Description

Introduction

Women continue to rise as influential leaders across industries, yet barriers still exist. Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Building Influence empowers current and aspiring female leaders to overcome systemic challenges, strengthen leadership identity, and expand their impact. This course blends strategy, confidence-building, and networking to support women in leading authentically and effectively.

Prerequisites

• Interest in leadership development from a gender-equity perspective

• Experience in any professional or managerial role

• Desire to explore identity, influence, and leadership potential

• Openness to share and learn in a collaborative environment

Table of Contents

1. The Landscape of Women in Leadership
1.1 Current State of Women in Leadership Globally
1.2 Gender Gaps: Myths, Facts, and Trends
1.3 Societal Expectations and Leadership Stereotypes
1.4 Redefining Leadership Through a Gender Lens

2. Identifying and Overcoming Barriers
2.1 Implicit Bias and Microaggressions
2.2 Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Glass Cliff
2.3 Navigating Double Binds and Stereotype Threats
2.4 Challenging Organizational and Cultural Norms

3. Developing a Leadership Mindset
3.1 Owning Your Leadership Identity
3.2 Cultivating Confidence and Self-Advocacy
3.3 Turning Impostor Syndrome into Self-Belief
3.4 Building Resilience and Mental Agility

4. Strategic Influence and Visibility
4.1 Building Influence in Male-Dominated Spaces
4.2 Communicating with Power and Precision
4.3 Personal Branding for Leadership
4.4 Leveraging Social Capital and Networks

5. Decision-Making and Risk-Taking
5.1 Leading with Data and Intuition
5.2 Strategic Thinking in High-Stakes Situations
5.3 Taking Calculated Risks
5.4 Learning from Setbacks

6. Leadership Styles and Authenticity
6.1 Understanding Leadership Archetypes
6.2 Leading with Empathy, Assertiveness, and Integrity
6.3 Balancing Professional and Personal Values
6.4 Staying Authentic While Adapting to Context

7. Sponsorship, Mentorship, and Allyship
7.1 Finding and Becoming a Mentor
7.2 Seeking Sponsors Who Champion Your Growth
7.3 Building a Circle of Allies and Advocates
7.4 Giving Back: Lifting While You Rise

8. Leading with Diversity and Inclusion
8.1 Advocating for Equity in the Workplace
8.2 Inclusive Leadership Practices
8.3 Creating Opportunities for Other Women
8.4 Leading Intergenerational and Intersectional Teams

9. Navigating Leadership Across Life Stages
9.1 Managing Career Transitions and Pivots
9.2 Work-Life Integration and Boundaries
9.3 Leadership Through Motherhood and Caregiving
9.4 Embracing Lifelong Growth

10. Designing Your Leadership Legacy
10.1 Defining the Impact You Want to Make
10.2 Measuring Influence and Leadership Effectiveness
10.3 Building a Platform for Change
10.4 Inspiring the Next Generation

Women leaders shape the future through courage, clarity, and connection. By embracing your voice, building influence, and breaking through barriers, you lead not only for yourself—but for others who will follow your path. This course supports your journey toward lasting leadership impact.