Recently, I had the pleasure of leading a leadership development session for a group of mid-to-senior level professionals at a large financial services firm, as part of their International Women's Month programming under the theme ‘Accelerate Action’. The session sparked honest conversations about what it truly takes to lead in today’s evolving workplace—particularly when it comes to empowering women and building more inclusive, high-performing teams.

Here’s what’s clear from our discussion: communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a power move. Great leaders communicate with clarity, empathy, and nuance, especially in a post-COVID, hybrid world. Whether it’s leading a Zoom call or navigating in-person meetings, adapting your communication style across platforms is now a core competency. It’s also one of the fastest ways to build trust and credibility.

But communication isn’t just about how you talk. It’s also how you write. Email etiquette matters more than ever in a world where “urgent” subject lines and never-ending threads can easily become digital noise. A small shift—being clear, respectful, and intentional with messages—can have a big impact on workplace culture.

Let’s also talk about bias. Even the most well-intentioned teams aren’t immune to affinity bias, the halo effect, or perception traps. The first step to real change? Self-awareness. When leaders and teams recognize and challenge their biases, they create space for different voices and ideas to shine—key ingredients for innovation.

Another shift we need to embrace is the move from mentorship to sponsorship. Many women have mentors; fewer have sponsors. The difference? A sponsor puts their name and influence behind you. Organizations need to foster environments where sponsorship becomes a norm, not an exception.

Executive presence has also evolved. It’s less about a tailored suit and more about authentic leadership. Gravitas, clarity, and the confidence to show up as your true self matter more now than ever.

So how can mid- to senior-level professionals lead better?

• Communicate with purpose and polish.
• Advocate for yourself—and for others.
• Get (and be) a sponsor.
• Interrupt bias with curiosity and courage.
• Embrace diversity not just in demographics, but in thought and experience.
• Show up with executive presence that’s real, not rehearsed.

The call to action is simple: Lead better by leading differently. The modern workplace demands it, and future generations are watching.