From Vision to Action

For decades, many believed leaders were born, not made. People described leadership as "naturally charismatic,” “confident” or “authoritative” — characteristics that, historically, were not commonly attributed to women.

Today, research tells a different story. Leadership is a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time. Through experience, continuous learning, mentorship and resilience, professionals at any stage can develop the skills to lead effectively.

For women in business, this shift is powerful. Success isn’t limited to those who fit an outdated mold — it’s open to anyone willing to do the work. This article explores key strategies to help women develop leadership skills, grow their influence and turn vision into action.

Great leaders never stop learning

In business, where innovation moves at lightning speed, continuous learning isn’t optional — it’s essential for survival and success. Technology has disrupted nearly every industry, reshaping business operations, consumer behavior and the skills leaders need to succeed.

According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 93% of organizations say skill-building is critical to the future of work. The rapid pace of change means leaders who don’t invest in continuous learning risk falling behind. They also miss opportunities to carve out a unique position in their field.

Take Padmasree Warrior, former CTO of Cisco and CEO of NIO, for example. She built her career by embracing change and staying ahead of disruption. By continuously learning about emerging trends like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, she positioned herself as a forward-thinking leader who could guide companies through transformation.

For women in leadership, lifelong learning is also about breaking barriers. By gaining new skills, adapting to market shifts and embracing innovation, women expand their leadership presence and create opportunities for the next generation.

How Comerica supports women in tech
Continuous learning thrives in environments that promote growth and opportunity. Access to the right networks, leadership programs and industry events can accelerate a leader’s abilities.

Comerica is committed to creating more opportunities for women in tech and venture capital, actively supporting female leaders through industry sponsorships, networking events and mentorship initiatives.

Comerica’s Technology and Life Sciences (TLS) group has sponsored the With Intelligence Women in VC Summit in Half Moon Bay for the past two years. Championed by Nicole Gessl, VP and Relationship Manager at Comerica and joined by a large group of TLS collegues, Comerica is sponsoring the All Raise VC Summit again in October 2025. We’ve also hosted regular dinners and events for female founders and investors.

Beyond external partnerships, Comerica is also committed to developing leadership from within. The TLS group exemplifies how organizations can create pathways for women to advance in male-dominated industries. Currently, 40% of TLS employees are women, with 25% holding officer positions or higher. Over half of the women in the division are in client-facing roles, and 62% of all women in TLS hold officer or higher-level titles.

By investing in leadership pathways, industry connections and professional development, Comerica is helping more women turn potential into leadership and drive innovation in their fields.

Networking that works: Building authentic, strategic relationships

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards — it’s about making the right connections. A strong network provides insight, collaboration opportunities and access to key decision-makers.

For women in leadership, purposeful networking can help bridge gaps in access to opportunities. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that women are less likely to benefit from informal networks than their male counterparts, limiting visibility and access to leadership roles. By being strategic about networking, women can build circles of influence that open doors and accelerate career growth.

Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, built a robust network by being intentional about whom she connected with. She actively sought out key figures in tech, reached out to potential allies and nurtured relationships that aligned with her mission.

Through strategic networking, she secured funding, partnerships, and media visibility, helping her organization grow into a national movement that has empowered thousands of young women in technology.

How to build a network that works for you

1. Be intentional about who you connect with
Effective networking focuses on building relationships that provide insight and opportunities. Seek out people who inspire you, challenge you and align with your goals.

Action step: Identify three key people in your industry who you’d like to learn from and engage with them — whether through industry events, LinkedIn or mutual connections.

2. Prioritize quality over quantity
A strong network isn’t measured by the number of contacts — it’s about who you engage with and how you add value to each other. Focus on cultivating a smaller group of genuine, mutually beneficial relationships rather than spreading yourself too thin.

Action step: When meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message and find ways to support their work before asking for help in return.

3. Expand your circle beyond your industry
Some of the best opportunities and ideas come from outside your immediate field. Learning from professionals in different industries provides fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Action step: Attend cross-industry networking events or join leadership forums that connect professionals from diverse backgrounds.

4. Leverage digital networking
In today’s digital-first world, your network isn’t limited to in-person interactions. Online platforms like LinkedIn, virtual conferences and professional Slack groups provide new ways to connect with leaders beyond geographic boundaries.

Action step: Engage in industry conversations online, share insights and contribute to discussions that align with your expertise.

Who’s in your corner? The importance of mentors, sponsors and allies

Behind every successful leader is a strong network of mentors, sponsors and allies who provide support. While talent and hard work are essential, having the right people in your corner can accelerate career growth and provide critical insights.

For women in business, mentorship is more than just advice — it’s a proven path to leadership success. Studies from Harvard Business Review show that women with mentors are more likely to be promoted and report higher job satisfaction. Sponsors — those who actively advocate for a person’s advancement — play an even more significant role in accelerating leadership growth.

Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to be CEO of a Fortune 500 company, credits much of her success to strong mentorship. Early in her career, she was mentored by Paul Allaire, Xerox’s then-CEO, who recognized her potential and actively invested in her growth.

Through his guidance and sponsorship, Burns gained critical leadership experience, eventually rising through the company’s ranks to lead the organization herself. Her story highlights how mentorship and sponsorship can open doors and accelerate career advancement.

How to find mentors and sponsors
Mentors provide perspective and experience-based advice, while sponsors advocate for you in key discussions. Both relationships are valuable, and successful leaders often seek out both as they grow in their careers.

Here’s how to find the right people to support your leadership journey:

• Look within your organization or industry. Identify leaders who inspire you and whose career paths align with your aspirations.
• Join women-in-business communities. Groups like Women in Technology International (WITI), Elpha or industry-specific leadership programs offer structured mentorship opportunities.
• Be proactive in building relationships. Many senior leaders are willing to mentor those who show initiative and potential — but you have to ask.

Tips from Comerica women leaders
Learning to navigate mentorship and sponsorship relationships is a skill. Here are additional tips from Comerica women leaders on how to fill your corner with advocates.

Embrace situational mentorship
Mentorship doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment. Sometimes, the best mentors come into your career at key moments and offer the right advice when you need it most.

“Mentorship plays such a critical role. Mentors don’t need to be lifelong; they can be situational,” says Wendy Bridges, Comerica’s Executive Vice President and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs.

“Early on in my career, I had a mentor who provided critical feedback that I needed to hear. It wasn’t easy, but because we had a trusting relationship, I was able to really listen, make adjustments and grow from it.”

Find advocates who will champion your growth
While mentors offer advice, sponsors and advocates critically put your name forward for key opportunities.

“An advocate is that person in the room who’s willing to put your name into the mix when new projects, assignments or leadership positions are on the table,” says Stephanie Adams, Executive Vice President and Head of Trust and Fiduciary Services.

“They believe in you, they’re watching you from afar, and they’re helping drive you forward.”

Resilience and confidence: The foundation of strong leadership

Every leader faces challenges. The ones who rise to the top are those who learn to navigate setbacks with confidence and resilience. For women in leadership, these traits are especially critical, helping them push past bias, overcome self-doubt and lead with conviction.

Research from LeanIn.org’s Women in the Workplace Report shows that women in leadership often experience higher rates of burnout, yet those with strong resilience and coping strategies are better equipped to persevere.

Let’s look at practical ways to boost resilience.

How to build resilience as a leader

1. Build a strong support system
Having the right people in your corner makes a difference. Mentors, peers and trusted advisors help leaders stay grounded during tough times and provide valuable outside perspectives.

Action step: Identify three people in your network who can offer guidance and perspective when challenges arise.

2. Reframe self-doubt as growth
Even the most accomplished leaders experience imposter syndrome — the feeling of not being qualified or deserving of their success. The key is to recognize self-doubt for what it is: a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and growing.

Comerica’s Senior Vice President and Director of Lending, Amanda Mahaney, has seen this firsthand in her career: “When I took my previous job, I was one of one female sitting around the table, and I kept thinking: Do I deserve to be here? Am I qualified? Then I realized a lot of what I was feeling was imposter syndrome.”

She continues. “Specifically, for women, I see it causing burnout, and I always tell them — be you. You got hired because you’re you, so embrace it and enjoy it.”

Action step: Keep a “wins list” to remind yourself of your accomplishments. When doubt creeps in, revisit your progress and reflect on the challenges you’ve already overcome.

3. Remember self-care
Resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges — it’s also about knowing when to recharge. Leaders who take care of their physical and mental well-being are better positioned to handle stress and setbacks.

Action step: Schedule at least one non-negotiable self-care activity per week, whether it’s exercise, meditation, journaling or simply unplugging from work.

Turning resilience into confidence
Resilience and confidence go hand in hand. When leaders learn to navigate challenges and setbacks, they develop the self-trust needed to take bold action.

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, credits much of her success to embracing failure. She often shares how her father encouraged her to celebrate failures, asking her at the dinner table: “What did you fail at today?”

Instead of seeing mistakes as something to fear, she learned to view them as stepping stones to success. This mindset helped her push forward when others doubted her and take risks that ultimately built a billion-dollar company.

The lesson: Confidence comes from taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more capable you become.

How to build confidence as a leader

1. Take action before you feel ready
Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for leadership. It’s a result of stepping up, taking risks, and learning along the way. The more you challenge yourself, the more capable you become.

As Stephanie Adams, Comerica’s Executive Vice President and Head of Trust and Fiduciary Services, says, “Take a chance on yourself. Don’t wait until you feel like you are fully capable to be in a position before you apply for it – go for it.”

Action step: Identify one opportunity that feels just outside your comfort zone and go for it, whether it’s pitching a recommendation or applying for a leadership role.

2. Practice self-advocacy
Confidence grows when you own your expertise and contributions. Speaking up, sharing ideas and negotiating for what you deserve are all critical leadership skills.

Action step: In your next meeting, make it a goal to voice one idea, contribute to a discussion or advocate for a key decision.

3. Reframe negative self-talk
Self-doubt is normal, but confident leaders don’t let it control them. Instead of thinking, “I’m not qualified for this,” reframe it as, “I’m learning and growing in this role.”

Action step: When self-doubt creeps in, write down one fact-based reason why you’re capable and ready for the challenge.

Leadership is a journey — Keep learning and growing

Women have the potential to achieve tremendous success by cultivating essential leadership skills through continuous learning, mentorship, purposeful networking and resilience. With the right tools and support system in place, women can transform their vision into action and lead with confidence in any industry.

For more leadership strategies, business insights, and professional growth resources, visit Comerica.com/insights.