Many talented women hesitate to step into leadership roles, not because they lack the skills, but because they doubt themselves. The corporate world often reinforces these doubts, subtly sidelining women from key conversations and decisions. For women striving to break barriers, the biggest challenge isn’t just external bias—it’s the silent voice in their heads questioning, Am I enough? The pressure to conform, coupled with societal expectations, can make it even harder for women to own their ambitions and step into leadership with confidence.
Imelda Sutisna understands this struggle firsthand. As a leadership coach, consultant, and advocate, she has spent more than 20 years shaping the future of professionals and organizations across multiple industries. She is one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Learning & Development (L&D) in 2025, recognized for her expertise in HR leadership, executive coaching, and corporate training. From global corporations to emerging startups, she has worked with leaders at every level, helping them unlock their potential and embrace a growth mindset. But her work goes beyond skill-building—it’s about transforming self-perception and breaking mental barriers that hold women back.
Her personal journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment led her to establish the Association for Women Empowerment (AWE). Growing up in an environment that didn’t recognize her full potential, Imelda had to fight for her own voice. That battle turned into a mission: to help other women find theirs. Through AWE, she is creating a support system for women to rise, lead, and thrive, proving that leadership isn’t about waiting for permission—it’s about owning your place and making an impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Mindset is the Foundation of Leadership Development – Women often hold themselves back due to self-doubt. Imelda Sutisna emphasizes that success begins with believing in oneself and embracing a growth mindset.
- Organizations Must Actively Support Women’s Leadership – Empowering women isn’t just about representation; businesses must foster environments where women feel valued, heard, and encouraged to take leadership roles.
- Leadership Development is a Lifelong Journey – As one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Learning & Development, Imelda highlights that continuous learning, adaptability, and confidence-building are key to breaking barriers and creating lasting impact.
Highlights
A Journey of Empowerment
Q: What motivated you to establish the Association for Women Empowerment (AWE), and how does it align with your personal and professional journey?
A: I grew up in a home that unfortunately didn’t see the potential I have and with that I embarked on a very rough and painful journey of self discovery and self acceptance. It took me a long time to find my own voice, understand my unique gifts and what talents I have that allow me to be the best version of myself at work and to society. I have always been surrounded in an environment where women find it so hard to accept, know and love themselves. With my own painful journey, I now channel my time and energy into women empowerment work and be an advocate for women’s voice.
Q: Through AWE, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in advocating for women’s leadership, and how have you tackled them?
A: The first and critical challenge is when women think that they are not enough and that they are the lesser gender than men. Everything starts in the mind, when you think of yourself as lower and less powerful, you manifest that in your life and the results you produce.
Q: In your experience, what are the key traits that help women break barriers in leadership, and how can organizations better support them?
A: Have a growth mindset, believe in yourself, understand and know your unique gifts and talents and just go out there and take your stage! Do everything with passion and love! The results are just so loud it’s hard to ignore!
Q: You’ve worked across multiple industries and cultures—how do you tailor your approach to leadership development in different environments?
A: Be agile, understand the industries and challenges faced by them, be willing and hungry to be of VALUE to your clients, have empathy, seek to understand and just be like flexible like water!
Q: Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to create in the fields of leadership, talent development, and empowerment over the next five years, and how can others contribute to this vision?
A: Be open to give people especially women a chance, be courageous to try something new, understand the challenge they face, see the value a woman bring and just equally have a growth mindset so you don’t limit yourself, your business or others! Have the courage to break barriers!
Your Move: Will You Help Shape a More Inclusive Future?
Empowering women isn’t just about giving them a seat at the table—it’s about ensuring they own their presence at that table. Confidence, visibility, and self-belief play a crucial role in leadership, yet many women hesitate to claim their space. They second-guess their worth, underestimate their abilities, and wait for validation. But as Imelda teaches through her leadership training, success starts with mindset. Women who recognize their value and step forward with confidence change not only their own careers but also the environments they work in.
As one of LinkedIn’s Top 10 Voices in Learning & Development, Imelda continues to push boundaries in leadership, talent development, and coaching. Her work is a testament to the power of continuous learning and self-growth. Whether she’s speaking at HR conferences across APAC, consulting with Fortune 500 companies, or coaching emerging leaders, her message remains the same: women deserve to lead, and the world benefits when they do. When organizations create inclusive spaces that support women’s leadership, they unlock innovation, diversity of thought, and long-term success.
The challenge remains, but the path forward is clear. Leaders, businesses, and allies must step up to foster an environment where women’s voices are heard, their talents are recognized, and leadership opportunities are within reach. The journey toward gender equity in leadership isn’t just about policies or initiatives—it’s about creating a mindset shift, both for individuals and the organizations that shape them. As Imelda puts it, have a growth mindset, step into your strengths, and take your stage. The world is ready. Are you?
Highlights
Read the article in Chinese here.
