I was recently asked: As a woman in leadership, what is your definition of success? Has it changed over the years?
Early in my career, I thought success was about climbing the ladder—titles, accolades, and tangible achievements. And in many ways, it was and is… But over time, I realized that true success isn’t just about what you reach—it’s about what you create and leave behind.
In hiking and backpacking, the goal is always to leave the trail better than you found it. I see leadership the same way. For me, success is about impact. It’s about fostering environments where people feel valued, seen, and empowered to bring their best selves to their work. It’s about the resilience I help cultivate in teams, the confidence I see grow in individuals, the organizations that achieve success by investing in their people, and the inclusive cultures I work to build.
Yes, I still care about results (always!), but I care just as much about the ripples left behind—the leaders who step up, the workplaces that evolve, the people who find their voice. I care about companies that recognize their greatest asset is their talent and build cultures that fuel long-term success.
How has your definition of success evolved? Let’s start a conversation. I would love to hear your perspective!👇
