Leading with Resilience: Lessons from Women in Leadership
At WONE, we work with inspiring women across law, tech and finance—leaders, changemakers, and visionaries who are reshaping workplace wellbeing. Not as an afterthought, but as a strategic advantage.
This International Women’s Day, we’re sharing wisdom directly from our clients—women who are redefining leadership by prioritizing balance, boundaries, and resilience.
The reality? Women in leadership face unique pressures and challenges. Yet those who navigate them successfully have simple but powerful strategies in place to manage stress, lead with strength, and create impact—without burnout.
Here’s what they had to say:
Resilience Starts with Self Awareness
"Resilience is about being self-aware and stepping into who you are. The more you know and advocate for yourself, the less energy you spend trying to fit a certain mold, giving you strength to move forward in a way that feels right for you."
— Charlotte Eaton, Chief People Officer (CPO) at Arm
Resilience starts with knowing yourself. The more we understand our stress triggers, energy levels, and needs, the better we can respond. It’s not about “pushing through” but about knowing what we need to stay balanced, engaged, and strong.
This is especially true for leaders.
“Set clear priorities, embrace flexibility, and practice self-awareness. Not every challenge is urgent or insurmountable. Delegate effectively—recognizing that as a leader, you can’t do everything yourself.”
— Ruth Davison, Associate Director of HR, King & Spalding
The best leaders don’t just manage stress—they model resilience. Effective leadership isn’t about handling everything alone. It’s about knowing when to pause, reset, and delegate.
Progress over Perfection
“Embrace the idea of ‘progress over perfection’. I found that striving for constant perfection, professionally and personally, could be exhausting. Instead, I strive for incremental progress—celebrating small wins and focusing on growth rather than flawless outcomes. This shift has made me more patient with myself and less prone to burnout.”
— Ruth Davison, Associate Director of HR, King & Spalding
This powerful mindset shift is at the heart of sustainable performance. Burnout often comes from the constant need to be “on” or perfect. But progress compounds over time. Small wins drive real change—without exhaustion.
Perspective is Everything
"One of the best pieces of advice I received was this: Whenever I made a mistake or didn’t meet my own expectations, my manager would ask—half-jokingly—'Can it kill you?' Almost always, the answer was no. Then he’d say, ‘Did you learn something?’ There you go. No damage done. Stay calm and carry on."
— Merete Vårvik Matre, VP People & Community, Autostore
Stress is real, but perspective is powerful. Many of the pressures we feel at work are amplified in our minds. And when we shift our mindset, we can turn stress into a catalyst for growth. Choosing to view setbacks as part of the learning process helps us build mental agility and long-term resilience.
The Power of Recovery
"The best way to manage stress? A big dose of humility and a lot of prayer."
— Kathy Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer, Solomon Page
"Running and hiking in fresh air. Always, all year."
— Merete Vårvik Matre, VP People & Community, Autostore
High performance isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about knowing when to step back. Whether through movement, mindfulness, a moment in nature, or a moment for reflection, recovery is key. Resilience is built in the small, daily moments where we reset and recharge.
Building Resilience Through Support & Self Compassion
"For women, resilience often comes with the pressure of balancing multiple roles. My advice is to prioritize your own well-being—self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary."
— Ruth Davison, Associate Director of HR, King & Spalding
Many women are expected to be everything for everyone—except themselves. True resilience isn’t about never breaking—it’s but about having the tools, habits and support systems to reset and recover.
"Be kind to yourself—acknowledge that resilience isn't about never breaking, but rather about bouncing back with strength and wisdom.”
— Ruth Davison, Associate Director of HR, King & Spalding
The strongest leaders don’t just endure—they evolve.
The Future of Work: Resilient Leaders, Resilient Workplaces
At WONE, we see first hand how resilience is built through proactive habits, not reactive crises.
The most forward-thinking leaders, like the women in this post, understand that proactive stress management isn’t a “nice-to-have”. It’s the foundation for sustained energy, impact, and performance.
At WONE, we help leaders turn stress into strength–empowering employees to manage stress, build resilience and unlock their full potential. Because a healthy workforce is a high-performing workforce.
To all the women shaping healthier workplaces and futures—we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re with you.
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at WONE.
