Understanding Leadership through Gender-Lens: Insights from Global Women Leaders

Amy Summy, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Consumer, Labcorp

The Edge in Leadership

Great leadership isn’t just about making decisions – it’s about motivating people to reach their potential and drive meaningful impact for the individual as well as our business. To me, the qualities of emotional intelligence and empathy are very connected. These qualities are about reading the room and knowing your people at a deeper level. I am most effective when I understand the full picture of an employee’s challenges, goals, motivators and more. I can customize my approach and solutions which leads to a more successful outcome for everyone. Communication is the force multiplier; it ensures alignment, energizes teams and turns vision into action. As women, these strengths have always been our edge.

Diversity in Leadership

Throughout my career, I have led teams that interact and serve clients or partners. When I managed consulting teams, for example, being a female leader turned out to be a competitive advantage when we were working with clients who also had women on their teams. Our competitors did not have women in their leadership ranks at that time. I had many clients note that we were the only team that brought diversity to the team, and that diversity led to better solutions.

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

Be your best supporter. Believe in yourself, unapologetically. Surround yourself with people who support your ambition, and will give you unfiltered and constructive feedback. Speak up, take risks and create opportunities – not just for yourself, but for women who will follow. The world needs bold, brilliant women in leadership, and that includes you.