What does it really take to build a thriving career and bring others along with you? International Women’s Day gave us the opportunity to recognize leaders who shape our organizations, strengthen our communities, and inspire the next generation of professionals.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights a powerful truth: when leaders invest in others through mentorship, collaboration, and shared knowledge, the impact multiplies.
To bring this theme to life, we spoke with four incredible female leaders from organizations we’re proud to partner with, as well as one of our own inspirational leaders. Their stories reflect the moments, relationships, and communities that have shaped their careers, and how they, in turn, are creating opportunities for others.
Featured Leaders:
- Karen Bernstein, Vice President – Learning & Development, International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Carrie Hartin, President, MCI USA Association Solutions (MCI)
- Tarn Kaur, Vice President, American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director, Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE)
- Kelly Cusick, Chief Growth Officer, Holmes Corporation (HC)
Leadership Starts with Investing in Others
Across every conversation, one idea stood out: great leadership isn’t about simply gaining individual success—it’s about finding ways to invest in the community around you to help others grow. The “how” of that investment looks a little different for everyone, but it was clear to see how each of these women have led by example to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and people-first mindset.
For Kelly Cusick, Chief Growth Officer at HC, leadership begins with collaboration.
“You’re only as good as the team around you… it’s not about who’s the smartest in the room. It’s about how we use our skill sets together to find the best path forward.”
This mindset is echoed by Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director at AFCPE, who sees leadership as deeply human.
“Leadership is about showing up for people as whole individuals. When you understand what a person values, not just at work, but in life, you build a foundation of trust that fuels feedback, growth, and success.”
And for Carrie Hartin, President at MCI USA Association Solutions, it’s about creating space for others to contribute:
“Everyone goes further when they are working together.”
Together, their perspectives reinforce a shared belief: leadership is not about standing apart, it’s about bringing people along. As we all know, a rising tide lifts all boats.
The Moments—and People—that Shape a Career
Behind every successful leader is a network of individuals who offered guidance, encouragement, or a pivotal opportunity at just the right time.
In fact, many of these women shared stories of leaders who saw potential in them before they saw it in themselves.
Rachael DeLeon reflected on the impact of mentors who gave her the confidence to step forward.
“Sometimes the people around us see things in us that we don’t see in ourselves. Those conversations give you the courage to step into something bigger.”
For Kelly Cusick, a career-defining moment came when she was invited to step into a role she never imagined for herself — an opportunity that reshaped her path entirely, taking her far from her initial plans, but to something much more “her.”
And Tarn Kaur, Vice President at ACS, also emphasized the importance of building a broad support system to support you as you navigate obstacles and choices in both your career and life.
“You need your own personal board…people you trust to give you honest advice and help you navigate important decisions.”
Whether it’s someone reaching back to hold open a door you never saw yourself walking through, encouraging you to reach for an opportunity you weren’t sure you were ready for, or simply building a community that has your back in tough decisions, all of these stories highlight a consistent theme: growth often begins with someone else opening a door—and encouraging you to walk through it.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Mentorship, Community, and the Power of Connection
Professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Finding connection and support in the communities you build was a strong thread through each of our leaders’ professional journeys. Both in and outside of work, these women shared how they built their own villages to broaden perspectives and also give them the opportunity to hold new doors open for the next generation of leaders.
Karen Bernstein, Vice President of Learning & Development at ICF, shared how much joy and meaning she finds in supporting others in their growth.
“The most rewarding part of my work is seeing people grow — watching them gain confidence, take on leadership roles, and run with opportunities.”
For Tarn Kaur, the professional communities she resides in helped provide both perspective and support.
“You realize you’re not the only one facing challenges. Having that network gives you a sounding board and new ways of thinking.”
Additionally, participation with professional associations helped Carrie Hartin expand her perspective beyond her own organization, helping her grow as a leader.
Whether through mentorship, peer networks, or professional associations, these connections create space for leaders to learn, share, and evolve.
Growth Requires Courage — and Continuous Learning
So, the bottom line is, how can anyone achieve professional growth? And when should you start? Thankfully, another clear takeaway from our passionate group of leaders: growth rarely follows a straight path, and there’s never a better time than now to dive in.
Carrie Hartin offered advice that resonated across every conversation:
“Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Step into opportunities, even if you’re not fully prepared.”
And many leaders emphasized the role of continuous learning and certification in opening doors, even if just because of newfound confidence.
Kelly Cusick highlighted how professional development provides both validation and opportunity:
“It gives you that confidence…that proof point of your skills and helps you see new possibilities.”
Tarn Kaur echoed this, noting that:
“Lifelong learning is essential in a rapidly changing world and investing in your own growth should always be a priority.”
Across industries and career stages, one thing is clear: learning is not a one-time event – it’s an ongoing journey.
Giving Back Is How We Move Forward
At the heart of every story is the same idea: when leaders invest in others, everyone benefits. Whether it’s mentoring a colleague, creating opportunities for a team, or contributing to a professional community, these leaders demonstrate that success is not a finite resource.
As Rachael DeLeon shared, leadership is not about individual achievement — it’s about what you enable others to accomplish.
And as these five leaders show, when you give — your time, your knowledge, your support — you gain something far greater: stronger teams, deeper connections, and a more impactful career.
Celebrating Women Who Lead by Lifting Others
We’re grateful to these leaders for sharing their stories and perspectives. Their experiences are a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the next level — it’s about helping others get there, too. Because when we lead with generosity and collaboration, we don’t just grow individually — we grow together.
For more insights from these inspiring leaders, you can read each of their stories here!
- Karen Bernstein, Vice President – Learning & Development, International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Kelly Cusick, Chief Growth Officer, Holmes Corporation (HC)
- Carrie Hartin, President, MCI USA Association Solutions (MCI)
- Tarn Kaur, Vice President, American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director, Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE)
