Whether you’re the Founder and CEO of a Fortune 500 company or you had a lemonade stand as a child, the entreprenurial spirit is a key component for many women in leadership positions. The term entrepreneur comes from the French entreprendre, meaning “undertake.” This certainly speaks to women throughout the financial industry and those in leadership positions – the confidence to trust your ability and undertake a challenge or new opportunity is an excellent way to grow as a professional, particularly in male-dominated industries.

A recent report shows that the number of women-owned businesses continues to rise: 39% of women business owners have established new franchise locations in 2024, and women are now 17% more likely to own a franchise compared to previous years, a field that was primarily dominated by male business owners. That’s the beauty of the entreprenurial spirit – it can manifest itself in different ways. For some, it could mean starting a business from scratch or owning a franchise, while for others, it could be presenting a unique idea to your team and leading the effort to see it come to life.

Today, some of the largest companies in the world listed on major exchanges are led by women, including household names like Hershey, UPS, and more. And while the number of women at the helm of Fortune 500 companies remains at just 10.4%, we’re constantly seeing efforts to see those numbers grow and allow women to embrace their own entreprenurial spirit. If you have an idea, see how you can bring it to life and take action – you never know what it might lead to, and what you might learn in the process. Sometimes a lemonade stand can go a long way.

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