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At the 2025 WE Convention—a landmark gathering for female empowerment held at the glittering Atlantis The Royal—women at the top of global business took the spotlight to reveal how they’re rewriting the rules of leadership. The two-day forum united an elite circle of executives and innovators from healthcare, retail, technology, and corporate affairs, each offering a glimpse into what modern leadership looks like when purpose meets performance. Courage and Vision in Healthcare For Dr. Aradhana Sarin, Executive Director and CFO of AstraZeneca, courage isn’t a slogan—it’s a survival skill. “Courage is important—especially the courage to push yourself forward,” she told the audience. In healthcare, where decisions can mean life or death, Sarin said leaders must balance short-term efficiencies with long-term missions while managing investor expectations. “We need to align strategy with purpose, and that requires true collaboration,” she added. Her words capture a truth reverberating across boardrooms: women in the C-suite are not just keeping organizations alive—they’re making them visionary. Customer Obsession and Culture in Retail Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director at Landmark Group, brought the conversation down to the fast-moving world of retail. “Every two to two-and-a-half years, we create a new business,” she said. “But each must carry our values and DNA from day one.” With more than 2,500 stores and a rapidly expanding digital footprint, Jagtiani attributes Landmark’s endurance to an “obsession with the customer” and a leadership culture rooted in empathy. “Every manager should care for their people the way they want them to care for the customer,” she noted. For Jagtiani, empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic edge. Purpose and Pressure in Corporate Affairs From inside the corridors of one of the world’s most scrutinized industries, Andrea Gontkovicova, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Philip Morris International, shared a rare glimpse behind the executive curtain. “You must know what you want—and be determined to follow it,” she said. “If you want sustainable leadership, you must take care of yourself first.” Her candor resonated with many in the room. “There’s no playbook. It’s hard. It’s lonely. But you go first—and bring others forward with you,” she said. Her message underscored an unspoken reality of the modern C-suite: leadership isn’t about comfort; it’s about conviction. Diversity and Empathy in Innovation Representing the technology sector, Mirna Arif, General Manager at Microsoft for the Middle East and Africa Growth Markets, reframed diversity as the engine of innovation. “That’s the core of what makes Microsoft strong,” she explained. “Diverse teams make better decisions.” Rejecting the old adage that “it’s lonely at the top,” Arif countered, “It’s not—when you surround yourself with others who lead with empathy and authenticity.” Her perspective reflects a growing shift: women executives are building inclusive cultures where connection and trust are competitive advantages. Why Women in Leadership Matter More Than Ever The conversation at the WE Convention wasn’t just about women breaking barriers—it was about redefining what leadership itself should look like. Across industries, women in the C-suite are demonstrating that courage, empathy, and clarity of purpose are no longer optional. They’re the new currency of success. These leaders aren’t simply managing global enterprises—they’re shaping enduring cultures, building meaningful businesses, and creating legacies designed to lift others. In 2025, leadership looks less like hierarchy and more like humanity—and women are the ones leading that evolution.
