The unspoken truth about partnership, patriarchy & power? Patriarchy doesn’t only harm women—it also handicaps men. It distorts leadership, relationships, and entire systems by placing power over instead of power with.
But since the beginning of time: Partnership has always been the God-given vision.
Through divine design and reconciliation—we were created to live and lead in full, mutual partnership with one another. Not dominance. Not hierarchy. Partnership.
Yet, so much of what we think of and call “leadership” still reflects an outdated model where men hold most of the power and women are expected to fulfill support roles or work twice as hard to earn half the influence.
Shared power isn’t a threat to men—it’s the key to human flourishing. 🗝️ And the most secure, effective, and confident men I’ve worked with embody it beautifully at home and at work!
It’s not just me, the data speaks for itself:
- When women and men lead together, organizations thrive.
- When decisions are made collaboratively, outcomes are stronger.
- When leadership is holistic, success is sustainable.
Practically, I’ll offer 3 ways you can shift from power over to power with:
1️⃣ Be an Includer. Women need to be in the rooms where decisions are made. If you’re a woman, take up the space you’ve earned. If you’re a man, defer and advocate.
2️⃣ Ask “Who’s Missing?” Challenge the cultural narrative that leadership defaults to white men. In every space you lead, ask: Who is missing from the table?
3️⃣ Actively Follow Women. Reflect on who’s influenced your leadership, in real life and in your academic learning. Get coaching or mentorship from women, read books by women, support their businesses and platforms.
This Women’s History Month, don’t just publicly cheer for women in leadership—practice true partnership.
Because leadership isn’t about one rising above another—it’s about rising together.
On a personal note, women of color have been some of my best teachers on holistic leadership. I’m so deeply grateful for how they’ve shaped my life and leadership. I am profoundly better for their critical minds, tender hearts, active hands, and centered souls.
If you want to take an action step toward hiring and learning from women, I’m here. 🙂 I’d love to work with you and your team this year. Let’s connect. Partnership is the way!
