Understanding Leadership through Gender-Lens: Insights from Global Women Leaders

Peggy Hon, Managing Director, Hoffmann Group

The Foundation of Inclusive Leadership

Qualities such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong communication skills enhance leadership effectiveness by fostering trust, collaboration, and adaptability within teams. These traits are the foundation of inclusive decision-making, as leaders who prioritize understanding and connection can better integrate diverse viewpoints, leading to more holistic and sustainable outcomes. While often culturally associated with women, these qualities are universally valuable and reflect a modern, human-centered approach to leadership, inclusive leadership.

Resolving Conflict Through Active Listening & Collaboration

Early in my leadership journey, I inherited a high-stakes customer complaint project where two departments—Operations and Sales—were at odds. Deadlines were slipping, and tensions were high. Instead of defaulting to top-down directives, I leaned into active listening in determining "What's In It For Me" and mediation. I held a joint workshop where both teams shared their frustrations, interests and constraints without interruption. Within weeks, collaboration improved. The project launched on time, and client satisfaction scores rose by 30%. More importantly, the teams began proactively seeking each other’s input for future projects.  

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

Lean into your unique strengths—whether it’s empathy, collaboration, or creative problem-solving. Speak up unapologetically, even (especially) in rooms where your perspective isn’t widely represented. Your voice isn’t just “another opinion”; it’s a catalyst for innovation.   Women are often expected to manage invisible labor (e.g., office “housekeeping,” emotional support). Leadership isn’t a destination—it’s a practice.