When I first picked up The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, I had one goal: to learn strategies for navigating the corporate political climate in order to advance my career. The book promised to provide a detailed guide to understanding and navigating power dynamics in social, political, and professional contexts. The idea of mastering the rules of power was tempting, especially as I sought to climb the ladder in a competitive and male-dominated field.

However, as I read through the book’s laws, it began to dawn on me that these weren’t just abstract ideas. Many of these tactics were already being employed by the men I worked with and for. It was like uncovering the playbook for a game I hadn’t fully realized I was part of. But something else became clear: if I, as a woman, were to behave in the same manner as these “power players,” there’s no way in hell I would get the same results.

Society, after all, doesn’t look kindly on women who manipulate and dominate in the ways described in the book. Assertiveness in men might be seen as leadership, but the same behavior in women is too often dismissed as aggressive or calculating. Suddenly, the very strategies I hoped would empower me felt like they would do the opposite—leaving me scrutinized, undermined, or labeled.

This realization was disheartening, but the desire to advance in a system built for and by men was no longer a goal that resonated with me. Instead, I began to ask myself: Why try to succeed in a space that wasn’t designed for me? My definition of success began to evolve and I felt a growing passion to build a path that aligns with my own core principles.

That shift in perspective became my mission. I no longer aspired to simply “make it” in the current world of corporate power games. My focus shifted toward building spaces where women like me could thrive, free from the constraints of outdated dynamics. My new goal became fostering collaboration, mentorship, and inclusivity—not just for myself, but for others who’ve felt the weight of these inequities.

Creating these spaces isn’t just about supporting women—it’s about redefining the rules of success altogether. It’s about valuing empathy, community, and authenticity as much as (or more than) ambition. It’s about building workplaces where collaboration is prioritized over competition, and where individuals are valued for who they are rather than how well they fit into traditional molds of power. This is what women can achieve when they come together to achieve a common goal. This is what a world that is run by women looks like.

Organizations led by women foster inclusive decision-making, prioritize work-life balance, and support conflict resolution through empathy. In workplaces shaped by women’s leadership, policies include flexible hours, generous parental leave, and wellness programs that prioritize mental and physical health. Women uplift peers, offer professional guidance, and form networks while fostering a sense of community and shared growth.

Here are just some of the inspiring women-led organizations making a significant impact:

Women’s World Banking: Founded by Esther Ocloo, Ela Bhatt, Michaela Walsh, and Jocelyn Dow, this organization focuses on empowering women through financial inclusion. It provides tailored financial products like savings accounts and loans to underserved women, helping them build businesses and support their families.

Malala Fund: Co-founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and her father, this nonprofit advocates for girls’ education worldwide. It invests in education initiatives, particularly in regions where girls face significant barriers to schooling.

Girls Who Code: Founded by Reshma Saujani, this organization aims to close the gender gap in technology by teaching girls coding skills and fostering a supportive community.

Women for Women International: This nonprofit supports marginalized women in conflict-affected areas by equipping them with vocational skills, education, and resources to rebuild their lives.

Movemeant Foundation: Led by Jenny Gaither, this organization empowers young women to embrace body positivity and confidence through fitness, mentorship, and health education.

Moment Drinks: Co-founded by Aisha Chottani and Feheem Kajee, this company is known for its unique concept of “meditation in a bottle.” The brand is a testament to female entrepreneurship and innovation. By creating a product that promotes mindfulness and stress relief, Moment Drinks aligns with a growing trend of wellness-focused businesses led by women.

Canva: Co-founded by Melanie Perkins, Canva is a graphic design platform that has democratized design, making it accessible to individuals and businesses worldwide.

These inspiring women-led businesses demonstrate the power of redefining leadership and success. They show us that success isn’t about climbing hierarchical ladders but about fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation, and creating environments where well-being and authenticity take center stage. For me, this has become a personal mission. I am committed to building spaces where integrity, collaboration, and mutual respect thrive.

One critical area I’m focused on transforming is the pervasive culture of taking credit for others’ work—a tactic that has long been normalized in male-dominated industries, especially in tech. By dismantling this outdated practice, we can create workplaces that celebrate genuine contributions and uplift everyone involved. It’s time to rewrite the rules of success and prioritize inclusion, authenticity, and empathy.

To all the women out there ready to embrace this new vision of success: I invite you to join me in building a movement that changes the game. If you’re looking for guidance in navigating these challenges or creating your own path to empowerment, please feel free to reach out via my Contact page. Together, we can redefine success on our own terms and open the door to a brighter, more inclusive future. Let’s take the first step—together.