How did you approach leadership? What is something that was always in your way of being, or did you get out of your comfort zone to be where you are today?
Leadership, to me, is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and alignment with personal values. I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t something you master overnight—it requires constant adjustment to the context, the team, and the broader challenges at hand. Early on, I realised that the complexity of leadership lies in balancing multiple demands: maintaining a solution-oriented mindset, delivering results, and, at the same time, guiding and supporting others in their growth.
One key lesson I had to learn was that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being able to see the bigger picture (taking a “helicopter view”) and creating an environment where others can thrive. This meant moving beyond my comfort zone and developing skills like adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. It required letting go of the need for control and learning how to trust and empower others, which wasn’t always easy.
Stepping out of my comfort zone meant embracing challenges, understanding that failure is part of growth, and continuously refining my approach to ensure that my leadership style aligns with my values of integrity, collaboration, and empathy.
How do you ensure that the impact you make as a leader extends beyond your words and continues to inspire others after you?
A significant part of extending my impact is through knowledge sharing—both within the organization and with people who look up to me outside of it. Mentorship plays a crucial role in this process. By mentoring others, I’m able to pass on valuable insights and lessons that will help them grow. More importantly, this ripple effect means they too can pass on those learnings to others, creating a continuous cycle of growth and inspiration.
I’ve come to realize that as a leader, you can only achieve so much by yourself. True leadership is about empowering others, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed, and fostering a culture where they feel confident enough to carry forward the values and lessons you’ve imparted. In this way, the impact of leadership becomes a shared, long-lasting legacy.
If you could define a successful leadership legacy in 3 words what would they be and why?
Self-belief, inclusivity & impact
In what ways have you consciously or unconsciously worked to create opportunities for other women to rise into leadership positions? If you could give 1 tip to your younger self what would it be?
Consciously, I’ve made it a priority to mentor and uplift women through initiatives like FÉ, where the goal is to provide accessible mentoring and consulting for the next generation of leaders. By sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and creating a space where women can learn from each other, I’ve worked to empower women to step into leadership roles with confidence. I also strive to lead by example, demonstrating that it’s possible to navigate challenging environments and still uphold your values.
Unconsciously, I’ve realized that by simply being visible and present in leadership roles, I’ve been able to inspire others. As one of the few black women in some of the leadership teams I’ve been a part of, I’ve shown that it’s possible to break barriers and create space for others to follow. Representation is powerful, and sometimes, just by being in the room, you pave the way for others to believe they belong there too.
One tip I would give my younger self: “Build a strong network early on.” Relationships are key to growth, both personally and professionally. This is also why I believe TEN is such a valuable community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, seek mentors, and invest in building connections that can support and challenge you throughout your career. Collaboration and support from others will accelerate your journey and open doors you never knew existed.
In what ways have you used your position to challenge stereotypes or barriers for women in leadership?
Throughout my career, I’ve consciously used my position to challenge the stereotypes that often limit women, especially women of color, from rising to leadership roles. One way I’ve done this is by being vocal and visible in spaces where women, particularly black women, are often underrepresented. Whether it’s in corporate boardrooms or public speaking platforms, I’ve made sure that my presence reflects the possibility of diversity at the leadership level.
Additionally, my public speaking engagements allow me to directly support other women in their leadership journeys. By sharing my experiences, I offer practical guidance on navigating environments where they might face challenges, and I advocate for their advancement. I also challenge biases when recruiting or building teams, ensuring diverse perspectives and talent are given space to thrive.
Can you share a specific moment when you realised your leadership was leaving a lasting impact on your team or organisation?
I’ve been fortunate to manage large teams since I was 25, working in various cities like Zurich, Gothenburg, Amsterdam, and Antwerp. Throughout these roles, I’ve strived to make a meaningful impact on each of my teams. However, one moment that particularly stands out was my farewell “party” during my first leadership role at H&M in Switzerland.
As I was preparing to transition to a new opportunity, my team organised a gathering to say farewell to me. To my surprise, each team member prepared a mini speech highlighting the values they felt I embodied during our time together. They spoke about feedback, openness, and the importance of constant development and learning. Hearing them articulate how these values resonated with them made me realise the significant impact I had on their professional growth and the team’s culture. They reminded me how I made them feel seen, heard and celebrated. It’s a moment that has stuck with me forever.
Have you ever faced challenges as a woman in leadership? How do you think overcoming them shapes the legacy you want to leave?
Many! One of the most significant challenges has been learning to make my voice heard in environments where strong opinions often dominate. I’ve always been more inclined toward thoughtful, measured discussions rather than heated debates, which sometimes made it difficult for my ideas to stand out. I learned that voicing my perspective doesn’t have to come from a place of confrontation, it can be done in a way that reflects my style and fosters collaboration. By learning to assert myself and share my insights confidently, I’ve developed a leadership style that emphasises authenticity and openness. I want to leave behind a legacy that encourages other women to embrace their voices, no matter how they choose to express them.
Moreover, I hope to inspire future leaders to understand the importance of diverse leadership styles. Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about leveraging our unique strengths and perspectives to foster inclusive environments.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles about creating a lasting and meaningful legacy?
- Build Relationships and Networks: Cultivate a strong network of mentors, peers, and supporters. Seek out individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement, but also challenge you to grow. Networking is not just about advancing your career; it’s about building a community where you can share ideas and support each other. Remember, collaboration often leads to greater innovation and impact.
- Be a Lifelong Learner: Embrace opportunities for growth, whether through formal education, professional development, or personal experiences. The more knowledge and skills you acquire, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle challenges and inspire others. Encourage a culture of continuous learning within your team to empower everyone to strive for excellence.
Instagram: @goncalvessteph
