The rise of women in leadership is not about the fall of men

I remember growing up in an environment where often women who wanted to be successful had to act like alpha males. In the 80s and 90s' we saw women in power suits and behaving more like their male bosses to climb up the leadership ladders.

Where it all started

In 1991 I drew myself on the cover of TIME Magazine, winning an award and wearing a power suit that I had seen other businesswomen and politicians wearing on the nightly news. Thankfully - I get to wear whatever I like in today's business landscape!

Building my teams

Fast forward to 2014, when I started building my most recent business, a technology company to help solve the global crisis of mental ill health. From the beginning, I planned to have a large team of advisors, cofounders, and investors who I could turn to with my blind spots and for support as this was my first time building a business of this scale. 

But this was not my first rodeo in business, and it was not my first time seeking help and experience for men who achieved high levels of business success. At the tender old age of 16, I was setting up my first business with my then-high school sweetheart. It was a clothing store called Sebachi, that went on to become one of Australia's first e-commerce businesses. 

What I learned two decades ago - ask for help!

I cold-called a gentleman called Nigel Austin, an Australian retail billionaire and the founder of Cotton On. I contacted his receptionist and said I was returning his call, and she put me straight through to his phone (I might have told a little porky!).

My opening line: "Hi Nigel my name is Amanda I'm a 16-year-old Tasmanian entrepreneur and I would love for you to be a mentor in opening a clothing store. May I send you our business plan and fly in to meet you?" - Nigel immediately said yes, what a legend!

My business partner and I flew in the next day to his office, he even picked us up from the airport! We then flew in almost once a month to work with him and his team. By 18, we had three retail sites and an online store. To this day, I'm so grateful for Nigel and his senior leadership team.

Two decades later, I still ask men for help

But back to starting my tech company in 2014, one thing this time was very different; I was about to start a company about emotions and vulnerability. I had to make the promise to show up as myself. I committed to being always honest with my team and investors about my mental health. I remember going through a relationship breakdown and they and their wives offered me advice and support.

I made a promise to not pretend to know things when I had no clue. I'm dyslexic and neurodiverse, so I seek out the kindest experts in the categories of things I know little about so I can give my business and my team the best chance of success. When I show up with authenticity, we can get to the root of all problems quickly. When I mask issues facing myself or the company, we could all lose.

My tip for women, don't be afraid to ask for support, men don't often pre-empt and usually wait to be asked.

In my current business, I have two male co-founders ( Nabil B. M. , Roy Sugarman and former co-founder, the talented Oliver Rozynski ). Each of them elevates me, supports me, and allows me to be completely myself and lean into my femininity, instead of me having to act as an alpha.

Empathy, kindness, laughter, compassion, and gentleness are words that thrive in our business ecosystem – perhaps sentiments that would not have existed in businesses 20 years ago. When I need the men in my team to step in and be my bulldog*, I am not afraid to ask them for help, their wisdom, experience and sometimes status. But generally, they let me lead with my individual, unique leadership flair and personal style, which has been our magic sauce.

*Bulldog: a more successful person (usually male) who protects by being present or by growling a little, to create an environment of appeared safety and confidence for its owner.

What is unique, is this role modelling of vulnerability by all of us, allows the men in our business to also feel safe to show up as themselves.

My personal mantra is simple but powerful

"Only when diverse perspectives are included, respected, and valued can we start to get a full picture of the world: who we serve, what they need, and how we can successfully meet people where they are."

In 2023 (and not just on International Women's Day), I appeal to the humanity in all-male leaders and ask them, what can they be doing to support the current and next generation of female leaders?

Ultimately then what we should be striving towards isn't "the fall" but rather "the rise" - one which brings us closer together through mutual respect instead of further apart by creating divisions between us based on outdated notions about gender roles in society today. 

The rise of women in leadership does not mean that professional men should feel threatened or less valuable; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for both genders to work together towards success. The reality is that diverse teams bring different perspectives, ideas, skillsets, and backgrounds which can lead organisations towards greater innovation.

I am passionate about the rise of women in leadership and am thankful for the many men who have stood behind, beside or in front of me (when I have asked), to help carve my path and build my leadership. This is not about the fall of men but rather a celebration of diversity and equality that leads to greater success for all. 

So let's embrace change together rather than fear what might happen if things don't stay exactly as they were before: by working together with mutual respect we will make sure everyone succeeds based on their capabilities rather than stereotypes or outdated expectations.

by Amanda Johnstone

Amanda Johnstone is the Founding CEO of Transhuman, a TIME Next Generation Leader and CEO Magazine Startup Executive of the Year.

amandajohnstone.com