Leadership is not about titles, gender, or seniority—it’s about impact, credibility, and empowering others. On this International Women’s Day, we asked five incredible female leaders at Speexx to share their most valuable leadership lessons. Their responses shed light on the mindset shifts, skills, and strategies that aspiring leaders—especially women—can embrace to thrive in their careers.
Lesson 1: Overcome Impostor Syndrome by Reclaiming Your Inner Narrative
Self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers aspiring female leaders face. Kelly Algier reminds us that impostor syndrome is often a hijacked inner monologue, and the key to overcoming it is challenging our own perceptions:
“You need to recognize that your mind, or what I like to refer to as your inner monologue, becomes hijacked. Often, feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness can seize your thoughts, making you question your abilities and achievements. A powerful way to counteract negative thoughts like ‘I’m not good enough for this job’ is by asking yourself, ‘What evidence do I have to prove myself wrong?’ By focusing on concrete evidence of your successes and abilities, you can dismantle negative self-talk and build a more accurate and positive self-perception. Your achievements are real, and you deserve to acknowledge and celebrate them.”
Kelly Algier, Head of Coaching Science, DACH at Speexx
Lesson 2: Lead with Authenticity, Not Labels
For women entering traditionally male-dominated fields like technology and product management, the conversation is often framed around barriers. But Beate Gallist challenges this narrative, emphasizing that leadership shouldn’t be about gender, but about growth, authenticity, and persistence:
“I don’t like it when people are put into boxes, and I prefer to focus on impact rather than labels. I’ve been at Speexx for many years, and in my experience here, when you bring value, people recognize you for your skills and contributions, regardless of your gender. I hope this mindset can be embraced more widely.
To grow as a leader, continuous learning is essential—not just in technical skills, but in how you communicate, adapt, and inspire others. Building meaningful connections, staying curious, and leading with authenticity have been key to my journey. Flexibility and resilience have also played a crucial role, allowing me to navigate challenges while staying true to what I believe in. These principles have not only helped me thrive but have shaped my leadership journey.”
Beate Gallist, Head of Product at Speexx
Kelly Algier and Beate Gallist discuss tools to boost female talents and build foundations for meaningful change.
Lesson 3: Build Credibility and Influence Beyond Hierarchies
Leadership is about responsibility, not authority. Giulia Mendoliera highlights that true leadership involves creating space for others, fostering innovation, and leading with kindness:
“Today’s charismatic leaders create awareness through listening and communication. It has nothing to do with seniority or hierarchy. When people within organizations understand that they have an impact and are part of innovation, they take responsibility. Leadership is about building—not imposing. It’s about nurturing relationships and improving processes.
Feedback, a key ingredient of good leadership, involves kindness, training, and growth. The task of leaders is to extract quality from everyone, within the limits of their potential, regardless of their level of knowledge. Everyone has a better version of themselves, and recognizing this is the responsibility of every leader.
To put it in Guido Stratta’s words, ‘Leadership has the imprint of the maternal code: it makes everyone feel like unique children, whether they are artisan geniuses or mathematicians; the mother extracts them from anonymity and makes them feel unique.’
From my experience as a manager at Speexx, I can say that I have discovered different approaches to leadership, borrowed some from others through imitation, and abandoned just as many. Leadership is not just a suit you wear at work. As friends, mothers, or athletes, we all exercise our leadership, which has nothing to do with genetics but with responsibility.”
Giulia Mendoliera, Head of Marketing, Speexx Italy
Lesson 4: You Don’t Need Permission to Succeed
Many women hesitate to step into leadership roles, believing that success is only for those with extraordinary abilities. Julia Gladbach challenges this myth, emphasizing that success comes from good work, belief, and action:
“I consider myself a feminist, but I don’t see leadership as male or female. To me, leadership is about empowering teams to use their unique talents to achieve a shared goal. Doing this well isn’t tied to one’s gender.
Societal norms often make it harder for women to envision success as a real possibility. Many believe that successful women possess secret superpowers—but most don’t. They work hard, believe in their worth, and don’t wait for others to clear the path for them.
My advice to aspiring female leaders: challenge your inner critic and take ownership of your goals. You don’t need permission to succeed—just the confidence to take the first step.”
Julia Gladbach, Head of Customer Success Program
Discover the 8 key characteristics leaders need for today’s hybrid workplace.
Lesson 5: Believe in Yourself and Choose Your Own Path
As a leader, it is important to trust yourself and define your own path. Elena Gimenez Alvarez shares how self-awareness, confidence, and the right support system can be transformative for aspiring leaders:
“One crucial lesson I’ve learned in my career is the importance of trusting your own abilities. It’s easy to let external voices or self-doubt cloud your path, but true leadership begins when you believe in your potential.
Set your goals with confidence, and don’t let others define your trajectory. Self-awareness is key—knowing your strengths and areas for growth will help you evolve as a leader.
Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. The right support system—mentors, coaches, colleagues, and friends—can make all the difference.
When you combine self-belief with determination and a strong network, you pave the way for meaningful leadership. Trust yourself, embrace challenges, and move forward with purpose.”
Elena Gimenez Alvarez, Managing Director, Speexx Spain
The Future of Leadership is Inclusive
Each of these leadership lessons from Speexx female leaders reinforces an important message: true leaders are those who believe in their worth, cultivate their strengths, and empower others, regardless of their gender. Leadership is not just a title but a mindset—one that thrives on confidence, action, and continuous growth.
Beyond International Women’s Day, organizations need to commit to creating environments where everyone can thrive, lead, and succeed.
