For female entrepreneurs, adopting future-fit leadership isn’t merely a navigation tool; it's a compass to redefine the business terrain. It champions innovation, sets novel benchmarks, and underscores a resilient spirit that has the power to reshape sectors. With women spearheading enterprises, there’s an innate drive toward diversity, empathy and holistic growth.

Elvire Jaspers, Co-founder and CEO, WeAreBrain, and a fellow entrepreneur, shares her experiences, stating, "Future-fit leadership has been a game-changer for me. It has empowered me to take bold steps and innovate without fear." Her insights echo the sentiments of many women entrepreneurs who have found value in adopting a future-fit approach to leadership.

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Future-fit leadership has been a game-changer for me. It has empowered me to take bold steps and innovate without fear.
Elvire Jaspers
Co-founder and CEO, WeAreBrain

Adding to this, Phillipa Geard, Founder and CEO of RecruitMyMom, reflects on the essence of future-fit leadership from her experience. She states, "Embracing future-fit leadership has been transformative. It's about leading with authenticity and resilience, creating a path that others can follow with confidence and clarity. Authenticity in business is not just about being true to yourself, but also about being true to your team and your customers. It's about building trust and maintaining integrity." This perspective from Geard underscores the importance of genuine and forward-thinking leadership in today's dynamic business environment.

Authenticity in business is not just about being true to yourself, but also about being true to your team and your customers.
Phillipa Geard
Founder and CEO, RecruitMyMom

Understanding future-fit leadership

Future-fit leaders are visionaries who blend adaptability, foresight and resilience. They excel in identifying trends and preparing for challenges in a business landscape that is continuously evolving due to technological advancements, globalization and social changes. The ability to anticipate change and adapt strategies accordingly sets future-fit leaders apart from their traditional counterparts.

Traditional leadership often relies on hierarchical structures and set protocols. However, future-fit leadership values open communication, innovation, and adaptability. It encourages a more fluid approach to decision-making, where team members at all levels can contribute their insights. This fosters innovation and builds a more resilient and agile organization.

Challenges faced by female entrepreneurs

Female entrepreneurs often need to be more represented in leadership roles despite their capabilities. This underrepresentation is not a reflection of their skills but rather the result of systemic gender disparities that have long existed in the business world. These disparities often manifest in the form of unequal pay, fewer opportunities for advancement, and limited access to capital.

Stereotypes and biases further exacerbate the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. These stereotypes often pigeonhole women into specific roles, making breaking free and assuming leadership positions challenging. Additionally, women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, such as limited access to funding and networks and the struggle to balance multiple personal and professional roles.

Insights from global expansion

Rachel Pendered, Founder of Media Zoo, shares her experiences in global expansion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining company culture and personal values when expanding into new territories. She remarks, "In our journey of global expansion, we've learned the importance of striking a balance between global reach and authentic engagement." Being opportunity-led and identifying underserved markets are key strategies for global growth. Moreover, Pendered underscored the significance of community and networking, especially for women entrepreneurs, in navigating the complexities of the business world while staying true to their values. This insight from Pendered highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that come with taking a business global, especially for female entrepreneurs.

In our journey of global expansion, we've learned the importance of striking a balance between global reach and authentic engagement.
Rachel Pendered
Founder, Media Zoo
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Becoming a future-fit leader as a female entrepreneur

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of future-fit leadership. It enables you to leverage your unique strengths and navigate challenges more effectively. Understanding your capabilities and limitations is the first step in becoming a future-fit leader. Once you know your strengths, you can focus on areas that need improvement, fostering a growth mindset.

Continuous learning is crucial in this ever-changing business landscape. The moment you think you know it all is when you become obsolete. Resilience and adaptability are not just about surviving challenges but thriving amidst them. Creating a diverse work environment, leveraging networking opportunities, and maintaining a work-life balance are also essential for long-term sustainability.

Embracing the future-fit mindset

The critical takeaway for aspiring female leaders is wholeheartedly embracing the future-fit mindset as a way of life. It's not just a leadership style; it's a comprehensive approach to business and personal growth. Adopting this mindset can significantly impact your effectiveness as a leader and the overall success of your enterprise.

Summary

In summary, future-fit leadership offers a robust framework for female entrepreneurs, enabling them to navigate the complexities of modern business effectively. Being future-fit is not an option; it's a necessity. This leadership paradigm provides the tools and mindset needed to survive and thrive in today’s volatile business landscape.

So, are you ready to become a future-fit leader? The time to act and embrace this transformative leadership style is now.

About this article

Suwin Lee
By Suwin Lee

Head of EY UK&I and China Trade Route, Head of EY Global Restructuring Tax Network, EY Global Solutions Leader for Post Deal Solutions and EY UK&I Transaction Tax Partner, Ernst & Young Europe LLP

Recognized as a trusted restructuring tax advisor. Passionate about growing EY in new and emerging markets, with a particular focus on Post Deal Services. Role model for women and minorities.

Related topics Entrepreneurship Private Business
Upvote