Why Navigating Uncertainty Can Redefine Your Leadership

There’s been a lot of talk on whether women are truly equipped to handle the highest levels of power, particularly in times of crisis. It’s a familiar narrative, one that many of us have faced throughout our careers. But let’s be clear—uncertainty isn’t just a part of leadership; it’s a defining characteristic. 

This is the 'glass cliff'. Women are frequently placed in leadership roles precisely when the stakes are highest and the risk of failure looms large. It’s a scenario filled with both opportunity and danger—a double-edged sword, because if the ship sinks, the blame often falls squarely on us.

Yet, this very uncertainty can be a source of strength. Women, by nature and necessity, bring a unique perspective to leadership—one that is deeply rooted in resilience, adaptability, and a long history of navigating adversity. We’re familiar with finding new paths when the old ones were closed off, and have done so with both strength and grace.

This is where the principles of the Graciously Assertive approach become particularly powerful, especially when the odds are stacked against you. It requires a mindset that goes beyond surviving, it’s about:

• Turning adversity into opportunity
• Seeing potential where others see only problems
• Using vulnerability as a strength
• Making clear, decisive action rooted in authenticity

True leadership is about long-term success. Ground yourself in your purpose as a leader—what do you stand for? What is the vision you want to achieve? Let that purpose guide your decisions, even when the path ahead is unclear, and use it to redefine what leadership looks like.

Reflect the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who, during her time on the U.S. Supreme Court, faced enormous pressure and opposition. Yet, she remained steadfast in her principles, advocating for gender equality and civil rights, and her legacy continues to inspire leaders facing their own battles today.

I encourage you to embrace the uncertainty that comes your way—not as a barrier, but as a transformative force that will shape you into the leader you were always meant to be.

My book, 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚: 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧, I explore these principles in greater depth, offering insights from my own journey and from the experiences of remarkable women leaders who have faced and overcome similar challenges. It’s about understanding that the way we navigate uncertainty today will define the leaders we become tomorrow. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Vroman's.