StoriesFemale founders6 January 20252 min

Beyond stereotypes: how women are transforming leadership

Start It thrive female founders
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Picture a CEO. What do you see?


Most people imagine a white man in his 40s or 50s, wearing a suit and exuding authority. This mental image isn’t random, it’s shaped by societal stereotypes. While stereotypes can help us make quick judgments, they often limit our thinking and exclude people who don’t fit the traditional mold, like women or younger individuals.


Yet, the evidence is clear: inclusive leadership is better leadership. Research shows that companies with diverse leaders:

If this is the case, why do stereotypes about leadership persist? Breaking these barriers requires us to understand them and challenge them. Let’s dive into some common leadership stereotypes and how they compare to reality.

Common Leadership Stereotypes

Leadership Styles Table
Leadership StyleMythRealityHow to Challenge It
The “Command-and-Control” LeaderLeaders should be strong, authoritative, and decisive, like military generals.While decisiveness can be important, this style discourages collaboration and can stifle innovation.
  • Encourage open communication by creating an environment where team members feel safe sharing ideas and feedback.
  • Involve your team in decisions and show that you value their input.
  • Lead by example: collaborate, listen, and respect diverse viewpoints.
The Charismatic LeaderA great leader needs to be outgoing, inspiring, and full of charm.Not all leaders are extroverted, and introverted leaders often bring strengths like thoughtfulness and deep listening.
  • Focus on authenticity over charisma. Authentic leaders build trust and respect.
  • Recognize the contributions of quieter team members, valuing both extroverted and introverted styles.
  • Build meaningful connections by listening actively and showing genuine interest in your team’s well-being.
The Male LeaderLeadership is associated with traditionally masculine traits like assertiveness and competitiveness.This stereotype limits opportunities for women and non-binary individuals and punishes them for displaying traits celebrated in men.
  • Eliminate gender bias by challenging sexist language and unequal treatment.
  • Provide mentorship, leadership training, and flexible work policies to support women in leadership.
  • Celebrate diverse leadership styles by highlighting successful women and non-binary leaders.
The Age StereotypeLeaders must be older and experienced.Younger leaders bring fresh ideas, energy, and innovation but are often overlooked or underestimated.
  • Evaluate leaders based on skills, not age.
  • Create opportunities for younger employees to take on leadership roles and showcase their abilities.
  • Pair younger leaders with experienced mentors to foster learning and collaboration.
The “Perfect” LeaderA leader must always have the answers and never fail.This creates a culture of fear where mistakes are hidden instead of becoming learning opportunities.
  • Normalize failure as part of growth. Encourage team members and leaders to share lessons from mistakes.
  • Demonstrate humility by admitting your own challenges.

Breaking down barriers


Despite progress, female leaders still face unique challenges. Gender bias and stereotypes make it harder for women to prove their competence. Many female leaders find themselves walking a fine line: they must be assertive to lead but empathetic to avoid being labeled "bossy."
Women in leadership also face isolation, often being the only woman in the room at executive meetings. Building a network of peers and mentors can help overcome this and provide support.


Join the Thrive Network


At Thrive, we empower female leaders by connecting them with a community of like-minded individuals. Together, we share experiences, learn from one another, and redefine what leadership looks like.

"The Thrive program has been incredibly valuable for me. Being part of a group of like-minded women, sharing our challenges and successes, has been a game-changer. The program has provided me with the tools and confidence to grow as a leader and to push my business forward. It’s been a supportive and inspiring community that I’m grateful to be a part of." - Caroline Vercauteren, Leading Lady of BonMush

Bonmush female founder

Final Thoughts

Breaking leadership stereotypes benefits everyone. When we embrace diverse styles, we unlock innovation, improve decision-making, and create stronger teams. Female leaders like Caroline Vercauteren are proof that breaking stereotypes leads to success and they inspire others to follow suit.
Join Thrive and be part of the movement to build a more inclusive future.