In the ever-changing world of leadership, three extraordinary voices have reshaped how we think about progress, equity, and the power of connection. These women come from diverse backgrounds, yet they share a commitment to redefining what it means to lead in today’s world. Each, in her own way, has challenged conventional wisdom, rejected complacency, and embraced the responsibility to create spaces where everyone can thrive.
One has shown how success and well-being must go hand in hand, urging us to rethink the metrics of achievement. Another has dismantled entrenched biases, empowering women to claim their rightful place in the workforce and the world. The third has pioneered transformational change by disrupting systems that exclude and championing inclusion as a moral and business imperative.
Arianna Huffington, Sheryl Sandberg, and Nellie Borrero exemplify the synergy of vision, resilience, and purpose. Their stories and work highlight what it means to lead with empathy, courage, and an unwavering belief in human potential. Together, they form a compelling tapestry of lessons for any leader seeking to foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) while driving meaningful change.
Finding Strength in Connectedness: Arianna Huffington
For Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, leadership begins with connectedness. She explains, “Relationships are not just transactional.” This belief drives her to prioritize emotional depth and genuine human connection, whether in personal interactions or organizational cultures. As she reflects, “The more we can move away from all these things that separate us and connect at a deeper level, the more we really tap into that sense of Oneness.”
“We are not machines; we are not software. For the human operating system, downtime is a feature, not a bug.” — Arianna Huffington
Her advocacy for redefining success is the foundation of her book Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder. In it, Huffington recounts her own experience of burnout, which inspired her to advocate for well-being as a critical metric for success: “We are not machines; we are not software. For the human operating system, downtime is a feature, not a bug.” Her emphasis on prioritizing health, empathy, and purpose resonates deeply with DEI principles, particularly in creating environments where all employees, regardless of background, can thrive.
Redefining Success for Women: Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, is a rallying cry for women to break barriers and embrace leadership. She highlights systemic biases, noting, “The data is very clear that success and likability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women.” This challenge underscores the need for equitable opportunities and environments that dismantle these stereotypes.
Sandberg also stresses the importance of shared responsibilities at home, stating, “The number one thing that needs to change for women to succeed more in the workforce is actually not in the workforce—it’s in the home.” Her call for equitable caregiving aligns with Huffington’s emphasis on holistic well-being and provides a structural lens for advancing gender equality.
Her book encourages women to embrace their ambition unapologetically: “The game is not about looking pretty. The game is about what you can learn and what you can contribute.” Sandberg’s work reminds leaders to assess and address the biases that perpetuate inequality in the workplace.
Courage to Disrupt: Nellie Borrero
Nellie Borrero, author of Unwavering: Rejecting Bias, Igniting Change, Celebrating Inclusion, believes meaningful change requires courage and intentional disruption. She asserts, “When you want to create cultural change and an environment that’s more inclusive, it is going to require some disruption because we’re changing the norm.”
In her book, Borrero explores strategies for addressing biases and fostering equity. Her approach to DEI emphasizes lifting others while climbing, asking, “Have you done or are you doing everything you need to do to feel good about advocating for yourself, advocating for others, and lifting others as you are lifted?” This philosophy reflects a commitment to mentoring others, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and creating pathways for inclusive growth.
Borrero also challenges leaders to confront personal and systemic biases: “The thing with bias is that once you’re aware that it’s showing up, you have a responsibility and accountability to yourself to recognize it and do something about it.” Her insistence on action-oriented leadership makes Unwavering a valuable resource for anyone committed to building inclusive organizations.
The Synergy of Vision
Together, Huffington, Sandberg, and Borrero exemplify leadership that transcends traditional paradigms. Huffington’s focus on connectedness and well-being lays the foundation for inclusive workplaces. Sandberg’s critique of gender bias provides a roadmap for structural reforms, while Borrero’s insistence on courageous disruption offers the tactical steps to enact change. Their shared emphasis on empathy and advocacy reflects their belief in the power of human connection.
Borrero’s challenge resonates: “Ask yourself, through what lens are you seeing people? Are you only seeing them through your own personal experience, or are you positioning yourself to understand a whole different experience?” This principle encapsulates the need for leaders to broaden their perspectives and embrace diverse voices.
Leading with Purpose
The lessons from these leaders underscore that true leadership integrates empathy, equity, and resilience. Huffington’s reminder to “live life as though everything is rigged in your favor” echoes the optimism needed to sustain change. Sandberg’s belief that “we need feminism in its most pure form in some parts of the world” reflects her commitment to tailored solutions for complex challenges. Meanwhile, Borrero’s reflection, “If you’re not willing to be that leader to make those changes, then you’re going to be the leader that continues to admire the problem,” calls for proactive, purpose-driven action.
By redefining success, fostering belonging, and disrupting inequitable systems, these women remind us that leadership is not just about achieving goals; it’s about uplifting others along the way.
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About Tech Topics
Tech Topics is a newsletter with a focus on contemporary challenges and innovations in the workplace and the broader world of technology. Produced by Boston-based Conceptual Technology (http://www.conceptualtech.com), the articles explore various aspects of professional life, including workplace dynamics, evolving technological trends, job satisfaction, diversity and discrimination issues, and cybersecurity challenges. These themes reflect a keen interest in understanding and navigating the complexities of modern work environments and the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Tech Topics offers a multi-faceted view of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology, work, and life. It prompts readers to think critically about how they interact with technology, both as professionals and as individuals. The publication encourages a holistic approach to understanding these challenges, emphasizing the need for balance, inclusivity, and sustainability in our rapidly changing world. As we navigate this landscape, the insights provided by these articles can serve as valuable guides in our quest to harmonize technology with the human experience.