Leading Ladies
Leading Ladies is a soul project, a series of short workshops designed for women who want to grow in confidence, lead with empathy, and navigate challenges with grace. Through insightful discussions, practical exercises, and shared experiences, we create a space where women can develop their leadership skills, strengthen their voice, and embrace their full potential—both professionally and personally.
Bianca - story time:
I started Leading Ladies after I got back from a girls’ trip to London. We had an amazing time, but somehow, just before landing home, I managed to ruin it for myself—maybe because I was exhausted, maybe because I let my emotions take over.
Here’s what happened: On the flight back, I sat next to two women I didn’t know. It was a night flight, and I had imagined I’d have some peaceful time to read. But they were talking, and then a friend of mine came near my seat and we started chatting. They got angry because they finished their dialogue and wanted to sleep but couldn’t because of us, just like I could not read because of them. Things escalated, and we exchanged some words— I didn’t use foul language, but still hurtful words came out on top of a rude attitude. Looking back, I know I was in the wrong. Those women had nothing to do with the emotions I was carrying inside, yet I took it out on them.
That moment made me realize how easily conflicts arise—not just in everyday life, but also in the corporate world. We all have triggers, hidden frustrations, and insecurities. And if we’re not careful, we end up lashing out at others for things that, deep down, we’re struggling with ourselves. That’s why emotional control, empathy, and clear communication are so important—because so many conflicts could be avoided if we just took a moment to understand where we and others are coming from.
Key lessons from the story:
Self-Awareness & Emotional Triggers – In that moment, I reacted not because of what those women did, but because of what was already inside me—my own frustrations, unmet expectations, and exhaustion. The same happens in leadership and teamwork: we sometimes lash out at colleagues, not because of their actions, but because of something unresolved within us. True leaders recognize these triggers and manage them before they create unnecessary conflict.
Perspective & Assumptions – I assumed the flight would be quiet, that I’d have time to read, that others would act according to my expectations. When they didn’t, I got frustrated. This is a common issue in teams—people come in with different perspectives, priorities, and ways of working. Instead of assuming others see things the way we do, we need to communicate, adapt, and find common ground.
The Power of Words & Respect – I didn’t curse, but I still said something unfair. In leadership and team dynamics, the way we speak matters. Even without explicit insults, a dismissive comment, a sarcastic remark, or an impatient tone can damage relationships. Great leaders choose words that build, not tear down.
Learning from Conflict – That situation on the plane could have been avoided with a little more empathy and self-awareness. The same applies to the workplace—conflict is often the result of unspoken expectations, misunderstandings, or personal frustrations. When we take a step back, seek to understand, and lead with emotional intelligence, we create healthier teams and stronger connections.
This experience was a reminder that leadership isn’t just about skills and knowledge—it’s about self-awareness, emotional control, and understanding different perspectives. As women who want to lead with impact, we must learn to navigate our emotions, manage conflicts with grace, and build environments where people feel seen and respected. True leadership starts with leading ourselves first.