How Purpose-Driven Women Redefine What It Means to Lead
Innovating Leadership: Co-Creating Our Future · 2025-06-03 · 16 min
Episode notes
Guest: Dr. Karen Longman, Professor Emerita, Azusa Pacific University Why do so many capable, driven women still get overlooked for top leadership roles—and what can we do about it? In this powerful episode, host Maureen Metcalf sits down with Dr. Karen Longman, a global scholar on leadership and gender equity, to unpack the deep-rooted biases that shape how we define (and reward) leadership. There are clear differences in how men and women lead: men tend to lead for power and hierarchy, while women tend to be purpose-driven. With insights from cutting-edge research, real-world data, and a global lens, this conversation challenges assumptions and provides actionable steps for anyone on a leadership journey, especially those ready to build a more inclusive, performance-driven future. Here's what Karen and Maureen cover: The internal and external barriers women still face on their career path; What research says about how women lead differently, and why it matters; and What companies can do to unlock this untapped leadership potential. Produced in conjunction with the International Leadership Association: . Other episodes you'll enjoy: Lessons on Growing Women Leaders with Dr.