A New Kind of Leadership: It’s Not About Power and Profit — It’s About People

In my very first PhD leadership class, I sat waiting to hear names of great leaders who changed the world.

The professor listed: Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King Jr. Franklin Roosevelt. John F. Kennedy. Nelson Mandela.

Not. One. Woman.

I couldn’t believe it. Where were Queen Elizabeth II, Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel, or any of the countless women who shaped history?

Sadly, this wasn’t a one-time thing. Throughout my four and a half years in the program, traditional leadership theories dominated every discussion, and they followed the same outdated formula:

• Hierarchy and control
• Centralized decision-making (aka “the boss knows best”)
• Defined roles and rigid obedience
• Short-term focus
• Motivation through rewards and punishments

In short: leadership as power-over, not power-with.

Hard Knocks Leadership 101

When I received my PhD in January 2017, I was ready to flip the script on leadership. I wanted to spread the gospel of transformational leadership, the kind that builds trust, connection, and purpose.

But the world I stepped into? Oh, she was messy.

Donald Trump was president, leading with old-school, patriarchal power. Every day I saw “leaders” — rich, older, powerful men — rewarded for domination, not collaboration.

We were (and still are) bombarded with stories that the person with the corner office, biggest paycheck, or flashiest title is the leader.

News flash: That’s not leadership.
That’s hierarchy.
That’s patriarchy.

Masculine vs. Feminine Energy — And Why Both Matter

When I launched Representation Rebellion (which evolved into LOUDER GIRL), my mission was crystal clear:

Disrupt the stories they sell and tell about us by telling our own.

For eight years, I fought against the masculine-dominant model of leadership — the one that prizes power, profit, and control over connection and compassion.

I was fired up. Furious, even.
And I shoved a softer, more feminine model of empathy, listening, and shared decision-making down everyone’s throat.

Guess what? That didn’t work either.

After years of teeter-tottering between my masculine and feminine sides, I finally looked in the mirror and said:

“Girl, the problem isn’t either/or. It’s and.”

Leadership isn’t masculine or feminine — it’s both.

• Strength and softness.
• Action and intuition.
• Strategy and empathy.

Transformational Leadership: The Kind That Changes Everything

Forget “boss energy.” Real leaders inspire, empower, and grow with their people.

Here’s the magical Four I’s of transformational leadership:

• Idealized Influence: Be the kind of leader others trust. Walk your talk.
• Inspirational Motivation: Paint a bold vision and light everyone’s fire.
• Intellectual Stimulation: Challenge the norm. Celebrate new ideas.
• Individualized Consideration: See your people. Support them. Help them rise.

Transformational leadership isn’t about flexing your power; it’s about owning it differently.
It’s the perfect blend of masculine fire and feminine flow.
It’s heart-centered courage.

When we lead this way, we don’t just manage people — we ignite them.

So… Now What?

Here’s the truth: transforming leadership isn’t an overnight fix. The world is deeply rooted in transactional, short-term, power-hungry systems.

Bad news: it’s going to take work.
Good news: you are the work.

It all starts within.

• Mother yourself.
• Love yourself.
• Lead yourself.

That’s what LOUDER GIRL is all about — women healing and transforming ourselves, each other, and the world.

Upcoming Gatherings

If you’re ready to join the LOUDER GIRL sisterhood to heal and transform yourself and others, here are two ways to start:

1. FREE LOUDER GIRL Webinar

BECOMING A LOUDER GIRL: Paying It Forward During Native American Month
Date: November 3rd and 17th
Time: 4 PM to 5 PM Pacific
RSVP Here → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88126370659?pwd=igFI4D3NqrFbgx9JDepHcWwgSbaUeh

Walk away with community and support, peace, and renewed power.

2. HEROINE RISING: A 6-Week Live Workshop

Become the heroine and leader of your own story — surrounded by women who see and celebrate you.

You will:

• Mother yourself.
• Love yourself.
• And rise — not just for you, but for every woman who comes after.

Date: 2026 Dates TBA
Time: 4 PM – 5:30 PM PDT
Format: 90 minutes Live on Zoom
SIGN UP HERE → https://www.loudergirl.com/gatherings