My previous blog honoured the Faithful Woman in Leadership. I’ve had the privilege of being mentored, encouraged, and uplifted by fellow women in leadership…women whose presence and guidance shaped my growth. But I’ve also witnessed her shadow: the Unfaithful Woman.
She may not shout, but her words; seemingly insignificant yet deeply implicit; can crush the soul of another. I’ve seen her take pleasure in suppressing, in withholding, in dimming the light of those around her.
What has become of us? The leader who leaves her fellow women behind, forgetting their roles in her rise. Why are we beholden to our egos, abandoning our souls in favour of adulation? Are we not meant to uplift each other?
The unfaithful leaders' language
I’ve watched the Female Leader sit at the table… polished, poised, her accolades a loud badge, her voice commanding attention. Yet beneath the surface, I hear the language of separation: “I” not “we,” “you” not “us,” “my journey” not “our path.” Me. Me. Me.
I do not oppose celebrating self. I honour the sacrifice, the commitment, the perseverance it takes to lead. But I ask only this: why do some forget the women who supported them? Why are the soldiers of gender equality; the quiet encouragers, the unseen mentors; so easily lost, ignored, erased?
There is an unspoken pact among us. A promise that when one woman rises, she reaches back. That leadership is not a ladder to climb alone, but a bridge to build together. Yet the Unfaithful Woman hoards the spotlight. She guards her wisdom like currency. She sees brilliance in another and feels threatened, not inspired. Her ego whispers lies: “There’s only room for one.” “Shine alone.” “Protect your crown.” But what is a crown worth if it is built on the silence of other women? To be unfaithful is to shrink others so you can feel tall.
We need more lighthouses.
We need women who rise and reach. Women who shine. Women who lead with grace, not fear. Let us be faithful.
Let us be fierce. Let us be the kind of leaders who make other women believe again… in themselves, in each other, in the power of collective rise.
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