Women Lead, Women Learn

By Nancy Olson, CEO/President, Greater Eureka Chamber and Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation

The following article was originally published in the Times-Standard's Business Sense column. 

“Loved being reminded of the strong women in our community.”

On September 25, the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation, an affiliate of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, hosted the inaugural Redwood Coast Women’s Conference. It was created in partnership with the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, RISE Advising Services, and a dynamic group of local women leaders. More than 150 women from a variety of sectors and backgrounds attended.

Attendees were overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with several saying, “There’s been a pent-up demand for this kind of thing. Thank you for doing this!” Here’s more of what they had to say:

“Inspiring, high energy... Great connections and info on how to connect with each other (as well as) potential customers.”

"I really enjoyed the conference and am so grateful to have something like this to attend locally. I took a lot away from it. I hope to see it come back each year. It was truly an experience that left a mark."

“Validation on the issues I've come across working within a small community, and ideas to address these issues.”

“Speaking with other women during the break-out sessions was a great way to meet and connect with women in different industries, and figure out how our roles may be related, to support each other.”

Over the past 15 years, I’ve facilitated leadership programs with nearly 1,000 adult learners and consistently find that women are more likely to pursue these intensive experiences. Driven to succeed as 21st-century leaders and overcome historic barriers, women embrace opportunities to grow their skills and knowledge to best serve those they lead while achieving excellent results.

Women often lead differently—and, studies show, often more effectively. The Ready-Now Leaders report from the Conference Board shows that organizations with at least 30% women in leadership are 12x more likely to be in the top 20% for financial performance.

A March 2023 Forbes article by Kevin Kruse, CEO of LEADx, highlighted how women in senior roles help businesses thrive. Their leadership tends to be guided by values and purpose, not outdated assumptions about how leaders “should” behave. They are visionary and driven.

It’s also important to distinguish between leadership and management. Peter Drucker said, "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." While managers focus on efficient execution, leaders define vision and inspire teams toward meaningful goals.

The most effective modern leaders lead from values and purpose. They relate well with others, are self-aware, authentic, and committed to achievement. They understand the systems they operate in and adapt as needed.

In contrast, earlier leadership models—more akin to management—often rely on outdated beliefs and early life scripts that limit growth. These patterns can result in autocratic micromanagement rooted in control and compliance.

One of the earliest lessons I learned while earning my Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Development is that leadership has evolved—from the “command and control” models of the 20th century to the agility, adaptability, and collaboration central to today’s success. And that evolution continues.

Supporting our local businesses and broader community means strengthening our leaders. Effective leadership results in greater innovation, profitability, adaptability to market changes, and efficiency, with improved employee engagement and productivity.

After a conference session titled Leading With Soft Skills in Hard Hat Positions, one participant noted, “Women are gaining ground throughout all industries. With strong leadership, there is no glass ceiling.”

I believe it.

Nancy Olson is CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation.

Not yet a Chamber member? Visit EurekaChamber.com to learn more.

Read the Forbes article cited: New Research: Women More Effective Than Men In All Leadership Measures.