Breaking the Mould to Rule the World
How to turn high ambition into real power in a world dominated by a select few.
As a twenty-something, I was driven by the ambition to make a difference in the world. Like many others, I believed that the path to significant impact was paved with hard work, academic achievements, and an elusive invitation from prestigious organisations like the United Nations. I was one of a million people a year applying for a job at the UN, holding the belief that this was the only way to effect positive change globally. My ambition was high, but my agency felt relatively low - power seemed to rest firmly in the hands of a select few, rather than within my own grasp.
After going on to spend five years working in international economic development at the UN, where organisational complexities and power dynamics often hinder the ability of individuals to make meaningful contributions, I've become interested in how we can strengthen the agency and ambition of leaders from diverse backgrounds to fill the glaring gaps left by the status quo.
We Conform Based on the Leadership Constructs We See
In the current global landscape, the archetype of leadership, particularly at the highest levels, remains predominantly male and adheres to traditional educational and socio-economic backgrounds. While this standard is being increasingly challenged by diverse leadership paradigms emerging from beyond conventional elite circles, it still does not reflect the broader realities observed in the world.
Globally, women are underrepresented in both political and corporate leadership roles. As of early 2024, women hold only 22.8% of cabinet positions globally, with merely 26 countries having women as heads of state or government1. In the corporate arena, only 28.2% of board seats in major companies are occupied by women, with a mere 6% held by women of colour2​.
Trailblazers That Leave a Trail of Destruction
Despite these disparities, there is growing recognition of the value of diverse leadership styles, especially those that diverge from traditional pathways. Notably, several Big Tech founders, such as Mark Zuckerberg, are celebrated for their non-traditional educational paths, like dropping out of college. However, their leadership styles and corporate practices, such as those seen in Facebook and Meta, have often been criticised and have not universally inspired admiration or emulation.
Change-Makers Set a New Standard
The complexity of today’s global challenges - including wars and geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and environmental crises - necessitates a re-evaluation of what effective leadership looks like. This context sets the stage for a broader, more inclusive definition of leadership that goes beyond traditional norms. . We find such examples not only in tech and large corporates but also in unexpected individuals who achieve extraordinary breakthroughs.
Examples of Unconventional Leaders Redefining the Paradigm
Sonita Alizadeh3: Originally from Afghanistan, Alizadeh is a rapper and activist who uses her music to combat child marriage. Her work illustrates how art can catalyse social change and policy reform. Alizadeh shows us how leadership can challenge societal norms.
Ericka Hart4: As a Black queer femme activist and sexuality educator, Hart uses her platform to tackle issues of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her leadership through education and activism expands the scope of influence beyond traditional political or corporate fields.
Laxmi Agarwal5: A survivor of an acid attack in India, Agarwal has become a leading campaigner against acid violence and for the rights of acid attack survivors. Her advocacy has effected changes in Indian laws and heightened social awareness. Agarwal proves how personal tragedy can be transformed into powerful societal leadership.
These leaders highlight a shifting paradigm where the ability to effect change can come from any position in society. They challenge the traditional notion that leadership requires a formal title or adherence to conventional success metrics. This broader conception of leadership not only makes it more accessible but also more reflective of the diverse societies that leaders aim to serve.
Driven to Breakthrough
I can’t help but wonder if their determination was fueled by an inability to tolerate the status quo. Each made a conscious choice to venture off the beaten path, without invitation, and were likely unwelcomed by established authorities. Yet, they pressed on, carving out their own influence in areas that matter deeply to them. These leaders have not only redefined their worlds but have also driven substantial positive impact where it counts.
There is both room and a pressing need for more leaders to fill the numerous gaps in our world. The harsh reality of having ambition to effect change while agency is stifled by external forces - whether in our organisations, industries, societies, or nations - is daunting. However, this reality can be transformed by embracing possibility and progress.
I’m on a mission to enable more established and emerging leaders in various places to think and act globally - to achieve their ambitious goals in the world with full agency. If you’d like to join this effort, I invite you to consider the following questions:
In your career or organisation:
What are you holding back on because you don’t feel ready, qualified, or because you haven’t yet conformed to the traditional mould of success, or been given an invitation?
And yet, what glaring gaps persist with incumbent leaders - gaps that you find inexcusable, maddening, frustrating?
How would you rule the world if you could just begin?
I’d love to know.
Leave a comment or send a message by hitting the buttons below, or email me at sophie(at)sophiekrantz.com.
Further Reading:
‘Prized Ambition: The Blueprint for Tomorrow's Breakthroughs’ by Sophie Krantz at ExO Insight (link here)
‘Goal Getters: Grassroots Solutions to World's Biggest Challenges’ by Sophie Krantz at ExO Insight (link here)
How do you set ambitious goals?
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How do you set ambitious goals? Based on what’s possible in your organisation? Continuing to meet the needs of your existing market? Based on other known factors in your sphere or control? Setting ambitious goals often hinges on understanding your organisation's potential and the current needs of your market. Yet, sticking to these parameters may cause you…
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2023/03/women-in-power-in-2023-new-data-shows-progress-but-wide-regional-gaps
https://www.myshortlister.com/insights/women-in-leadership-statistics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonita_Alizadeh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericka_Hart
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxmi_Agarwal
believe that there are two constraints in unlocking the potential that you are so right in pointing out :
- self belief, that we can figure it out as we go along.
- someone believing in your potential and raising expectations from us.
Usually, in my experience, the 2nd condition comes first. Someone believes in us even before we do in ourselves. I think you have done that role for many of us, by believing that all of us have potential that we can realise.
Now it’s up to each and everyone of us to believe in our agency and go make the difference we want to make. Of course, there will be challenges. Of course, there will be obstacles. Of course, it’s not going to be easy. But therein lies the fun.
Sometimes, when things push back, it better not to push back but find a way to slide, side step or fly over what pushes us back.
Let’s go make the difference we want to make!
And thanks for believing in the power we all have and cheerleading for us!!!
Hi Sophie, very good article. I think that you addressed a long existing problem really well. Now we have to focus on how we can changed that. How come that e.g. in the African culture, women tend to get things done whereas men tend to be less efficient. Why are women still dominating in raising children (who might become the leaders of the future…). In many cases, women demonstrate entrepreneurial qualities without education… And the list goes on and on… What sets women apart? Why is that not recognized? Or maybe recognized, but not respected? Reductionism is more a male’s thing (concrete, measurable, etc) and our society, science is more reductionistic developed… If you want to be believed …then better follow that path and not the ‘fluffy’ holistic orientation (because that takes too much time…. And we don’t have time … after all… ). Of course I’m generalizing greatly… but maybe many recognize this… A different orientation during our educational career could maybe be a good start??