Let’s lay the foundation: leadership belongs to those who step up, regardless of gender. It’s about mindset. It’s about ownership. And it’s about taking responsibility for outcomes, no matter the obstacles.
That said, I’ve spent over a decade leading teams, working alongside women in high-pressure environments, and navigating leadership from the lens of being a woman. While the principles of leadership apply universally, there are traits I’ve seen repeatedly in strong female leaders that are worth recognizing. These traits don’t make women better or worse leaders. But they often reflect a perspective shaped by resilience, emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to the mission.
1. They Lead with Ownership
At Echelon Front, we don’t believe in excuses or blaming others. We believe in owning every piece of the problem, even the parts that feel out of your control. And the female leaders I’ve worked with embody that mindset.
They don’t wait to be told what to do. They don’t ask for permission to lead. They take initiative. They anticipate problems, execute solutions, and own the results. They’re not distracted by drama or debates about fairness. They focus on outcomes and on moving the mission forward.
Debbie Lee, who we call Momma Lee, is an incredible example of someone who leads with unwavering ownership. She has endured the unimaginable loss of her son, Marc Lee, in the Battle of Ramadi. But in the face of this tragedy, she didn’t ask for sympathy. Instead, she looked for ways to help others. She asked Marc’s brothers, the members of Task Unit Bruiser, “What can I do for you?” She took ownership and turned her pain into purpose. She founded America’s Mighty Warriors, a non-profit in Marc’s honor that serves veterans and Gold Star families. She keeps Marc’s legacy alive by moving his mission forward. Even in the hardest moments, she remains focused on others, not because it’s easy, but because it’s the right thing to do. That’s the kind of leadership that inspires real change. That’s what ownership looks like.
2. They Understand the Power of Connection
Leadership is not about command and control. It’s about alignment, influence, and building trust. The best female leaders I’ve worked with have an ability to connect deeply and authentically with their teams.
That connection builds cultures where people want to contribute. Where team members feel seen and valued. And when that happens, commitment and execution follow.
LaTonya Sumpter exemplifies this principle through her willingness to share her personal journey. She’s open, vulnerable, and genuine in telling her story, which creates immediate trust and connection with those around her. She proves that real leadership influence comes from building relationships, not just giving direction.
As we teach in Decentralized Command, the people closest to the problem are usually best positioned to solve it. That only works if leaders have built trust and empowered others to act. Many female leaders do this naturally, by listening first, leading with empathy, and reinforcing trust through their actions.
3. They’re Strategic and Detail-Oriented
Great leaders know how to zoom out and think big, but also zoom in and get the details right. I’ve seen female leaders balance both without skipping a beat. They balance big-picture strategy with attention to detail. Whether it’s managing complex projects, navigating timelines, or keeping a team aligned, they execute without letting critical details slip.
Corey Mize is a great example of this trait. When she stepped into the director role for our Online Academy, she immediately grasped the strategic vision while meticulously handling every detail of execution. She balances leading big initiatives with managing the details, demonstrating that leadership requires both vision and discipline.
That’s exactly what Prioritize and Execute is about. Leadership isn’t doing everything at once. It’s knowing what matters most, focusing energy where it counts, and getting the job done. Strong female leaders apply this consistently at work, at home, and across the board. They bring discipline, focus, and thoughtful execution, even under pressure.
4. They Don’t Need the Spotlight
One thing I’ve learned over time is that recognition might be nice, but it’s not the point. The mission is.
I’ve seen female leaders consistently operate behind the scenes, solving problems early, supporting others, and anticipating challenges, without seeking praise. They act not for credit, but because taking initiative is the standard they hold for themselves.
Iris Gardner is an excellent example. When I first asked her to speak at the Assembly, she was initially hesitant to take the stage. But after sharing her story on our panels at Assembly 001 and 002, it became clear how powerful her message was. Now, she’s stepping into a keynote role, not because she seeks the spotlight, but because her story and lessons have the power to help others. That’s the humility and quiet strength that define so many impactful female leaders.
That kind of humility builds trust. It earns respect. And over time, it creates undeniable leadership capital.
5. They Balance Confidence with Curiosity
Great leaders bring confidence, but they also know they don’t have all the answers. The most effective female leaders I’ve worked with are grounded in that balance.
Instead of trying to prove themselves, they stay curious. They ask earnest questions. They seek feedback. They stay open to learning. That humility isn’t weakness. It’s maturity. And it’s one of the clearest signs of a leader who is grounded, self-aware, and focused on growth.
Meg Miller is a perfect example of this trait. When she stepped into an instructor role at Echelon Front, she brought a strong, quiet sense of confidence but also balanced it with curiosity. She welcomed feedback, asked questions, and actively sought opportunities to improve. That willingness to learn has only expanded her capabilities and impact.
We teach that checking your ego is critical. Some of the most effective female leaders I’ve worked with live that principle every day. They are confident enough to lead and humble enough to listen.
Final Thought: Different Perspective, Same Principles
When I first stepped into leadership, I thought I had to prove myself. I thought I had to lead like a man to be taken seriously. But over time, I learned something more important: leadership doesn’t require you to change who you are. It requires you to take ownership of who you are.
The principles don’t change. Leadership is leadership. Ownership is ownership. But when women bring their full selves to the table, when they lead with clarity, apply the principles with consistency, and stay focused on the mission, they don’t just lead well. They lead with impact.
So, what are the traits of strong female leaders?
• They take ownership
• They build trust
• They execute with discipline
• They stay humble
• And they lead for impact, not recognition
If you’re a woman in leadership, or on the path to it, you don’t need someone to give you ownership. You already have it. You don’t need permission. You don’t need a title. You don’t need to wait.
You just need to take ownership.
Join Us in Phoenix: Women in Leadership: The Assembly Event
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership or want to connect with fellow women committed to owning every aspect of their impact, join us October 1–3, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ for Echelon Front’s Assembly, a Women’s Leadership Conference.
You’ve just read about a few of the incredible women who lead by example. At Assembly, you’ll have the chance to hear directly from them. You’ll learn from their stories, gain insights from their experiences, and walk away inspired to lead with more ownership, discipline, and impact in every area of your life.
This immersive event is designed for women ready to go deeper into the principles of Extreme Ownership and learn how to apply them across all areas of life. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, raising a family, or doing all three, you’ll leave with practical tools, clear direction, and renewed focus.
Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about what you do. Come sharpen your skills, strengthen your mindset, and surround yourself with other women who lead. We’ll see you in Phoenix.
