Feminine Leadership & Holism
The Hidden Drivers of Success
When Jim Collins and Jerry Porras wrote Built to Last, and later Collins followed up with Good to Great, they never explicitly used the terms “feminine leadership” or “holistic thinking.” Yet, woven throughout these business classics are principles that emphasize empathy, collaboration, humility, and a higher sense of purpose. These qualities—often labeled as “feminine” in leadership—are critical for building resilient, enduring organizations.
However, in an era dominated by automation, short-term profits, and “growth at any cost,” these softer, more human-centric values are frequently overlooked. As a result, many businesses miss out on the sustainable success that arises from integrating “feminine” qualities and holistic approaches into their strategy and culture.
1. Level 5 Leadership: The Power of Humility
One of the standout findings in Good to Great is the concept of Level 5 Leadership. Contrary to the archetype of the bold, ego-driven CEO, Level 5 Leaders exhibit a quiet humility and fierce resolve. They channel ambition toward the organization’s greater good rather than personal glory.
Feminine Perspective: Humility
Traditional “masculine” leadership styles often spotlight assertiveness and charisma. Good to Great challenges this norm, illustrating how humility and empathy—traits more commonly associated with “feminine” energy—drive better results and nurture a healthier organizational culture.Why It Matters: In a world racing toward profit and efficiency, humility keeps leaders connected to their teams, fostering loyalty, collaboration, and innovation. It ensures people feel valued, not exploited—laying the groundwork for long-term stability.List item
2. Preserve the Core, Stimulate Progress: Balancing Tradition & Innovation
In Built to Last, Collins and Porras present the idea of “Preserve the Core/Stimulate Progress.” This principle underscores the importance of safeguarding an organization’s fundamental values while continually innovating.
Holistic/Feminine Perspective: Integrating Values and Vision
Holism recognizes that success isn’t merely about hitting the next quarterly target. It’s about maintaining a unified sense of purpose that guides every decision—an approach that honors both the emotional and logical aspects of running a business.Why It Matters: Businesses too focused on the short-term often neglect their foundational values, undermining employee morale and brand integrity. By balancing tradition with innovation, companies remain agile and relevant without sacrificing the essence of who they are.
3. Clock Building, Not Time Telling: Building Systems & Cultures That Outlast Individuals
Another key concept in Built to Last is the notion of “clock building.” Rather than creating a company that relies on a single visionary leader (time telling), enduring organizations develop robust systems and cultures (clock building) that can adapt and thrive for decades.
Holistic/Feminine Perspective: Collaboration and Nurturing
Building a clock requires collective input, shared responsibilities, and a long-term perspective. These elements reflect the “nurturing” side of leadership—an inclusive approach that respects the contributions of every individual.Why It Matters: In the rush to automate and cut costs, many organizations lose sight of the human relationships that power innovation and resilience. A clock-building mindset ensures that everyone feels involved, necessary, and inspired to drive the company forward.
4. The Human Element: Beyond Profit and Automation
The modern push for efficiency and profit-at-all-costs often marginalizes the human spirit. Yet, both Built to Last and Good to Great underscore how culture and shared values become a company’s engine for greatness. It’s the people—fueled by meaning and connection—who transform a business from average to extraordinary.
Holistic/Feminine Perspective: Recognizing Intangibles
Intangible factors like trust, belonging, and mutual respect don’t always show up on a balance sheet, but they profoundly influence a company’s longevity and capacity for adaptation.Why It Matters: In an era of automation, the human touch is a differentiator. Customers and employees alike gravitate toward organizations that demonstrate empathy, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to something bigger than profit.
5. Reclaiming Feminine Qualities and Holism in Modern Business
Despite the clear evidence presented in these business classics, many leaders still cling to outdated notions that success hinges solely on efficiency, productivity, and a relentless pursuit of growth. The truth is that the so-called “soft” elements—compassion, collaboration, humility, and vision—are what make companies stand the test of time.
How to Integrate Feminine and Holistic Approaches:
Prioritize Purpose: Make sure every department and individual understands how their work connects to the organization’s core values and mission.
Embrace Humble Leadership: Encourage leaders at all levels to listen more than they speak, recognizing the power of team-driven innovation.
Foster Collaboration: Create structures that promote open communication and shared problem-solving, rather than top-down directives.
Invest in Culture: Celebrate wins, learn from failures, and keep a close eye on how your people feel. Motivation and well-being drive sustained success.
Balance Efficiency with Empathy: Use technology and automation to handle repetitive tasks, freeing people to focus on creative, strategic, and relational work.
Final Thoughts
Built to Last and Good to Great guided me to build my companies in a way that ensured they grew organically and continue to thrive even after my exit. Along the way, they repeatedly reminded me that enduring success doesn’t come from quick fixes or cutting-edge tech. I remember being shocked and relieved that their wide-reaching research affirmed my capacity to lead with heart -- contradicting what I’d been raised to assume based on business stereotypes glorifying the male, hierarchical models that are obsolete. I had really thought that my femininity and empathy were barriers to overcome, and instead I lead and learned that a company’s success is rooted in the intangible qualities—purpose, humility, collaboration, and heart—that define us as humans.
These are the very qualities that are often sidelined in today’s hyper-automated, profit-driven environment.
As you move forward, I hope you take a page from Collins and Porras because now is the time to reimagine what success looks like. In doing so, you’ll create workplaces where people feel truly alive—driven by vision, guided by values, and empowered to shape a better future for all.
By weaving feminine qualities and holistic thinking into strategies, systems and design, I help leaders build enterprises that don’t just thrive for a season but stand strong for generations to come. Embracing this balance is not just a moral imperative—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your teams, products, and leadership.