In honor of International Women’s Day, we come together to celebrate the powerful voices and remarkable journeys of our vibrant community of fractional women executives.
This collective blog post illuminates the experiences, insights, and everyday impact of women who are redefining leadership on their own terms.
Words to My Younger Self: What Would I Say Now That I Know?
Uma Welingkar, Chief Product Officer
"If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say three things—trust in your abilities, embrace vulnerability and ask for help when needed, and always listen with empathy.
And above all, own the room you walk into with confidence and purpose.”
Virginie Glaenzer, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer
“Two pieces of advice stand out for me. First, build genuine connections beyond job titles and find mentors and peers who value respect, curiosity, and collaboration. Authentic relationships offer insights no handbook ever could.
Second, reflect regularly on your strengths, motivations, and blind spots. This inner clarity helps you lead from your core values, not just the latest trends.
Together, these habits create a strong compass—keeping you grounded, purposeful, and confident as your path unfolds.”
Susanne Mueller, Fractional Chief Leadership Coaching Officer
"Speak up. Don’t wait to be asked if you have a solution—your ideas matter, even if they’re not perfect.
Also, don’t be too nice. Growing up in Switzerland and attending an all-girls school, I absorbed the ‘be nice’ expectation.
Leadership sometimes means disrupting the comfort zone and claiming your space.”
Who Inspires You to Lead with Heart and Vision?
Uma Welingkar, Chief Product Officer
"I’ve drawn inspiration from many women—my grandmother, colleagues, mentors—but Ruth Bader Ginsburg stands apart.
She showed that you can break barriers while lifting others. Her legacy reminds me that advocacy and leadership are not separate paths but one and the same.
Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."
Virginie Glaenzer, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer
"The women who inspire me the most—especially my daughters—lead with conviction, not convention.
They pursue what lights them up, regardless of what the world expects.
Their courage reminds me that real fulfillment doesn’t come from ticking boxes—it comes from forging a path that’s deeply your own.
Here’s to every woman choosing authenticity over conformity and lighting the way for others.
Rúna Bouius, Chief Leadership Officer
"I was fortunate to witness history unfold in Iceland through two remarkable women leaders: Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world’s first democratically elected female president, and Halla Tómasdóttir, a visionary bringing feminine values into finance and leadership.
They proved that cultural diplomacy and conscious leadership can redefine national narratives.
Their paths remind me that true leadership transcends gender—it calls forth our humanity, our courage, and our collective future.
What Barriers Have You Broken—and What Did You Build in Their Place?
Rúna Bouius, Chief Leadership Officer
What if your homeland held the blueprint for gender equality that could transform the world?
As an Icelandic woman, I’ve witnessed my country lead a revolution in women’s rights—from the historic 1975 Women’s Day Off to electing the first female president in the world.
That cultural backdrop taught me that real change comes from collective action and courageous leadership.
My journey from Iceland to the international stage revealed the importance of combining fierce determination with compassionate bridge-building.
Today, I share Iceland’s model of gender equality as a source of inspiration—proof that we can shape workplaces and societies where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, unencumbered by bias or limitation.
How Are Fractional Women Executives Changing the Face of Leadership?
Susanne Mueller, Fractional Chief Leadership Coaching Officer
"Fractional leadership is more than a flexible career choice—it’s a movement. We bring deep expertise with the agility to jump in, assess, and lead without the entanglements of office politics.
It’s a model that values impact over permanence. And in doing so, it unlocks opportunities for seasoned women leaders who prioritize both purpose and balance.
This approach aligns with a future of work that is more conscious, inclusive, and dynamic—and we’re leading that charge."
Excerpt from “50 Shades of Lipstick Leadership "– Volume 1 based on Episode 395 of the podcast “Take it from the Ironwoman.”
Closing Thoughts
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this post stands as a testament to the strength, wisdom, and impact of fractional women leaders.
Through every challenge overcome, every insight shared, and every life touched, we are creating a new kind of leadership—one that honors authenticity, collaboration, and a vision for a more inclusive world.
Let’s continue to rise—together.
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