Walking into the Leather Chair

The first day I stepped into my new role leading a €50M business with 700 employees, I faced a room that told me everything I needed to know.

A long boardroom table. 5 directors. Every single one older than me. Every single one male.

At one end, the oversized leather chair, the kind that looks like it belongs to a king. One voice in my head whispered: “Sit on the side. Don’t stand out.”

But a stronger voice said: “Sit at the head. Own the space. You’ve earned this.”

That moment summed up everything I was about to face fear, doubt, but also the responsibility and privilege of leading change.

Looking back, here’s what made the difference:

Lessons I Learned About Leading Against the Odds

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1. Own the perks, unapologetically.

The big chair, the car, the driver… you may not care about them, but others do. If you shrink from them, people may think you don’t deserve them. Take space with confidence.

2. Establish authority from day one.

Seek input but remember: only one person signs off on the decision. Lead decisively.

3. Use your voice early and often.

In meetings, don’t wait for permission to speak. Open the discussion. Make it clear you are the one driving the agenda.

4. Lead as yourself, not as a copy.

Being a woman doesn’t mean being weaker. Your empathy, values, and moral compass are strengths. Don’t trade them to imitate someone else’s style.

5. Accept the voice of doubt.

It never goes away. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign you’re stretching, growing, stepping into bigger shoes. Welcome it as proof you’re evolving.

6. Build your circle.

Mentors, sponsors, peers, people who can challenge your thinking, hold up a mirror, and remind you of your own strength when you forget.

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Walking into that room was scary, yes. But it was also exhilarating. Because I believed in the vision, in the positive change we could create, and in my ability to lead transformation not just for the business, but for the people who had been waiting too long to be seen, heard, and promoted.

And that’s what leadership really is: sitting in the chair, even when it feels too big, and growing into it every single day.

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Have you ever walked into a room and wondered if you belonged? What did you do in that moment?

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