The Case for Women Leading the Way

If we’re seeking a way through today’s political unrest—through the division, fear, and erosion of trust in leadership—we might begin by returning to something both ancient and revolutionary:

Supporting women to lead.

In Sacred Quest: The Evolution and Future of the Human Soul, L. Robert Keck describes humanity as evolving through three spiritual epochs. Our current stage, he says, is a kind of spiritual adolescence—marked by ego, domination, and hierarchical control. But we’re in a chrysalis moment, poised on the edge of a transformation.

According to Keck we could exit the chrysalis and transform into spiritual adulthood: a time when power is shared rather than hoarded, when ego yields to heart, and when leadership is rooted in connection over control.

And if we can make it to that transformation, which isn’t guaranteed and is questionable at this moment, Keck suggests, this next chapter will resemble something we’ve seen before.

Through history, matriarchal and matrifocal societies have shown us an effective way to live. These cultures do not invert patriarchy; they replace domination with continuity, control with collaboration, and conquest with care. Power flows through relationships, not authority. Leadership is intuitive, intergenerational, and community rooted.

Think of the Mosuo of China, the Minangkabau of Indonesia, or the clan mothers of the Iroquois Confederacy. These are not just anthropological footnotes. They are models—living reminders that when women lead, societies can thrive.

Even in the animal kingdom, we see this wisdom. Bison herds are matriarchal, led by experienced females who decide when to move, when to rest, and when to face the storm. These matriarchs protect the young, maintain the social fabric, and ensure the herd stays together—strategically, steadily, and with wisdom earned through time.

We can learn from that.

Research Makes the Case Clear

Support for women in leadership isn’t just philosophical—it’s practical and well-documented:

• Healthcare: A BMJ Global Health study found that female leadership in healthcare improves innovation, financial performance, and patient outcomes—largely due to transformational, inclusive leadership styles.
• Workplace Culture: The American Psychological Association reports that women in leadership enhance collaboration, fairness, and employee engagement.
• Corporate Profitability: A Peterson Institute study found companies with 30% female leadership were 15% more profitable than those without.
• Leadership Competence: A Forbes-reported meta-analysis shows women often score higher in leadership skills such as results-driven focus, integrity, and communication—debunking outdated stereotypes.

I’m not alone in my thinking on this topic. If we channel a few of our female Icons, we might hear them tell us:

Brené Brown might remind us:

“Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things.”
If we want change, we must name the barriers, call out bias, and make space for women to lead—especially when it’s hard.

Mel Robbins would say:

“You don’t need anyone’s permission.”
Support women now. Introduce them. Promote them. Share their work. Push the damn button.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously said:

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
She might add: Take the step. Make the hire. Offer the platform. Create the opportunity.

What would you say about this topic? Tell us on social media and tag SoulSalt Inc. or myself so I can read your idea.

Here is my idea. How about we find inspired, Power Vs Force, Inclusion Vs Exclusion minded females. Once we find them, we support them. Elevate them.

Here is how to do that.

How to Support Women Leaders (Backed by Research)

1. Sponsor Them – Not just mentorship. Advocacy opens doors.
   (Center for Talent Innovation)
2. Make Work Flexible – Parental leave and flexible hours retain leadership potential.
   (McKinsey & Lean In)
3. Interrupt Bias in Real Time – Speak up when bias shows up in meetings or hiring.
   (Harvard Business Review)
4. Invest in Women-Centered Leadership Development – Safe spaces build skills and confidence.
   (Catalyst & Deloitte)
5. Redefine Leadership Itself – When we stop seeing dominance as a strength, more women rise.
   (Zenger/Folkman)

We are living through a turning point—a Guidepost moment.

If we want a world with less strife, we must invite more women to lead us forward.
Not just in politics, but in boardrooms, classrooms, movements, and communities.

We must listen to them. Fund them. Elect them. Mentor them. Sponsor them. Stand beside them.

This is not about flipping the system from patriarchy to matriarchy.
It’s about evolving beyond domination altogether—toward a new epoch of shared power, heart-led decisions, and collective progress.

Let this be our guidepost: The future will thrive when women lead—and when we all rise with them.