The speech you've shared celebrates the achievements and journeys of exceptional women, acknowledging the incredible diversity, resilience, and strength they bring to the table. The speaker begins by expressing admiration for the women in the room, highlighting how many of them have carved their own paths, often taking risks and making bold decisions. These women have chosen to venture off the beaten path, defying expectations, and rising to meet challenges head-on. Whether it’s changing careers, relocating to different cities or countries, or stepping up to the plate to take on seemingly impossible challenges, these women embody the spirit of determination and courage. The speaker underscores that the diversity of their accomplishments and backgrounds makes this gathering particularly extraordinary, as it demonstrates the breadth of talent and the vast spectrum of leadership that women bring to all aspects of society.
The speaker also reflects on their personal journey with the Business Today Most Powerful Women awards, emphasizing how they have been involved with the awards since its inception. From initially observing the awards from the sidelines to becoming an advocate for them on the editorial board and now standing on the podium, the speaker’s own evolution parallels the growth of women’s leadership and visibility. They’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation of women leaders, noting how the industries women are leading have evolved, how the age groups of women leaders have diversified, and how the spirit and style of these leaders have shifted over the years. This evolution, the speaker suggests, is not just a reflection of individual growth but of the broader societal changes that have enabled women to step into positions of power and influence in unprecedented ways.
The speaker attributes much of this progress to the trailblazers—those women who have set the stage for the next generation of leaders. These women have broken barriers, often in industries that were once considered closed to them, and their determination and courage have paved the way for others to follow. The speaker salutes these pioneers for their vision, their perseverance, and their willingness to take risks and challenge norms. It is their work that has made the environment more conducive for women leaders today.
One of the most powerful points in the speech is the evolution of what it means to have a "soulmate" or support system. Traditionally, women were often conditioned to see their male partners as the central support figure, the person they relied on for emotional, mental, and even financial support. However, the speaker highlights a profound shift in perspective: the realization that, for many women, their true soulmates are other women. This could be a best friend, a sister, a colleague, a daughter—someone who offers unconditional support, listens without judgment, and helps them navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives. The speaker describes how these women stand by each other through thick and thin, offering advice, encouragement, and even tough love when needed. This shift acknowledges that women can and do find strength in one another, and that the bond of female solidarity is one of the most empowering forces at play in the lives of successful women today.
The speaker further elaborates on the significance of this support system. It’s not just about the high moments of success, but also about the everyday actions—offering a shoulder to cry on, giving honest feedback, celebrating each other’s victories, and, in some cases, even helping each other through moments of self-doubt or imposter syndrome. These women are not just friends or colleagues; they are the pillars upon which other women stand. This acknowledgment of female solidarity is one of the key reasons why the movement for women’s empowerment continues to gain strength. It’s about building a chain of support where women lift each other up, creating a culture of collaboration rather than competition.
The speaker also points to the rise of female leadership on the global stage, drawing attention to the recent U.S. elections and the prominent role that women, from all walks of life, played in supporting Kamala Harris. Women from Beyoncé to Oprah Winfrey, to Julia Roberts and Michelle Obama, rallied behind Harris, endorsing her candidacy and, more broadly, advocating for the representation and rights of women. Although Harris did not win the presidency, the speaker views this show of solidarity as a major victory in itself, symbolizing the power and influence of women coming together for a common cause. The speaker notes that this collective effort represents more than just a political movement—it signifies the broader societal shift toward recognizing women as equal players in the game of global leadership.
Despite the progress made, the speaker acknowledges that the world’s “high table” of leadership still remains largely male-dominated. The “old boys club” of politics and business continues to wield power, and, as the speaker points out, it’s often a space where bad behavior and complacency thrive. However, this reality doesn’t dampen the speaker’s optimism. Rather, it fuels a sense of determination to continue pushing for change. The speaker stresses that the journey for women’s flourishing is not just about individual women breaking barriers, but about creating a more empathetic and equitable world for all. It’s about fostering a leadership style that prioritizes compassion, collaboration, and inclusivity, qualities that the speaker believes women bring to the table more naturally.
While acknowledging that men can certainly lead with empathy and compassion, the speaker is firm in their belief that women leaders, in particular, excel in these areas. There is a unique quality in women’s leadership that blends emotional intelligence with strategic thinking, a quality that, when harnessed, can create lasting, positive change. The speaker expresses confidence that women leaders will continue to make strides in transforming how leadership is understood and practiced across industries and governments. It’s not just about women taking charge—it’s about redefining what leadership can and should look like.
The speech closes with a call to action. The journey of women’s empowerment is far from over, and the speaker emphasizes that we are only at the beginning. There is still much work to be done, but the speaker is confident that, with continued solidarity and support, women will continue to rise, break down barriers, and foster a more compassionate, inclusive, and equitable world. The message is clear: women are just getting started, and the future holds limitless potential for those who dare to lead.
