In today’s ever-evolving world, women continue to prove themselves as the cornerstone of our society. They are daughters, wives, mothers, career professionals, business owners, community, and political leaders—all while inspiring others to pursue their own dreams. The world thrives because of women’s unwavering determination and leadership. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, women often remain underrepresented and undervalued in spaces of influence and decision-making. This must change, as women deserve more credit, visibility, and income.

About Dr. Adebola Ajao, PhD. MPH.

Dr. Adebola Ajao is a pharmacoepidemiologist, author, keynote speaker, personal, professional, and leadership development coach. With a PhD in Epidemiology and over two decades in public health, Dr. Ajao has dedicated her career to advancing women’s health and women’s leadership. She founded Empowering Initiatives LLC, an organization that equips professional women to unlock their potential and thrive in their personal and professional lives. Dr. Ajao is the author of Empowered Woman and co-author of The Habits Code and Grit and Grace: Women Redefining Leadership. Through her workshops and coaching programs, she equips women to think big, conquer their fears, and achieve extraordinary success.

Through her organization and network, Dr. Ajao guides women to identify their passions, walk in their purpose, and fulfill their highest potential. To achieve more grit, visibility, and income, women need to master the art of leadership—beginning with understanding who they are and what they stand for.

Who is an Empowered Female Leader?

Leadership isn’t about holding a title—it’s about embodying qualities that inspire, influence, and create positive change in one’s environment. A leader excels in roles that demand strength, resilience, and adaptability. Leaders face challenges, learn from their experiences, and use that growth to guide others. True leadership starts with self-discovery and self-mastery, and every woman, regardless of her role, has the potential to lead.

Dr. Ajao’s journey taught her that leadership is a lifelong process of growth, resilience, and courage. After burning out in her early career as a minority female scientist, she discovered that effective leadership begins with leading oneself—knowing your strengths, values, and purpose. This realization reshaped her path and taught her to lead clearly and confidently.

Five Leadership Traits Every Woman Needs

To stand out and achieve more grit, visibility, and income, Dr. Ajao believes women must cultivate five key leadership traits:

1. Self-Leadership

Leadership begins from within. Self-leadership is about understanding your unique talents and aligning them with your goals. It requires self-awareness, self-assessment, and continuous self-improvement. During Dr. Ajao’s career transition from individual contributor to leadership, she discovered that mastering her inner strengths and gaining the courage to trust herself was crucial to stepping into her full leadership potential.

2. Goal Setting

Great leaders are visionaries who think big and set ambitious goals. However, dreaming alone isn’t enough. Leaders must break their vision into actionable steps by setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals. A clear roadmap and the discipline to follow through are vital for achieving your goals. Dr. Ajao also believes leaders must develop a resilient mindset that includes positivity, gratitude, and affirmations to fuel their success.

3. Skill Development

Leadership skills are not always innate; they are developed over time. Women leaders must cultivate critical skills like decision-making, effective communication, delegation, and crisis management. When Dr. Ajao was first offered the opportunity to lead a team of scientific experts, she was intimidated. But by embracing feedback, seeking mentorship, and consistently learning, she gained the confidence to lead with impact and empathy.

4. Servant Leadership

True leaders serve others. They lead by example, demonstrating integrity, fairness, and gratitude. As the eldest of five children, Dr. Ajao learned early on that leadership is about service. Today, she prioritizes listening to her team, valuing their perspectives, and ensuring they feel appreciated. Servant leadership builds trust and fosters collaboration, allowing teams to thrive together.

5. Building a Network of Support

No leader succeeds alone. Mentors, coaches, and peers are invaluable for guidance, accountability, and growth. When Dr. Ajao embarked on her journey as an author, she leaned on a supportive community of writers and coaches. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of networks. Through Empowering Initiatives LLC, Dr. Ajao is creating a community where women empower one another, amplifying each other’s platforms and celebrating each other’s achievements.

Redefining Leadership for Women

Every woman’s leadership story is unique, shaped by her challenges, triumphs, and aspirations. By mastering self-leadership, setting clear goals, developing essential leadership skills, leading by example, and building strong networks, women can achieve the recognition, influence, and income they deserve.

As women continue to lead in their homes, workplaces, and communities, society must acknowledge their contributions and amplify their voices. Leadership isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about leaving a legacy of impact. Together, let’s empower more women to step into their greatness.

Published by Charlie N.