In a world that glorifies hustle, burnout has become an almost inevitable reality for high-achievers. The constant pressure to perform, lead, and deliver results can slowly erode well-being, leaving even the most driven professionals feeling exhausted, disengaged, and overwhelmed. But burnout is not a badge of honor—it’s a signal that something needs to change.

The good news? Recovery is possible. The key lies in setting boundaries, creating balance, and unlocking breakthroughs that allow for sustainable success. And while self-awareness is essential, navigating these shifts alone can be challenging. That’s where working with a coach can be a game-changer.

The Power of Boundaries

One of the biggest contributors to burnout is a lack of clear boundaries. When work seeps into every aspect of life—late-night emails, weekend calls, endless obligations—it becomes impossible to recharge. High performers often struggle with setting limits, fearing they’ll appear uncommitted or miss opportunities. But the reality is that boundaries protect energy and focus, making it easier to perform at a high level without burning out.

Start by identifying where boundaries are lacking. Do meetings dominate your calendar, leaving no time for deep work? Are you constantly available, responding to messages at all hours? Once you pinpoint the problem areas, take intentional steps to create separation. That might mean blocking out time for focused work, setting clear expectations about response times, or simply learning to say no.

A coach can help you gain clarity on where boundaries need to be reinforced and provide strategies for maintaining them—without guilt or fear of repercussions. Boundaries aren’t about doing less; they’re about making room for what truly matters.

Finding True Balance

The idea of work-life balance can feel like a myth, especially for those in demanding roles. Instead of striving for a perfect equilibrium, think about balance as a dynamic process—one that requires regular check-ins and adjustments.

Start by evaluating where your time and energy are going. If work is consuming everything, consider small shifts that create space for other priorities. That might mean carving out time for exercise, hobbies, or meaningful connections. It’s not about rigidly dividing time but about ensuring that different areas of life are getting the attention they need.

Another critical element of balance is recovery. High performers often underestimate the importance of rest, but peak performance isn’t possible without it. Sleep, movement, and mental downtime are not luxuries—they’re necessities. Just as elite athletes prioritize recovery to sustain performance, professionals must do the same.

A coach can help you identify blind spots and develop personalized strategies to restore balance—ensuring that success is sustainable, not just achievable.

Breakthroughs That Shift Everything

Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s often a sign that something deeper is off. A breakthrough moment comes when you recognize that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of well-being.

This shift often involves redefining what achievement looks like. Instead of measuring success by output alone, consider the quality of life alongside professional goals. Are you engaged in work that energizes you? Do you feel a sense of purpose in what you do? When success is aligned with personal fulfillment, work becomes more sustainable and meaningful.

Another game-changing breakthrough is embracing support. Many high achievers take pride in handling everything on their own, but true leadership involves delegation and collaboration. Seeking mentorship, investing in professional development, or working with an executive coach can accelerate growth while preventing burnout. A coach serves as both a thought partner and accountability guide, helping you gain insights, challenge limiting beliefs, and create actionable plans that align with your long-term vision.

Final Thoughts

Burnout isn’t an inevitable cost of success—it’s a warning sign that something needs to shift. By setting firm boundaries, creating a sense of balance, and allowing for breakthroughs in mindset and strategy, it’s possible to achieve success without sacrificing well-being.

The most effective professionals aren’t the ones who push themselves to exhaustion—they’re the ones who learn how to sustain their energy, creativity, and impact over the long term.

And if you’re ready to make that shift, partnering with a coach can provide the clarity, structure, and support you need to create lasting change.

Where can you start making a shift today?

For millennia, the feminine principle has been hidden, suppressed, and misunderstood. Yet, an energetic shift is happening, one that is guiding humanity—and particularly women—back toward balance and harmony. As ancient wisdom resurfaces, we are witnessing the return of the sacred feminine in ways that go beyond spirituality. In the modern corporate world, women are stepping into leadership roles with a new sense of purpose, intuition, and wisdom, drawing on ancient teachings to shape the future of business and society.

The world once thrived in a delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies. Ancient societies, such as pre-dynastic Egypt, operated through a matrilineal structure, where wisdom, leadership, and spiritual power were passed through the feminine. These societies were built on harmony, creativity, and collaboration—principles that align closely with the core values many modern companies are beginning to prioritize today. As patriarchal structures began to dominate, the role of the feminine was overshadowed, and much of the ancient knowledge was buried. However, just as the Earth is undergoing an energetic shift, so too are women reclaiming their rightful place in leadership.

The Kundalini energy of the Earth, which once resided in the masculine Himalayas, has shifted to the feminine Andes, signaling the return of the divine feminine on a planetary scale. This shift is not just metaphysical—it is playing out in the corporate world as well, where women are stepping forward with a deep sense of connection, wisdom, and intuitive leadership. It’s an era of reclamation—reclaiming women’s roles as leaders, healers, and visionaries in the spaces where decisions that shape the world are made.

In this age of energetic transformation, the business world is discovering that leadership is not just about power or authority—it is about connection. Women are leading in ways that recognize the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, recognizing that successful leadership is grounded in relationships and mutual respect. As they embrace these values, women are also challenging the traditional, hierarchical business models that have dominated for centuries. They are replacing competition with cooperation, striving to create organizations that are not just financially successful, but also deeply committed to their people, their environment, and their purpose.

The return of the sacred feminine in corporate leadership means recognizing the interconnectedness of all things—whether that’s understanding the impact of decisions on employees, the community, or the planet. As the Earth shifts energetically, women in leadership are similarly embracing the understanding that true leadership requires a balance between masculine and feminine energies. It requires embracing intuition, honoring emotions, and recognizing the importance of nurturing relationships, while also utilizing strategy, drive, and ambition.

Just as ancient civilizations honored the feminine energy as a source of creativity and growth, today’s leaders are beginning to see the value in these same principles. The feminine is no longer seen as soft or secondary to masculine power. It is being recognized as a powerful force of creation, innovation, and sustainability—qualities essential to the future of corporate leadership. As women step into these roles, they bring with them a vision for a world where balance, wisdom, and respect are at the forefront of every decision.

The Kundalini rising within the Earth reflects the rising Kundalini within women—a deep, inner knowing that calls for change. This shift is not just a spiritual one but a collective awakening, one where women are called to lead with both heart and mind. As they embrace their leadership roles, they are drawing upon ancient wisdom that values intuition, creativity, and the nurturing of human potential.

The time for healing and transformation is now, and it begins with remembering the ancient ways. It’s about honoring the sacred feminine in all aspects of life—personal, spiritual, and professional. Women in leadership are no longer just filling spaces; they are redefining what leadership means in the modern world. The return of the sacred feminine is not just about reconnecting to ancient wisdom—it’s about creating a future where leadership is more inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable. The divine feminine is leading the way, not only for women but for the future of business itself.

In today’s corporate world, climbing the ladder to leadership positions requires more than just skills and experience. It demands an understanding of the intricate web of organizational politics—the unwritten rules, power dynamics, and informal networks that shape decision-making and influence success. For women, this can be especially challenging, as they often face unique barriers such as gender bias, exclusion from influential networks, and the struggle to assert authority in male-dominated spaces.

However, navigating this maze becomes significantly easier with the guidance of a mentor. A good mentor doesn’t just offer career advice or share their knowledge about your industry—they help you decode the complex politics that influence career advancement and decision-making within an organization. In this blog, we explore how mentorship can be a game-changer for women seeking to navigate corporate hierarchies and ultimately achieve leadership success.

Understanding Corporate Hierarchies and Organizational Politics

Corporate hierarchies are often more complex than they first appear. While job titles and positions suggest who holds power, the reality is that influence and decision-making often occur in less visible spaces, such as informal networks, behind-the-scenes alliances, or through subtle influence tactics. Knowing how to maneuver through these channels is vital to a woman’s ability to rise within the ranks.

Women leaders frequently face challenges such as being excluded from informal networks, being underestimated or undermined due to gender, and encountering subtle biases that impact their professional growth. Navigating this political landscape requires a level of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and awareness of how power operates within the organization.

How Mentorship Provides Strategic Insight

A mentor who has already navigated organizational politics and corporate hierarchies can provide invaluable insights into these often hidden dynamics. Here’s how mentorship can help women:

1. Decoding Unwritten Rules: Every organization has a set of unspoken rules and norms that determine how things actually get done. These rules include everything from who makes the real decisions to how resources are allocated or how promotions are awarded. A mentor can help women decode these unwritten rules, providing a roadmap for how to succeed within the existing power structures. By understanding these nuances, women can avoid costly missteps and position themselves effectively for opportunities.
2. Building and Navigating Influential Networks: Success in corporate hierarchies often depends on who you know, as much as what you know. Informal networks of decision-makers, influencers, and allies can hold the keys to career advancement. A mentor with experience in the organization can guide women on how to access these networks, build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, and develop alliances that will help propel their careers. By learning how to leverage these connections, women can ensure they are not left out of critical conversations or opportunities.
3. Developing Assertiveness and Authority: In male-dominated environments, women often face the challenge of having their authority questioned or undermined. They may be expected to prove themselves more than their male counterparts or find their leadership style scrutinized. A mentor can help women develop strategies for asserting authority in ways that align with the organizational culture while still overcoming these biases. Mentors can offer tips on how to project confidence, communicate assertively, and gain respect without falling into the trap of being labeled as too “aggressive” or “soft.”
4. Managing Power Struggles and Conflicts: Organizational politics often involve competing interests, resource allocation, and power struggles. Whether it’s navigating office rivalries, handling conflicting agendas, or dealing with the fallout of a corporate decision, a mentor’s experience can be invaluable. They can teach women how to manage power dynamics, handle difficult situations with grace, and navigate conflicts without damaging relationships or jeopardizing their standing within the company. This strategic guidance allows women to maintain professionalism while protecting their interests.
5. Identifying Key Opportunities for Career Advancement: Organizational politics isn’t just about navigating challenges—it’s also about recognizing and seizing opportunities. A mentor can help women identify key moments when they can make their mark, such as taking on high-profile projects, speaking up in crucial meetings, or volunteering for leadership roles in important initiatives. Having someone who understands the broader organizational landscape can help women focus on the opportunities that align with their career goals and maximize their chances for success.

Conclusion

Navigating corporate hierarchies is a complex, and often political, journey. For women, it’s about more than just breaking through the glass ceiling—it’s about understanding how power flows, how decisions are made, and how to position oneself for growth within the organization. Mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding women through this maze, providing them with the strategies, insights, and confidence needed to thrive in leadership positions.

By offering practical advice, helping women understand the hidden rules of organizational politics, and supporting their development as leaders, mentors empower women to turn political challenges into opportunities for growth. In the end, mentorship doesn’t just guide women—it helps them become the powerful leaders they are capable of being

In every aspect of our lives, we face choices. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, health, or personal growth, the decisions we make shape our experiences and outcomes. The good news? You always have the power to make better choices, and it starts with awareness.

Reflect: Understanding Where You Are

The first step in making better choices is to reflect on where you are right now. This isn’t about self-criticism or regret; it’s about gaining clarity. Take a moment to step back and assess your life as it stands. How do you feel about your current situation? Are you satisfied with your relationships, your work, your health, and your personal growth? If not, what’s missing or out of balance?

Reflection is the practice of looking at your choices—big and small—and noticing the patterns. How did you get here? What choices did you make that have led you to this point? Reflection isn’t about judgment; it’s about understanding the why behind your actions, the triggers and behaviors that drive them. When you can see things clearly, you can begin to identify what’s working and what isn’t.

Choose: The Power to Change

Once you’ve reflected on your life, the next step is choice. You have the power to decide how you want to move forward. Your past doesn’t define you—your choices do. You can always choose to take a different path, to change your course, and to create a new outcome.

The beauty of choice is that it’s always within your control. It might not always feel that way, especially in difficult circumstances, but at every turn, there are options. You might decide to change a habit, invest more in your relationships, pursue a new career, or set new personal goals. Whatever it is, choosing with awareness means you’re no longer drifting—you’re moving with intention.

Evolve: Growth Through Action

Choice without action can remain just a thought, but it’s through evolution that we see real change. As you make choices aligned with your desires and values, you begin to evolve. Growth isn’t always linear—it’s a process. Some days may feel like progress, others like setbacks. But the important thing is to keep moving forward, learning from your experiences and adjusting as needed.

When you embrace evolution, you start to see that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Whether you face obstacles in your career, relationships, or personal goals, you’re evolving because you’re engaging with those challenges rather than avoiding them. The act of evolving means you’re never static—you’re always growing, learning, and becoming more of the person you wish to be.

The Power to Make Better Choices

Here’s the truth: You always have the power to make better choices, and it starts with awareness. Whether you’re trying to improve your health, advance your career, deepen your relationships, or grow as a person, it begins by becoming aware of your choices and how they shape your reality.

When you reflect, you gain clarity. When you choose, you take control. And when you evolve, you continue to grow and move closer to the life you want. This cycle of reflection, choice, and evolution is not a one-time process—it’s an ongoing practice, and each step leads you closer to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. And by staying aware and making better choices, you’ll begin to see the transformation in your life that you’ve been seeking all along.

When we travel overseas, we regularly find ourselves taking note and appreciating those subtle reminders of home.

Strolling past an RM Williams store in London, coming across our renowned surf or health brands in retail outlets, a famous Australian on the world sporting stage, or familiar brands of food and wine products in supermarkets.

Yet, there’s one major Australian export that is increasingly everywhere, but goes almost unnoticed, and that’s your super savings.

But make no mistake, as your super fund scours the world looking for opportunities to grow your retirement savings: it’s also strengthening not only Australia’s economic and diplomatic ties, but shoring up our growing influence on the international financial landscape as well.

While much of this flows into financial markets with investment in companies, it’s also being invested into ‘real’ assets.

So next time you find yourself in an airport in Vienna or Manchester, driving on a toll road in Italy, the USA or France, using the high-speed internet in regional Germany or spellbound by the magic of AI in the US, home might be closer than first thought. Indeed, there’s a pretty good chance you might even own a piece of these assets yourselves.

That’s the power of super – it gives working people a chance to gain exposure to multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investments that would otherwise not be possible. It lets hardworking Australians invest and own assets as though they’re the wealthiest people in the world.

This is a trend that will only continue as the Australian superannuation system expands – so much so, that capital itself will, in fact, become one of Australia’s most important exports. For a country renowned for its exports, that’s no mean feat.

The numbers speak for themselves – and they’re getting bigger and bigger. As of September, this year, the total pool of Aussies’ retirement savings is $4.1 trillion, or around 149 per cent of GDP – one of the largest pools of retirement capital in the world as a percentage of GDP.

By 2040, this pool of capital is expected to reach around $11 trillion or 193 per cent. Of this, the ‘institutional’ funds (industry, retail and government) account for $2.8 trillion currently, and this is expected to get to just over $8 trillion.

This capital is truly going global.

Institutional funds currently have around $1.2 trillion in offshore investments – or around 46 per cent of their invested assets.

If this proportion holds, the current quantum will need to treble to around $3.6 trillion invested overseas by 2040.

It is likely that this asset allocation will edge upwards somewhat as the Australian economy and the investment opportunities it presents simply won’t grow fast enough to absorb this. To put this task in context, the additional $2.4 trillion that will flow offshore is around 63 per cent of the just under $4 trillion Australia invests in total in overseas assets currently.

Where will it all go? Australian capital will clearly go to all corners of the globe, diversifying across global financial markets and real assets.

Alex Joiner AFR 22-Jan-25

In today’s corporate world, women executives are breaking barriers, leading industries, and driving innovation. However, beyond the boardroom, many face a hidden challenge: the “second shift”—the relentless responsibilities of caregiving that persist long after office hours.

The Reality of the Second Shift

For decades, research has shown that women, regardless of their career success, still carry a disproportionate share of household and caregiving duties. While progress has been made in workplace equality, the expectations at home have not shifted at the same pace. A senior executive may spend her day negotiating multimillion-dollar deals, only to return home and oversee homework, dinner, and aging parent care. The mental and physical toll of balancing these dual roles can be overwhelming.

Why the Burden Persists

Several factors contribute to this ongoing struggle:

1. Cultural Expectations – Traditional gender roles still influence perceptions of responsibility at home, even among progressive families.
2. Guilt and Societal Pressures – Many high-achieving women feel the need to “do it all,” fearing judgment if they delegate caregiving tasks.
3. Lack of Institutional Support – While companies are making strides in flexible work policies, systemic changes in caregiving support are still lacking.
4. Invisible Labor – Planning meals, scheduling doctor appointments, and organizing household logistics often fall to women, adding an unrecognized mental load.

The Impact on Career and Well-being

This dual responsibility affects not only personal well-being but also professional growth. Studies show that executive women are more likely to experience burnout than their male counterparts, often leading to career stagnation or early exits from leadership roles. The constant juggling of high-stakes decisions at work and emotional labor at home can lead to stress, fatigue, and feelings of inadequacy.

Rethinking Support Systems

To create sustainable career paths for women leaders, organizations and families alike must rethink support structures. Here’s how:

1. Corporate Policy Shifts
2. Redefining Household Roles
3. Building a Strong Network

A Call for Change

The silent struggle of women executives managing the second shift must be brought to light. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is not just a women’s issue—it’s a leadership and societal issue. By redefining success, advocating for systemic support, and shifting outdated expectations, we can create an environment where women no longer have to choose between thriving at work and fulfilling personal responsibilities.

Final Thought

True progress means acknowledging the unseen burdens and reshaping the future of leadership to be more inclusive, sustainable, and balanced. The conversation starts now—how will your workplace, home, and community support change?

As an aspiring non-executive director, one of the most crucial concepts to understand is the balance between being deeply involved in the governance of a company while trusting the management team to execute the day-to-day operations. The idea of “noses in, fingers out” is the guiding principle that sets effective directors apart. It’s about engaging strategically without micromanaging—especially when it comes to financials.

What Does “Noses In, Fingers Out” Really Mean?

The phrase “noses in, fingers out” might sound simple, but it encapsulates the fundamental role of a director in corporate governance. Directors are responsible for oversight, strategy, and risk management, but they are not there to run the business. The management team, led by the CEO, is responsible for day-to-day operations and execution.

The essence of this principle lies in strategic involvement—directors should be deeply informed and engaged with the company’s financials and broader strategy. However, they should never cross the line into micromanagement of operations. Directors must ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and guide the company’s direction while allowing the management team to lead.

Why Financial Fluency Is Key for Directors

While this approach may seem intuitive, many non-financial directors struggle with the financial side of things. A lack of financial literacy can lead to uninformed decision-making or, worse, a passive approach where directors fail to challenge critical decisions.

As an aspiring director, having a basic understanding of financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs) is non-negotiable. But you don’t need to be an accountant to be effective. What you need is the ability to ask the right questions and understand the strategic implications of financial data.

Here are just a few reasons why financial fluency is crucial for directors:

1. Informed Decision Making: Directors need to understand the numbers behind business strategies. Whether it’s capital allocation, cost management, or investment decisions, financial knowledge enables directors to steer the company in the right direction without getting bogged down in the details.
2. Governance and Risk Management: Financial literacy is also essential for understanding risks—whether they be operational, market-based, or financial. A well-informed director can spot financial red flags, such as declining profitability or cash flow issues, early on and help mitigate them.
3. Communication with the CFO and Executive Team: A strong relationship with the CFO relies on mutual understanding. A financially literate director will be able to ask insightful questions during board meetings and have more meaningful discussions with the finance team. This communication helps ensure the company stays on track and avoids costly missteps.

How to Balance the Two: “Noses In, Fingers Out”

Mastering the “noses in, fingers out” approach doesn’t mean directors need to be finance experts, but it does mean they should be strategic and inquisitive. Here are a few key ways to stay “noses in” without “fingers out”:

• Ask the Right Questions: When reviewing financial statements, a director shouldn’t just accept the numbers at face value. Question assumptions—are the projections realistic? What are the potential risks? What’s the cash flow position? A solid understanding of the key metrics will help you ask better questions.
• Focus on Strategy, Not Operations: Directors must always remember their role is strategic, not operational. While it’s important to understand the financial health of the organization, leave the tactical decisions to the executive team. Guide the overall strategy based on your financial insights.
• Use Financial Data to Drive Governance: Good governance isn’t just about compliance; it’s about using financial insights to make better decisions for the long-term success of the organization. Directors should ensure financial data supports the company’s overall strategy and risk management framework.

Conclusion: Financial Fluency for Effective Governance

Becoming a director is about leadership, strategy, and governance. It’s about knowing when to engage deeply and when to step back and let the management team lead. Financial literacy plays a central role in ensuring that directors can be effective stewards of the company’s future, spotting risks, asking the right questions, and making decisions with confidence.

So, aspiring directors—master your financials, stay “noses in”, and trust your team to handle the rest. After all, the best leaders empower others to do what they do best, while steering the ship in the right direction.

Students at the University of Maryland are fighting to get to the top of Michael McMillan’s class waitlists. No, he’s not lecturing on a flashy new topic like artificial intelligence or Taylor Swift, he’s teaching personal finance—and students are more interested in the subject than ever.

More than half of all Gen Zers are entering adulthood without any formal financial education, and it’s causing real generational financial trauma, according to a recent study. McMillan, who is an associate clinical professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, says parents are in part to blame.

“Parents are either unwilling, not knowledgeable, or uncomfortable about talking about sex with their children,” McMillan says. “This happens in the same case when it comes to money and managing money.”

However, adults may not be teaching their kids about finances in part due to their own lack of financial know-how. Over 75% of parents report not being completely confident in their ability to teach their children about investing, according to a survey by the SIFMA Foundation. A similar percentage said they would enroll their child in a different school if it had financial education and investment courses. 

The benefits of teaching personal finance

Students’ finances are a leading cause of stress for most college students. In fact, close to three out of every 5 college students have considered dropping out of college due to financial stress, according to a recent Ellucian report, and nearly 80% of students say financial stress has harmed their mental health

When paired with the fact that college debt has ballooned to over $2.1 trillion, not many will argue against a need for personal finance education.

“Money causes stress, and money takes your attention away from your studies,” McMillan says. “So by helping them with finances and providing mentoring and counseling, we’re in fact, improving at least some aspect of students’ mental health, which is so important nowadays.”

Dorothy Kelly, lecturer of personal finance at the University of Virginia adds that having financial wellness can positively affect one’s entire life, including emotions, relationships, work productivity, and sleep.

“My ultimate goal for everyone, for all my students, is to make financial choices to enjoy life that allows you to enjoy life,” Kelly tells Fortune.

But, both professors say that despite the benefits, personal finance should not be required at the college level. Instead, students should want to take the course.

“Everybody needs to learn this, but we learn when we’re motivated to learn,” Kelly says. “And I encourage anybody—it’s never too late to learn. The sooner people start learning about financial literacy, the better; the sooner their life is improved.”

Does personal finance education work?

McMillan has taught college students about insurance, wages, and credit cards for decades but says he is constantly surprised that young adults are not familiar with basic financial information. However, a lack of personal finance know-how is not exclusive to undergraduates; McMillan says that even some MBA students lack foundational financial knowledge.

Today, he has two courses: one for first-years, sophomores, and transfer students and another for seniors. This division is not tied to basic versus advanced finance: it’s about focusing on what topics are most pressing for young adults. 

“If you’re trying to figure out how to make a budget, you don’t care about investing in bonds, all of these other important but in some ways esoteric topics based upon what your current needs are,” he says.

More than half of all states mandate high school students to take financial education courses to graduate, and the National Endowment for Financial Education says it can be largely beneficial. Its research has found that students in states with the requirement are 21% less likely to carry a credit card balance and take on average $1,300 less in private loans.

However, Kelly says that doesn’t always work. Despite Virginia being one of the states with the mandate, her students largely say they didn’t remember what they were taught—despite it just being four years ago.

And while there’s no guarantee a college course will revolutionize one’s budget either, Kelly says students have reported being much more equipped at things like signing up for insurance at their first job or using a budget to make their dream job work out financially.

Andrea Pellegrini, assistant director of the University of Illinois System’s University Bursar Student Money Management Center, notes that education can only go so far. 

“We also have to be advocates for change in a system that is not equitable in a lot of ways across the board,” Pellegrini tells Fortune. “And so advocating for marginalized groups, be them in college or out of college, is really important.”

She encourages individuals—no matter their age—to be aware of their finances, be skeptical of opportunities that sound too good to be true, and above all, be willing to forgive themselves.

“Don’t beat yourself up if something happens, recognize that it’s a learning opportunity, and identify where you want to make changes,” she says.

BY Preston Fore

Fortune 23-Jan-25

For many women, launching a small to medium-sized business offers an opportunity to redefine the way they lead, moving away from traditional patriarchal models toward a style that aligns with their values. Unlike corporate settings, where rigid hierarchies and established practices are often entrenched, a businesswoman starting her own venture has the freedom to build a culture that prioritizes inclusivity, empathy, and innovation from the ground up.

One of the biggest advantages of small business ownership is the flexibility to design a personalized leadership style. Rather than conforming to a top-down, competitive model, women can establish their own framework, where collaboration and mutual respect are central. They can prioritize values that feel natural and sustainable, such as open communication, shared decision-making, and long-term relationship building. This approach creates a work environment that encourages employees to thrive and feel valued.

Small to medium businesses also allow women leaders to focus on team well-being alongside profit. While many corporate structures often reward revenue and growth at the expense of employees, a small business can integrate work-life balance policies that nurture a happy, productive workforce. From flexible hours to a supportive family-friendly culture, these choices help foster a workplace that respects the individual needs of team members. This compassionate approach to leadership not only improves morale but also reduces turnover, ultimately benefiting business longevity.

Additionally, mentorship and development can be core components of a small business, allowing women to pass on their unique perspectives and help build other leaders. In many large companies, mentorship is overlooked in favor of immediate productivity; however, in a smaller setting, businesswomen can nurture talent and encourage growth, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Finally, running a business offers a direct way to influence industry practices. As women-owned businesses become more prevalent, they challenge traditional models and offer compelling proof that empathy and collaboration drive success. By taking the lead in designing workplaces that reflect these values, businesswomen are not only achieving personal fulfillment but also paving the way for a broader cultural shift toward balanced, inclusive, and effective leadership.

The New Year is a time for fresh starts. It’s a symbolic moment when people across the globe turn the page to begin anew, motivated by a sense of optimism and the possibility of change. Many set New Year’s resolutions, eager to improve themselves or their circumstances in the coming year. The idea is simple: the calendar flips, and so should our habits, health, or personal growth. But let’s face it—this isn’t the first time you’ve thought about making a change. It’s not even the first time you’ve vowed to start fresh. Yet, you may have found that those resolutions tend to fade long before the year ends.

You’ve set goals in the past: lose weight, get fitter, save more money, or finally read that book you’ve been meaning to. And each time, you had the best intentions. But by February, you’re back in the same routine, and the resolution feels like a distant memory. The cycle of good intentions and eventual disappointment is so common that it’s almost expected. But here’s the good news: this year can be different.

Why Resolutions Fail: The Common Pitfalls

Research shows that approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February (U.S. News & World Report, 2019). The most common reasons? Unrealistic goals, lack of clear planning, and the challenge of forming lasting habits. For example, making an ambitious goal like “I will lose 30 pounds in one month” is often set up for failure, because it’s both unrealistic and unsustainable. Instead of setting yourself up for inevitable disappointment, it’s crucial to set specific, measurable, and achievable goals.

Another common trap is the lack of a concrete plan. Simply saying “I want to get healthier” isn’t enough. Without clear actions or steps—such as committing to exercise three times a week, cooking more at home, or tracking food intake—it’s easy to get sidetracked. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people are more likely to succeed when they break their goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Perhaps the biggest reason resolutions falter is the failure to build habits. It takes time and consistency to change behaviors, and it’s difficult to stay motivated without support. This is where an accountability partner comes in.

The Power of Accountability

Accountability is a game-changer when it comes to sticking to New Year’s resolutions. An accountability partner can help keep you on track, offer encouragement during tough times, and hold you responsible for your goals. The concept of accountability has been studied extensively and proven to increase the likelihood of success. According to research from Gretchen Rubin, author of Better Than Before, accountability partners are one of the most effective ways to ensure that new habits stick.

The benefits of accountability are well-documented. Studies show that when people know someone else is watching and supporting their progress, they are more likely to follow through. A study published in The Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who made public commitments were more likely to achieve their goals, because of the social pressure and desire to avoid disappointing others.

An accountability partner acts as both a motivator and a reality check. This person doesn’t have to be someone who shares your exact goals. It could be a friend, family member, colleague, or even a coach. Their role is to check in on your progress regularly, encourage you when you’re feeling discouraged, and hold you accountable for your actions. This added layer of external motivation helps keep you aligned with your resolutions, especially when the going gets tough.

How to Find the Right Accountability Partner

The key to a successful accountability partnership is choosing someone who is supportive, trustworthy, and invested in your success. Ideally, this person should be someone you respect and feel comfortable confiding in. They don’t need to have the same goals as you, but they should be committed to helping you stay on track.

In addition, it’s important to set clear expectations for your partnership. How often will you check in with each other? Will you meet weekly, monthly, or communicate online? Be specific about what you need from each other. Are you seeking advice, motivation, or just someone to listen? Once the ground rules are set, you’ll both be on the same page and more likely to achieve your goals.

Making This Year Different

This year, instead of relying solely on willpower to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, consider adding an accountability partner to the mix. Research shows that this simple step can dramatically improve your chances of success. By setting realistic goals, creating actionable steps, and involving someone who cares about your progress, you increase the likelihood that your resolutions will stick—not just for a few weeks, but for a lifetime. So, why not make this year the year that really changes? Find your accountability partner, set your goals, and watch how far you can go.