The Power of Women Who Get Things Done

Productivity Lessons from Female Leaders

In a world that constantly demands more from us—more efficiency, more innovation, more resilience—women are redefining what productivity looks like. For female leaders across various industries globally, productivity isn’t just about checking tasks off a list anymore. It has evolved into a focus on impact, sustainability, and legacy. It’s about mastering the art of doing while staying deeply connected to purpose.

As we conclude this season of celebrating women’s month, let’s take a moment to explore how some of the most remarkable female leaders across the globe have redefined productivity—not as a race against time, but as a commitment to meaningful progress. Their lessons are powerful, their strategies effective, and their mindsets worth adopting.

Lesson 1: Productivity Is About Prioritization, Not Perfection

For far too long, women have been conditioned to believe that success comes from doing it all—and doing it flawlessly. But the most impactful female leaders have learned that real productivity comes from ruthless prioritization.

Take Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. During her tenure, she led a billion-dollar company while also navigating the demands of motherhood. Her strategy? Prioritization with clarity. Nooyi was famously known for planning her life in advance—knowing when to say yes and, more importantly, when to say no. She focused on what truly mattered rather than spreading herself thin across unnecessary tasks.

The key takeaway? Everything cannot be urgent. Everything cannot be important. Identify the tasks that move the needle and focus on those. Let go of the rest.

Lesson 2: Energy Management Is More Important Than Time Management

Women are constantly told to “manage their time better.” But the real game-changer isn’t just managing time—it’s managing energy.

Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, learned this lesson the hard way. After collapsing from exhaustion in 2007, she became an advocate for redefining productivity. She shifted her focus from “doing more” to doing well—emphasizing rest, mindfulness, and recovery as non-negotiable productivity tools.

Her message? Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Productivity isn’t about working longer hours; it’s about working with intention and sustaining your energy.

Lesson 3: The Most Productive Women Delegate Without Guilt

The misconception that “strong women do it all” is one of the biggest myths and barriers to real productivity. Women in leadership have begun to understand that delegation is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom.

Take Oprah Winfrey—one of the most influential women in media. She built an empire not by doing everything herself, but by surrounding herself with the best people and trusting them to deliver. Oprah is known for hiring experts, empowering her team, and focusing on what she does best: inspiring and leading.

The lesson? Stop micromanaging. Productivity doesn’t mean doing everything yourself—it means ensuring everything gets done, with or without you.

Lesson 4: Confidence in Decision-Making Saves Time and Energy

Indecision is one of the biggest drains on productivity. The most successful female leaders have mastered the art of making decisions swiftly and confidently.

Look at Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. As one of the most powerful women in finance, she has had to make high-stakes decisions with global impact. Her approach? Gather the right information, trust her expertise, and make the call.

Indecision breeds procrastination. The faster you make decisions, the more momentum you create. Trust yourself, make the call, and move forward.

Lesson 5: Success Is Measured by Impact, Not Busyness

We live in a culture that glorifies “being busy.” But the most successful female leaders don’t measure their worth by how many hours they work—they measure it by the impact they create.

Take Melinda Gates, who has dedicated her career to philanthropy and global change. Her work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation isn’t about checking off a to-do list—it’s about strategic action that leads to real results. She focuses on initiatives that create lasting change rather than getting lost in the cycle of endless, unproductive work.

The lesson? Productivity isn’t about looking busy. It’s about focusing on what creates real value and impact.

The New Definition of Productivity for Women

As we wrap up Women’s Month and celebrate the incredible strides women have made globally, it’s time to redefine productivity on our own terms.

Productivity isn’t about exhaustion. It isn’t about proving our worth by doing more than everyone else. It’s about being intentional, making smart decisions, and focusing on what truly matters.

So, to every ambitious woman out there reading this, let’s:

• Prioritize with clarity.
  
• Protect our energy.
  
• Delegate with confidence.
  
• Make decisions without fear.
  
• Focus on impact, not busyness.

This, ladies, is the kind of productivity that changes the world. So let’s stand tall, step forward with confidence, and make a lasting impact in the spaces we are called to influence.