Leadership Isn’t Given. It’s Positioned.
- May 6
- 2 min read
By Ashley Lynn Priore
Advancement into leadership is rarely accidental. It's strategic. And for women, especially, the path isn't always clearly defined. We're often navigating systems that weren't built with us in mind, which means we can't just follow a traditional playbook. We have to be intentional about how we move, where we invest our energy, and how we position ourselves over time.
One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that you earn it once you're fully "ready." In reality, leadership is often claimed before it's granted. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career came when I stepped into rooms where I was the youngest, the only woman, or both and chose to contribute anyway. Waiting until you feel fully qualified is often the very thing that delays your growth.
At the same time, doing great work alone isn't enough. If you want to advance, you need proximity to decision-making. In chess, the most powerful pieces aren't just strong. They are positioned well. The same is true in your career. You need to be in environments where strategy is being shaped, not just executed. Exposure to how decisions are made and who makes them changes how you lead and how others see you.
Another shift that matters is creating your own platforms. Too often, women are told to wait for opportunities. But the women who move fastest are the ones who build. That might be companies, communities, ideas, or a point of view. When you create something of your own, you stop relying on existing structures to validate your leadership.
Influence is not about volume. It is about clarity. It is not just "Do people hear you?" but "Do people know what you stand for?" Influence grows when people can articulate your value when you are not in the room. That requires focus, strong relationships, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently.
When you zoom out, long-term growth is less about titles and more about alignment.
Where and with whom you invest your time matters. Not every room is worth fighting to stay in. The right people and environments do not just support your growth. They accelerate it.
Ultimately, leadership is not about climbing a ladder. It is about understanding the board. The women who advance are not just working harder. They are thinking more strategically about every move they make and building positions that last.
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