As UK chancellor Rachel Reeves faces ongoing media attention for her emotional response at work, we explore insights offered to female leaders during the recent Brilliance Summit, an event aimed at empowering women in leadership roles.
Key Insights From the Brilliance Summit
During a panel entitled “Five Things Every Woman in Leadership Should Know,” several expert speakers shared their experiences and advice. Former Nike retail vice president Lucy Rouse emphasized the importance of self-awareness. “Don’t believe the negative stories you tell yourself,” she advised, referencing the work of renowned writer Brené Brown.
Self-Reflection and Curiosity
Rouse encouraged attendees to challenge the narratives they create about themselves. She noted that many women in leadership often diminish their own roles, while their male counterparts typically maintain more positive self-perceptions. “Question what that story is because most of the stories women in leadership tell themselves involve making themselves smaller,” Rouse stated.
Breaking Free from Unrealistic Standards
Selina Chang, head of data at Ycorp, pointed out that women frequently face unattainable expectations. “We live in a very binary society,” she said, elaborating on how women leaders are often expected to embody contradictory traits, such as being both assertive and collaborative.
Chang highlighted the contradictions inherent in these expectations, stating, “Women have to be everything: we have to be very diplomatic, but very assertive.” She encouraged women to recognize the unrealistic standards imposed upon them, allowing for a shift in mindset that could facilitate personal success.
Understanding Your Value
Lisa Smith, the first Black African American partner at Deloitte’s UK consulting practice, shared her powerful insights. She urged women to “understand your worth, and how you make an impact.” Smith stressed that knowing your strengths is vital for success, saying, “If you understand your business and the prowess you bring, you really are unstoppable.”
Embracing Cultural Context
Drawing from her own cultural experiences, Smith noted that to excel as a Black woman in leadership, one must often work harder to prove their capabilities. “I have not stopped learning. I knew, as a Black woman, that my precision, my planning, and my organizing had to be better than anyone else’s,” she shared.
Reframing Humility in Leadership
Chang added a cultural perspective on humility, advising that the traditional notion of staying humble has limited effectiveness in achieving success. “In our culture, we are taught to keep your head down; work hard; someone’s going to see your value. That doesn’t work,” she stated. Instead, she advocated for focusing on one’s strengths as a path toward advancement.
Accountability and Self-Reflection
Furthermore, Smith challenged women to lay down their egos when pursuing executive roles. “Your task is about getting to the [C-suite/executive] table,” she explained, suggesting that self-reflection is essential. “Hold yourself accountable sometimes, and say: Have I gotten in my own way?”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Brenda Emmanus, who chaired the discussion, reinforced the idea that strengths and weaknesses coexist. When imposter syndrome arises, she encouraged leaders to view it as a signal rather than a limitation. “You’re not here to be palatable. You’re here to be powerful,” Emmanus said, empowering women to persevere in their leadership journeys.
The Brilliance Summit took place in London on June 26, 2025, gathering women leaders to share experiences and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership in today’s world.
