Unlike what you might think, leadership experience isn’t just about having a fancy job title or managing a big team. It’s about showing that you can take initiative, guide others, and make things happen—regardless of your role. For women looking to advance in their careers, understanding what counts as leadership and how to build a strong leadership portfolio is crucial. And that’s why you have me, to guide you through it!
What leadership experience looks like
A leadership title doesn’t always mean leadership experience. You can be a “manager” and never really lead—or be an individual contributor who drives change and motivates others. What counts as leadership experience is the ability to influence people and outcomes. This can show up in mentoring others, improving processes, solving team conflicts, or championing new ideas. The job title does not need to mention “leader” for it to be a leadership experience, although it surely does help if it is mentioned.
It’s not just job titles: influence counts too
For example, if you’ve ever stepped in to help a project succeed under pressure, trained new colleagues, or pushed for a needed change that benefited your team, you’ve already demonstrated leadership. The common thread is impact—not status.
Community projects, team leads, volunteer work
Leadership happens outside the office too. A very abundant option how to get leadership experience is volunteering. Organizing a community fundraiser, leading a volunteer team, or managing a school event all require core leadership skills: planning, delegation, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences are valid and valuable.
Many women gain early leadership skills in unpaid roles—PTA leadership, church committees, or non-profit boards. These shouldn’t be downplayed. When applying for a promotion or a new job, include them in your leadership narrative. Employers value soft skills like emotional intelligence and collaboration, and these are often sharpened outside formal jobs. Don’t forget to pinpoint them – state the volunteering you did alongside the soft skills you gained.
How women can build credible leadership portfolios
You won’t like this, but there is no other way – you will need to go out of your comfort zone. To gain more leadership experience is to proactively step into unfamiliar territories. Say yes to projects that push you to learn, even if you don’t feel 100% ready. These “stretch” roles often come with the fastest growth, although it will be a challenge.
Say yes to stretch opportunities
Women often hesitate to raise their hands unless they meet all the criteria necessary to a 100% degree. But leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about figuring things out, bringing people together, and delivering results. Volunteering to lead a cross-functional project or fill in for a supervisor on leave can put you in the driver’s seat and give you real-world leadership experience. Don’t hesitate and believe in yourself. You can do it; you just need to take the leap.
Documenting results and learning from feedback
In most cases, experience alone isn’t enough—how you reflect on and present that experience matters too, often even more. Start tracking the outcomes of your leadership efforts. Did your team meet a tough deadline? Did you launch something new? Did you improve efficiency or morale?
Keep a record of what you did, what changed, and what you learned. This helps you clearly communicate your leadership value in interviews, performance reviews, or even on LinkedIn, where it can help you get noticed by a talent seeker.
Also, seek feedback. Ask teammates, mentors, or supervisors what you did well and what you could improve. Use that input to grow—and to show that you’re intentional about becoming a better leader. Don’t let the negative feedback discourage you, nobody is perfect from the get-go. Negative feedback is a stepping stone, much more valuable than flattery, which makes you feel good, but gives you no direction.
Leadership experience is about actions, not titles. Women can build strong leadership portfolios by recognizing informal leadership, seeking stretch roles, and learning as they go. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely within reach. Say yes. Step up. Keep track—and keep growing.
