Leadership Redefined: Women Rising Together

In today’s world marked by crisis, uncertainty, and the unraveling of outdated power structures—authentic leadership has never been more vital. As thought leaders likeBill George remind us, the shift from authority to authenticity is not optional; it is essential. Women are rising - not by mimicking outdated paradigms, but by redefining them. The future of leadership is not about dominance. With resilience, emotional intelligence, and a spirit of collaboration, they are leading in ways that tranform rather than control.

My journey, from confronting corruption to empowering women, reflects not only a personal evolution, but a universal lesson in leadership.

I am honored to be part of theChangeNOW Summit Paris, taking place April 24–26, 2025. As global leaders and changemakers gather to shape a sustainable future, I find myself pausing to reflect on my own leadership path as a woman, one that has unfolded in ways I never imagined.

Honoring Courage: Women change makers on the Frontlines

While writing this, I carry in my heart the stories of manycourageous women, includingfriends back home in Vietnam who risked their lives to protect the environment, women who spoke out against injustice, only to be silenced, imprisoned, or forced into exile. Their resilience, despite immense personal cost, is a testament to the kind of leadership our world needs.

Sadly, these stories are not isolated. According to Global Witness, over 9,000 women human rights defenders were attacked across Central America and Mexico between 2012 and 2023. Many of these women stood courageously to protect their communities, the environment, and fundamental rights, often at great personal cost. Alarmingly, a significant number of these attacks were linked to efforts to shield powerful interests, including those of extractive industries and organized crime. Their stories remind us how urgently we must support those who speak truth to power and defend justice, even in the most challenging contexts.

This is why, supporting women changemakers is not just an option—it is a necessity.

When women rise, they uplift communities, strengthen economies, and shape future generations. Their courage reminds us that transformation is not a solitary act, but a collective movement. For this movement to endure, we must uplift the next generation of women leaders—those stepping up, navigating uncertainty, and boldly redefining what leadership truly means.

Beyond Training: Leadership Forged in Adversity

Leadership is a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning. Over the past two decades, I have studied, trained, and practiced leadership at various levels-from formal programs with InWEnt, Oxford Leadership, and the International Civil Society Centre. I have drawn teachings and wisdom from mentors and thought leaders like Daniel Goleman and Simon Sinek.  Yet the deepest lessons did not come from any classroom and book. They came from leading through life’s most challenging moments—moments when everything I’d built was tested or lost.

Leadership, I have come to learn, is not merely about skills or strategy. It is about resilience, integrity, and ability to transform- qualities that are forged not in moments of comfort, but in times of adversity.

 The Shift: From Anti-Corruption to Women’s Empowerment

In 2008, I founded Vietnam’s first anti-corruption NGO,Towards Transparency. It was a bold step in a fragile political climate, marked by risk and constant pressure. My leadership was tested through threats, relentless strain, and eventually in ways I could never have anticipated- forced displacement.

Despite all the theories and strategies I had learned, it was during these crises when everything I had built crumbled that I truly understood what leadership means. True leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about having the courage to face uncertainty, embrace your own vulnerability, and navigate through the most challenging of circumstances.

Leaving Vietnam and starting over in France pushed me to reexamine everything. I came to realize that my deeper calling was not only to contribute to a corruption-free society, but to help women rise in a world that too often sidelines their voices, especially in leadership.

Women Rising: Building Resilience, Reclaiming Power

This realization led me to develop a  Coaching & Mentoring Program for Women Changemakers- a dynamic space for women who have faced deep personal and professional setbacks. It is for those striving to reclaim their power, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their inner strength, the resourceful part of themselves, to (re) emerge as leaders.

The challenges women face in leadership, whether in the nonprofit sector or beyond, extend far beyond skills or ambition. They are rooted in systemic barriers, a lack of support, and, in some cases, the harsh reality of being forced to shut down organizations or risk their lives  in the face of rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic space.

Through this program, I aim to connect with women and organizations ready to take the next step in their leadership journeys. I want to engage with changemakers determined to build resilience and rise, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The ultimate goal is to foster a community of women committed to transformation, empowerment, and lasting change.

Leading from the Heart: Rising Through Adversity

One of the most profound truths I have learned is that real leadership is not about titles or perfection, it is about rising through hardship with grace, keeping your heart open, and inspiring others along the way.

I have fallen and I have risen many times. These moments of vulnerability became turning points. In each fall, there was a deeper rising. Leadership is about reframing the storm, growing through it, and showing others that they, too, can rise.

Why ChangeNOW 2025 Matters to Me
As I reflect my path from fighting to empowering women, ChangeNOW 2025 offers the perfect space to continue my journey. ItsWomen for Change initiative resonates well with my mission   to amplify women’s voices, especially those overcoming systemic barriers. I look forward to connecting with changemakers, sharing our stories, and contributing to conversations that will shape the future of leadership.

The Future of Leadership: Women Rising

Women leaders today are not replicating the past. We are redefining leadership on our own terms. With emotional intelligence,  a spirit of collaboration, and strength forged in adversity, we are charting a new course. We lead with vulnerability, not as a weakness, but as a source of power that deepens our connection to others and fuels authentic transformation.

As someone who has led through crises, I know: this is what the world needs now. Leadership is not one-size-fits-all. It is diverse, evolving, and deeply human. It’s about embracing challenges with an open heart, turning setbacks into growth, and leading from a place of authenticity and resilience.

Together, we rise!

To the brave women who have risked everything to protect our planet, to those leading quietly through everyday challenges, and to all who are choosing integrity, courage, and compassion to make this world a better place: You are seen. You are heard. You are not alone!