Career Advice Gleaned from Women in Business

When we want to grow professionally, many of us look to the people who have gone before. There are many inspirational leaders out there who have overcome adversity and found success, and we can use their stories as guidance and inspiration.

Among these forward thinkers are strong and successful women whose stories must be told. Not only do women bring many strengths to the table, but they also have to overcome more than their male peers, including misogyny and the pay gap. But these challenges only make their success stories that much more powerful.

Successful Business Women Stories

A quick Google search will reveal near-endless career advice for women, but instead of wading through article after article, let’s look to real women who’ve pursued their passions and made a name for themselves.

Arlan Hamilton, Backstage Capital

Arlan Hamilton was a struggling music producer when she became interested in venture capitalism. Her interest grew when she learned that 90% of venture funds are awarded to white men. From then on, Hamilton dedicated herself to starting her own venture capital fund. Five years later and while dealing with homelessness, Hamilton received her first investment check.

She went on to found Backstage Capital, a small investment firm that offers funding to traditionally underfunded and under-represented founders, including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.

What We Can Learn from Hamilton

Hamilton’s success story highlights the importance of having a vision. Her dedication to opening the VC to diverse founders pushed Hamilton to achieve her goals despite all odds. Vision is the cornerstone of strong leadership. It grounds us, keeps us focused, and gives us a purpose to work toward.

Sara Blakely, Spanx

Sara Blakely initially tried to follow in her father’s footsteps in the legal field. But after failing the LSAT exam twice, Blakely leaned into her strengths. An entrepreneur at heart and with a knack for sales, she climbed the corporate ladder at an office supply company before using her talents to create a revolutionary product: Spanx.

Though Blakely started with a folding table and a prototype (and just $5,000 to her name), the popular shapewear brand now sees an annual revenue of over $250 million. Blakely herself is one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the world.

What We Can Learn from Blakely

Blakely struck gold the moment she leaned into her strengths. Instead of trying to fit the mold and do what was expected of her, she stayed true to herself. It was a risky move, but one that paid off. As we embark on our leadership journeys, we would all be wise to remember Blakely and follow in her footsteps, using our unique talents instead of trying to mimic others.

Ursula Burns, Xerox/VEON

Growing up with a single mother in a low-income neighborhood of New York City, Ursula Burns defied the odds simply by graduating college. But she didn’t stop there. Burns, who excelled in school, landed an internship with Xerox right after graduation, and she spent the next four decades climbing the ranks.

When Burns eventually became the assistant of a top executive, she used his guidance to learn everything she could. Later, CEO Anne Mulcahy mentored Burns closely. In 2009, Burns became the CEO of Xerox, making history as the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Today, Burns is a chairwoman for VEON and the author of Where You Are Is Not Who You Are.

What We Can Learn from Burns

We all want to be independent and find our own way, but mentorships are a fantastic strategy for growth — in any industry. Instead of attempting to do it all herself, Burns was eager to learn from the executives at Xerox, and their advice was instrumental in her career growth. Whether you’re just starting a new career or you’re a seasoned professional, never stop learning from those around you.

Daisy Auger-Domínguez, VICE

Growing up, Daisy Auger-Domínguez watched her grandmother endure racism, sexism, and other abuses in the workplace, all while raising Auger-Domínguez and helping her neighbors pursue American immigration. Inspired, Auger-Domínguez has dedicated her career to championing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) at major companies like The Walt Disney Company and Google. Today, Auger-Domínguez is the Chief People Officer for Vice Media Group, where she pushes for equal opportunities and advancement for all, including women and people of color. She’s also the author of Inclusion Revolution.

What We Can Learn from Auger-Domínguez

Leaders who value and foster diversity see more innovation and creativity in their organizations. But no matter where you are in your career, you can benefit from Auger-Domínguez’s example of embracing inclusion. Whether you’re choosing which companies to apply to or seeking a mentor, remember that perspectives different from your own hold immense value in life and work.

Learning from Women in Leadership

The above successful business women stories — and the countless others we didn’t discuss — can teach us valuable lessons about our lives and livelihoods. Take them to heart.

Women in leadership have so much to offer. The next time you’re seeking career advice for women, look to the ones working at your organization. Emulate them, ask for guidance, and recognize the sacrifices they’ve made along the way.