Giorgia. Corinne. Nadia. Brenda. Shweta. Huda.
These are the names of the incredible women who have led, mentored, and shaped me throughout my career, and continue to do so. From the very start of my professional journey, I was fortunate to be guided by career-driven women who taught me, challenged me, and celebrated my wins.
As a young professional stepping into the corporate world, I was naturally anxious—I didn’t know what to expect. Up until that point, my only real work experience was as a DJ, where I was my own boss and set my own tempo (no pun intended), and as a waiter at a high-end restaurant, where I worked under a strict French Brigade-style chef and a tough maître d’. But my first corporate mentor was different. There was a balance—firmness and compassion, structure and understanding. It was then that I realized I thrived under the leadership of career-driven women.
Though my early roles were freelance, meaning I had little say in who I worked under, I was fortunate enough to always find myself learning from remarkable female leaders. When it came time to seek full-time employment, I understood that before choosing a company, I had to choose the right leader. And when I met another inspiring woman—someone juggling multiple responsibilities both in and out of the office—I knew she was the boss I wanted to work under.
At the time, as a young, single man, I didn’t fully grasp the complexities of her life. But one weekend, when we had to work from her home, I met her family and saw a different side of her—the mother, the wife, the mentor. It was then that I truly understood the sacrifices career-driven women make. No matter how times change, women remain the backbone of both their families and their workplaces. And my boss wasn’t just holding things together at home—she was the backbone of our company as well.
But it wasn’t just the balancing act that made me admire them. My next leader wasn’t a mother, yet she faced a different challenge—misogyny and gender bias. I watched as clients and colleagues questioned her expertise, dismissed her input, or spoke over her. Though we sometimes had differing opinions on work-related matters, our shared fight against bias strengthened our bond. We grew to understand each other better, and our relationship became stronger because of it.
Time and again, I’ve seen the resilience, intelligence, and adaptability of career-driven women. They lead with purpose, mentor with sincerity, and push boundaries despite the challenges thrown their way. Their leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about uplifting those around them, fostering growth, and paving the way for others to follow.
As I reflect on my journey, I feel privileged to have worked under such strong female leaders. They have taught me what it means to lead with both strength and empathy. They have shown me that leadership is not about dominance, but about empowerment. They have inspired me to be better—not just as a professional, but as an ally.
Today, as I continue to work alongside and learn from brilliant women, I remain committed to standing in their corner. Ready to hold the towel and water, to step in when needed, and to celebrate their victories as they continue to shape the future.
Because championing career-driven women isn’t just about admiration—it’s about acknowledging their impact, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that they get the recognition they rightfully deserve.
