In 2024 I wrote about Four Ways for Women — or Anyone — to Take the Lead, based on my International Women's Day article for . I was touched by the feedback I received that my words about leadership resonated with so many women. Women in leadership face unique challenges, and their journeys are often shaped by resilience, strategic thinking and the ability to rise above adversity. To celebrate International Women's Day in 2025, I wanted to share some more ways that I think women can lead:
1) Visibility: Be Seen and Heard
Visibility is often a struggle for women in leadership. The term "visible minority" seems to imply that minorities are easily seen, but the reality is often different. Women, particularly in male-dominated environments, can become invisible in important meetings or discussions. It's a common experience for women to voice an idea in a meeting, only for a male colleague to repeat it moments later and receive the credit.
The challenge here isn't just about being ignored—it’s about being actively overlooked. Women often have to work harder to make their contributions visible and recognized. One key strategy for overcoming this invisibility is to address these moments as they happen. If a male colleague repeats an idea, women should calmly acknowledge the situation, saying something like, "Thank you for reiterating the point I made." This method doesn't come across as confrontational but ensures the original speaker gets credit. It’s important to be intentional in highlighting one’s contributions, making it clear that their thoughts have value and merit.
Visibility isn't just about recognition; it's also about advocating for oneself. Women often wait for opportunities to come to them, but they need to be proactive in putting themselves forward. Whether it’s volunteering for a committee or proposing an idea, making one's interest known is key to getting noticed. In the early stages of a career, saying “yes” and being present is essential. Later, as one's reputation grows, it’s still crucial to be visible, but with an emphasis on meaningful contributions that align with personal passions and goals.
2) Responding to Adversity: Turn Setbacks into Opportunities
Adversity is an inevitable part of any leadership journey, and how a woman responds to setbacks is a powerful indicator of her potential. I want to share with you a deeply personal experience: I was passed over for my dream job—a setback that initially left me disheartened. Yet, instead of letting this rejection define me, I gave myself a set period of time to grieve. I allowed myself to feel the disappointment but made a promise to move on after two weeks.
This two-week period, however, was crucial to processing the emotional impact without letting it shape me permanently. By the end of that time, I had shifted my focus, ready to face new opportunities. It was this mindset that eventually led to an unexpected offer—an opportunity that changed the course of my career and led to a program I still take pride in today.
Think of adversity not as an end but as a potential gateway to new opportunities. How one handles rejection, disappointment and failure speaks volumes about their resilience. Leaders who respond with grace, professionalism and a commitment to move forward will always be seen as strong candidates for future success.
3) Doors Will Open for Good People: Resilience Leads to New Opportunities
A common misconception is that a single setback can define a career. However, for women in leadership, resilience is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
Good people—and good leaders—are recognized for their skills, work ethic and contributions. Even if one door closes, it doesn't mean the journey is over. Resilience isn’t about pretending setbacks don’t hurt, it’s about maintaining faith in one's abilities and knowing that another door will open when the time is right. Women who demonstrate professionalism in the face of adversity and continue to show up with dedication will find that new opportunities arise.
Moreover, it’s not just about persevering–it’s about being proactive. Sometimes, women need to create their own opportunities by stepping up, voicing their ambitions and seeking out new paths. It’s often in these moments of self-advocacy that other doors open, sometimes in unexpected ways.
4) Taking Risks: Challenge Yourself and Break Free of Limits
For many women, leadership is about understanding when to take risks, whether it’s pursuing a challenging new role or stepping into an unfamiliar field. Often, women can be their own biggest obstacles, not due to a lack of talent but because of self-imposed limitations. I often thought of myself as a cautious person—pediatrics is a field where you need to be cautious–yet my colleagues often described me as strategic and bold. This disconnect between self-perception and how others see you can limit growth if women don’t take the risks necessary to challenge their own assumptions.
Taking risks isn't about being reckless. It’s about embracing uncertainty and trusting in one’s abilities to navigate through it. A strategic risk can push women to explore uncharted territories, to step outside their comfort zones, and to break free from both personal and societal limitations. By taking calculated risks, women can open doors to new experiences, new leadership roles and new possibilities.
Inspiring Impact
At the 海角社区, the theme for International Women's Day 2025 is "inspiring impact." Women can inspire others, not just within their own industries but anywhere. This perspective is key to understanding that leadership is not confined to one’s area of work but is about creating change, challenging norms and supporting others. By championing the idea of "inspiring impact," women can encourage others to lead beyond any limitations placed upon them.
Verna Yiu
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Listen to Dr. Verna Yiu and other healthcare leaders on opportunities to promote women-led, evidence-based healthcare leadership during in recognition of International Women’s Day at 10 a.m. MST on March 10, 2025.