From a personal perspective, I have the privilege of working with women everyday and have witnessed the power they possess. Whether in summits, startups, or professional circles, women are pushing boundaries and redefining leadership. Yet, alongside this strength, I’ve also seen the internal struggles they face: self-doubt, lowered standards and the feeling that they must settle for less. This is where the real battle lies and it’s why there’s such undeniable truth in hearing the success stories of other women. These stories resonate deeply, as we share similar challenges, making their triumphs not only inspiring but also relatable on a personal level.
The Global Leaders Summit, organized by the female factor and hosted by the City of Vienna, was a celebration of a new era of leadership, dedicated to women stepping into their power and redefining what leadership looks like. Held on a sunny 19th of September, following a stretch of unpredictable and flooding weather, the No.1 leadership conference in Europe welcomed around 800 executives from over 80 countries. The event was more than just well-organized, it was warm and welcoming. Unlike typical high-pressure networking events, this gathering felt open, was filled with smiling faces and round discussion tables, thoughtfully arranged to encourage meaningful conversations and the sharing of insights. There was a nurturing combination of inclusivity and engagement, one often found in spaces created by women.
With a diverse assembly of decision-makers, the speaking panels were an inspiring whirlwind of personal stories, practical wisdom and fresh perspectives from leaders like the Country Director of Google in Austria, the Head of People and Culture at IKEA, angel investors, founders, and C-suite executives. It was beautifully uplifting to hear successful mothers mention their children and family lives as sources of strength that enrich their decision-making and leadership capabilities. Research shared at the summit shows that women often outperform in key leadership behaviors such as demonstrating initiative, promoting team success, forging strong relationships and strong strategic vision. Amid the many attendees, several women were nominated as the voice of a new era of leadership, each offering an unique definition of what leadership means to them. Discussion on digital divide, technology and AI were also not to be missed, given the growing relevance of AI-Augmented Leadership. Among the summit’s highlights was Jes Wolfe, the CEO of Rebel Girls, who flew in from San Francisco to share her experiences as the “OG rebel girl”. Her message, alongside those of the other remarkable women on the sessions affirmed that women make great leaders with their unique qualities and strengths. Ultimately, the summit underscored the realization that modern leadership is diverse, rooted in authenticity and about revealing perspectives the world has yet to experience.
Held within the grand halls of Vienna’s City Hall, rich with history, this gathering felt as though we were all part of something monumental, a shift long overdue. Once dominated by a very different kind of leadership, the grand halls now echoed with conversations about the future, led by women. Yet, this journey is not about division, nor about focusing on past struggles. It’s about making room for everyone at the table, about elevating us all, through shared progress and collaboration.
During one of the Q&A sessions, a question from the audience followed: “How does she find the strength to ask for more, knowing she deserves more?” It’s a question that has been in the minds of women for generations and the answer is anything but simple. One thing remains true: Settling for less doesn’t serve anyone, not the individual, the organization, or society at large. Diverse leadership leads to better decision-making, more innovative solutions and healthier organizations.
Thi event left a lasting impression and stands as proof of our progress. The more we confront our own biases and explore the untapped strength within us, the faster we will reach our goals.
The diverse faces of new leadership, those who infused the summit with their passion and those who led from afar, know that owning your authentic self is key. The qualities defining today’s leaders revolve around empathy, resilience, self-awareness, and innovation. Some of these qualities are not about fitting into an old mold and are no longer the antithesis of traditional leadership, but rather part of it’s evolution.
There’s also power in understanding that we are not alone on this journey. Many women have paved the way and continue to stand alongside our allies. And while some industries may still be catching up, countless others actively welcome women and strive to create supportive workplaces.
BY Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI, Jonida GJUZI and Alessia AHMETAJ
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