Every successful women entrepreneur will have a different past that led them to where they are today. But, as we all face different challenges unique to us, we can learn from other successful ladies.
I know that my path took me all over the place, from working on muscle cars to acting to building an empire…
Letting other women inspire us is how we can take some of the traits that make them successful entrepreneurs and apply them to our journeys.
Here, I want to highlight some of the characteristics that successful women have in common.
The best part is anyone can learn to incorporate these qualities. Then, use them for their own success.
Accountability
When Mary Barra became the first female CEO of General Motors, she was forced to fix a problem that she did not create.
Not only did she have to testify in front of Congress for a problem with Chevy Cobalts…
But she had to become the new face of a company with a history of bankruptcy and mismanagement.
During this time, she was able to work with federal regulators…
Assess compensation claims in record time…
Build a new plan for the future of the company and produce the best vehicles…
ALL WHILE BEING A MOM WITH TWO CHILDREN.
In the 10 years since her promotion to CEO, she still has no plans to slow down.
Barra has had to lead with grace, understanding, and most importantly, accountability.
Accountability in Successful Woman Entrepreneurs
It’s never easy to admit to mistakes and wrongdoing…
Especially as a CEO.
Addressing these issues with levelheadedness and responsibility takes a level of accountability that a lot of successful women entrepreneurs should aspire to.
This is a woman who does not shy away from hardship in business. I strive to own my power as a businesswoman…
AND THAT MEANS TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE GOOD AND THE BAD.
Being accountable is something that every woman needs to learn in their path to greatness.
Tenacity
Despite Whitney Wolfe Herd having to step down from her position as cofounder and vice president of marketing at Tinder…
After suing her ex in a sexual harassment case…
She created Bumble, Tinder’s biggest competitor, instead of wallowing in sadness.
Herd founded one of the most innovative dating apps in the industry. She focused on the needs of women and created a digital space to empower women in the dating world.
Inspired by classic Sadie Hawkins dances, she designed Bumble with one unique feature in mind…
WOMEN HAVE TO SEND THE FIRST MESSAGE WITHIN 24 HOURS OR THE MATCH DISAPPEARS.
This feature allows for a safer dating environment for female users, who are so often victims of harassment on dating apps.
I am honestly inspired by Herd’s story…
She built an empire from industry knowledge and she was able to put it to use supporting other women.
The Power of Perseverance in Successful Women Entrepreneurs
This ability to rise above her situation shows a level of perseverance that any woman can learn from. As successful women entrepreneurs, we have to learn when we are being dealt an unfair hand…
And figure out how we are going to come out on top.
Herd became the youngest female CEO to take a company public, and she’s a member of the Forbes 30 under 30 list…
This tenacity and her ability to overcome her challenges is inspirational. Herd clearly shows that…
WHEN WOMEN HAVE ENOUGH DRIVE AND DETERMINATION, THEY CAN DOMINATE
Generosity
What if I told you that the first Portuguese woman to climb Mount Everest didn’t do it for the glory…
OR EVEN FOR HERSELF.
Maria Canceicao was a flight attendant. But when she witnessed the lack of resources and opportunities there were for women and children in Bangladesh…
She dropped everything to make a change.
Canceicao was determined to build schools, daycare centers, and salons to help the local community.
After three years, when funds started running short, she joined an expedition to the South Pole to raise awareness for her cause.
Then, she became the first Portuguese woman to climb Mount Everest and swim the English Channel. Later, she claimed the world record for the quickest time completing an Iron Man…
ALL TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE CHILDREN IN HER SCHOOLS
All of Canceicao’s incredible physical feats were to provide for the girls of Bangladesh. Her spirit of generosity is what propelled her to accomplish things that no one thought was possible.
Anything is Possible with a PURPOSE
Even after all these trials, Canceicao still believes that the most difficult thing she’s done is manage her schools and her charity.
“MY GOAL FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS IS TO TAKE THESE CHILDREN TO THE HIGHEST POINTS I CAN TAKE THEM”
As women entrepreneurs, success doesn’t just come from what we make for ourselves…
But it also comes from what we can do for the communities around us.
I had to learn the hard way that giving back is one of the most fulfilling things you could do as a person.
We should all be motivated to build our own legacies…
But that legacy should also include generosity to others when they need it.
What Traits Are Most Important for Successful Women Entrepreneurs?
Ultimately, whatever traits get you to success are going to be the ones that you rely on the most…
Yet, it’s important to let yourself be inspired by other women.
When you learn from others, you’re not just being inspired by their stories…
You’re also evaluating what traits you could incorporate into your life, relationships, and businesses.
Whether it’s accountability…
Tenacity…
Or generosity…
As much as we build our own empires, it is also important to tap into others’ strengths.
If you’re looking for more women to connect with and learn from, check out my Empire Academy. Here, women in every industry learn from each other and push themselves to the next level.
To become a truly successful woman entrepreneur, you have to learn when to be inspired…
And when to take the lead.
Build an Empire,
Elena Cardone
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