In today’s business landscape, discussions around leadership styles have become increasingly prominent. Sarah O’Leary, the CEO of the innovative femtech company Willow, shares her insights on modern leadership while challenging the prevailing call for more “masculine energy” in the workplace. O’Leary asserts, “I don’t believe that we need more masculine energy,” prompting leaders to reflect on their own styles and effectiveness.

Building a Trust-Centric Culture

O’Leary defines her leadership philosophy as one rooted in transparency and empathy. At Willow, which specializes in “patented leak-proof” wearable breast pumps, fostering trust is paramount. According to O’Leary, teams that operate in a trusting atmosphere are more likely to thrive professionally.

The Importance of Flexibility

“I believe [flexibility in the workplace] makes us more productive.”

O’Leary emphasizes that empowering team members promotes autonomy. Willow has embraced a flexible working environment, with no mandates for a return to the office. As a mother of two, O’Leary is attuned to the challenges faced by working parents and actively seeks to accommodate their needs.

“If my kids’ elementary school concert is happening at 10 a.m., I’m going to sign off. I’m going to go to that, then come back and keep going with my day. I don’t believe that makes us any less productive. I believe it makes us more productive,” she states. This commitment highlights O’Leary’s belief that successful business operations can align with authentic leadership and team support.

Navigating Growth and Challenges

Under O’Leary’s leadership, Willow is poised for significant growth, recently announcing the acquisition of the UK-based femtech company Elvie, which is expected to increase revenue by 50%. Additionally, Willow is dedicated to supporting parents, as demonstrated by its Mother’s Day campaign in collaboration with Canopie, a platform focused on maternal mental health.

“[Being CEO is] a responsibility as much as it is a cool title.”

O’Leary previously held the title of chief commercial officer and describes her transition to CEO not as a pursuit of ambition, but rather as a recognition of her alignment with the company’s mission and vision.

“I cared deeply about our mission. I had a vision for where we could go,” she notes, underscoring her commitment to the organization and its objectives. O’Leary views her role as one of servant leadership, focused on responsibility not just in title but in action.

Authenticity in Leadership

For O’Leary, authentic motivation is crucial for navigating the complexities of leadership: “New tariffs are announced, and you’ve got to figure that out. It is challenge after challenge, and the organization looks to you and says, ‘What are we going to do?’” This perspective reinforces the significance of taking accountability for team members, products, and customers.