In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the narrative around leadership is evolving, and at the forefront of this change is a focus on empowering female leaders.
Tracy had an enlightening conversation with Ros Cardinal, the visionary behind the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model.
This dives deep into reshaping leadership to be more inclusive and reflective of women’s unique strengths and experiences.
Who is Ross cardinal?
Ros Cardinal, an expert in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and organisational culture, has created a groundbreaking model that identifies eight distinct patterns of behaviour in female leadership.
Her extensive research, involving 10,000 women from 93 countries, has culminated in a profound understanding of how women can thrive as leaders.
four empowered archetypes
The Women’s Leadership Archetypes model includes four empowered archetypes: the Sovereign, the Warrior, the Wise Woman, and the Tribe Builder, along with their corresponding shadow archetypes. The Sovereign is all about joy and self-actualisation, living life on her own terms with a sense of fulfilment.
The Warrior thrives on achievement, setting goals, and problem-solving, deriving joy from the journey rather than merely proving herself.
The Wise Woman uses her deep reservoir of knowledge to influence and mentor positively, while the Tribe Builder excels in creating and nurturing communities, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
the shadow archetypes
Contrasting these empowered archetypes are the shadow archetypes, which emerge under stress: the Tyrant, the Lone Wolf, the Marta, and the Hermit. These represent the pitfalls of burnout, control issues, people-pleasing, and withdrawal, respectively. The Tyrant exhibits a relentless drive for perfectionism and imposter syndrome, while the Lone Wolf’s need for control stifles delegation and team growth.
The Marta sacrifices her own needs for approval, and the Hermit retreats from conflict and responsibility, leading to procrastination and isolation.
Cardinal’s research underscores the necessity of leadership models that resonate with women’s intrinsic motivations and life choices. By recognising and honouring these archetypes, women can lead more authentically and joyfully, reshaping organisational cultures to be more inclusive and supportive.
the pathway to joy
For women feeling the strain and disconnection in traditional corporate environments, the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model offers a pathway back to joy and authenticity. One compelling example shared by Cardinal involves a client who, initially seeking an exit plan from her executive role, rediscovered her passion and efficacy by embracing her authentic leadership style. This transformation not only reinvigorated her career but also positively influenced her organisational dynamics.
Cardinal’s insights remind us that leadership should not be a mould that women have to fit into; rather, it should be a role that adapts to and celebrates the unique qualities women bring to the table.
By embracing these archetypes, women can redefine success on their own terms, leading with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
exploring transformative concepts
For those interested in exploring these transformative concepts further, Ros Cardinal has created a dedicated platform at Women’s Leader Archetypes.
Here, women can access resources, self-assessment tools, and opportunities to engage in coaching and community building. Additionally, Cardinal is equipping other coaches, mentors, and people development professionals to utilise these tools, broadening the impact of her work.
Visit Women’s Leader Archetypes to uncover how these archetypes can transform your leadership journey. Reconnect with what truly brings you joy and empower yourself to lead authentically and successfully as a woman. The future of leadership is bright, inclusive, and uniquely female.