Why Women Starting Businesses Means Opportunity for All
As we mark Gender Equality Week, I've been thinking a lot about the journey that brought me here. I’ve spent more than 25 years leading integrated agency teams, building Agnostic from the ground up, and creating campaigns that genuinely make a difference. Mostly, I’ve been thinking about how I didn’t do it alone. It's been a wild ride, and along the way I've learned that leadership isn't about the title on your email signature. It's about building opportunities for others, trusting your team completely, and creating space where people can grow into versions of themselves they didn't even know existed.
The numbers tell an interesting story about women-led businesses in Canada. We make up 19.5% of all private sector companies, which might seem small until you dig deeper. Within those businesses, women hold 71% of senior management roles, compared to just 35% across all private sector companies. That's not a coincidence. When women start companies, we're not just creating businesses; we're actively reshaping what leadership looks like.
I learned early on that leadership begins on day one, even in the smallest choices. Some of my best lessons came from watching both brilliant and not so brilliant examples of leadership throughout my career. Those experiences taught me to lead with empathy first, stay truthful even when it's uncomfortable, and focus on what I call "the next right thing." Because here's the reality, leadership isn't about having all the answers or being perfect. It's about building trust, making thoughtful decisions, and creating space for others to grow their voice.
Starting Agnostic wasn't easy, but it was incredibly exciting. One lesson that's stuck with me through every growth phase is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your values but think differently than you do. We've grown from a startup into an agency working with global clients, but our people are still the heartbeat of everything we do. Their creativity, their dedication, and their shared commitment to making a difference have been the foundation of everything we've built.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching others step into leadership roles. We hire talented, driven people and then give them the guidance and freedom to grow into their own version of leadership. For me, mentorship means recognizing potential before people see it in themselves, creating opportunities that stretch them, and encouraging decision-making that includes different voices and perspectives. When people feel genuinely trusted and supported, passing them the mic is surprisingly easy to do. And that's when the magic happens, the ideas, the energy, the creativity that strengthens not just projects, but the entire business.
Gender Equality Week serves as a good reminder that diverse leadership isn't just a nice-to-have, it matters in ways that ripple far beyond our individual organizations. It inspires teams, strengthens decision-making, and influences the broader culture we're all helping to create. My advice to anyone stepping into leadership, regardless of where you're starting: trust your instincts, actively seek out different perspectives, and lead with clear intention. Every choice you make creates impact, not just within your organization, but in the culture of leadership around you.
Women-led businesses like Agnostic prove that representation and inclusivity aren't just numbers on a diversity report; they're forces that fundamentally shape organizations for the better. This Gender Equality Week, I'm encouraging everyone to reflect on how they can support growth in others, build genuine collaboration, and make a difference that extends beyond their immediate sphere. When we lead with care and clear intention, we create organizations, new social norms and communities where everyone has a real chance to thrive.
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