As a woman in the world of global finance and entrepreneurship, I’ve often found myself walking a line between tradition and transformation. I was raised with strong cultural values in China, where leadership was often imagined in male form. And yet, I also grew up with the quiet but powerful influence of the women around me: resourceful, intelligent, resilient, who shaped my understanding of strength and service.
Today, I lead a wealth management platform that supports families and individuals across borders, and I work daily with women who are changing their industries, their families, and their communities. But the road here wasn’t always clear or easy. It’s why I believe so deeply in creating space for more women to lead whether it’s in finance, business, or philanthropy.
This blog is both personal and practical, a reflection on what it means to be a woman at the helm, and why empowering others as we climb is essential.
Finding My Voice in a Male-Dominated Space
When I first entered the world of finance and strategy, I quickly realized that I was often the only woman in the room, and even more often, the only woman of colour. I didn’t grow up imagining myself in this world, and there were moments I questioned whether I belonged at all.
What helped me stay the course wasn’t just technical knowledge or ambition. It was the encouragement of mentors who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself. It was clients who valued empathy as much as expertise. And it was my own decision to lead with both strategy and heart.
I learned that being different wasn’t a disadvantage, it was a differentiator. I could connect across cultures, read subtle dynamics in a room, and listen with intention. I brought a fresh perspective to the table, and over time, I learned to own that voice.
Redefining Wealth and Leadership
Too often, wealth and leadership are defined by outdated standards: aggression, power, exclusivity. But I’ve found that the most effective and enduring leaders, especially women, bring something more: collaboration, resilience, and long-term thinking.
Women tend to view wealth through a broader lens not just as a measure of success, but as a tool for security, opportunity, and legacy. We ask: How can this support my family? How can this uplift my community? How can I pass this on wisely?
At the Botrich Family Wealth Heritage Center, many of our most thoughtful clients and next-generation leaders are women. Some are matriarchs overseeing multi-generational transitions. Others are entrepreneurs growing mission-driven ventures. What unites them is a desire to lead with purpose and ensure that their wealth tells a story of impact, not just accumulation.
The Importance of Mentorship—And Paying It Forward
I would not be where I am today without the mentors who guided me, challenged me, and opened doors I didn’t know how to knock on. Some were women. Some were men. All of them understood that true leadership is about creating pathways for others.
Now, I make it a point to mentor young women especially those navigating traditionally male-dominated industries. Sometimes we talk about negotiation tactics or boardroom dynamics. Other times, it’s about confidence, identity, or setting boundaries. Regardless of the topic, I always try to remind them that they already have what they need: perspective, intuition, and voice.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. It can be a conversation, an introduction, or even a quiet show of support in a meeting. These small acts create ripples. They remind women that they are not alone and that someone is rooting for their success.
Lifting Others While Leading
As more women take on leadership roles, I believe we have both a responsibility and an opportunity: to make the climb easier for the women coming behind us. That means being transparent about the challenges. It means creating policies that support work-life balance, especially for mothers. It means investing in women-led businesses, boards, and foundations.
And it means celebrating each other. There is more than enough room at the table and when we bring more women to it, the table becomes stronger, wiser, and more innovative.
I’ve had the joy of watching young professionals I mentored grow into confident decision-makers. I’ve collaborated with women who lead multinational businesses and still make time to give back locally. These stories remind me that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about creating conditions for others to rise.
A More Inclusive Future
The future of leadership is diverse. It’s collaborative. And it’s increasingly female.
We’re living in a time when the definition of success is shifting. People want authenticity, connection, and values that align with their vision for life, not just their career. Women are uniquely positioned to lead in this environment, not because we need to emulate old models of power, but because we’re creating new ones.
Whether in finance, philanthropy, healthcare, or education, women are showing what it looks like to lead with both intelligence and empathy. We’re proving that you can build wealth and still prioritize people. That you can drive change and still honor your roots. And that you can succeed and bring others with you.
Lead Boldly, Lift Generously
My journey from Hunan to the global stage has been shaped by both challenge and grace. As a woman at the helm, I’ve learned that leadership is not about being fearless, it’s about moving forward even when fear is present. It’s about building trust, using your platform for good, and refusing to shrink to fit outdated molds.
To every woman reading this: your voice matters. Your vision matters. Whether you’re running a business, managing a family, mentoring others, or dreaming about your next step, lead boldly, and lift generously. The world needs your leadership more than ever.