Born into a body that knows how to hold space for emerging life and adapt to monthly cycles, women have an innate relationship to change.

And as current climate conditions continue to decline, as noted by NASA, and the global community is openly rising up against centuries of injustice, the need for uniquely skilled leaders is at humanity’s proverbial doorstep.

“The true test of leadership is how you function in a crisis.” -Brian Tracy

These uniquely skilled leaders need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, able to adapt to unprecedented circumstances, willing to admit limitation, open to co-creation and prepared to get messy.

Let’s break down why women are a natural fit for this position and these times.

1. Being comfortable with the uncomfortable

A woman’s embodied experience of the uncomfortable can happen in an unexpected moment. Whether it comes in the form of menstruation or labor, a woman is wired biologically to move through whatever discomfort arises and hold her own through the process. It is not as much a skill set or a talent as it is a part of her being.

Climate conditions are igniting greater levels of concern with raging fires and unpredictable storms. Without immediate intervention, the science is pointing to more of the same as being a best-case scenario.

“People ask, are we dealing with a new normal? And the sobering answer is, that’s the best-case scenario. A new normal is the best-case scenario ’cause that sorta means, well, we’ve got a new situation and we just have to learn how to deal with it. But it’s much worse than that. So, there are surprises in store and we’re seeing some of those surprises play out now.” -Michael Mann, Geophysicist and Director of Earth System Science Care

With surprises like these in our midst, being comfortable with the uncomfortable could be not only a foundation but a necessity for the sustainability of the human species.

2. Being able to adapt to unprecedented circumstances

The global pandemic and the lockdowns that followed have had both economic and psychological impact on society at large. Education, health care, entertainment, sports, and travel have taken on new identities and presented us with unprecedented circumstances.

As a woman’s body goes through 9 months of pregnancy, the ability to adapt becomes visible. However, what is not so visible are the adaptations within her brain. She quite literally becomes wired to connect to another. The gray matter, which controls sensory perception, adjusts itself to meet the arrival of her upcoming responsibilities.

Adaptation opens the door for chaos to transform into creation.

3. Being willing to admit limitation

The age-old adage of “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” may be an unsustainable goal. Not that it doesn’t contain wisdom, but it maintains an ability to overcome. 2020 has presented many opportunities for us to recognize our limitations as we watch an invisible virus bring a world to its knees.

Being tough is a sign of strength. Strength is a needed asset. However, when complemented with humility leaves room for the concept of “I” to evolve into “We” and take on a quality of synergy.

“Synergy is everywhere in nature. If you plant two plants close together, the roots commingle and improve the quality of the soil so that both plants will grow better than if they were separated. If you put two pieces of wood together, they will hold much more than the total weight held by each separately. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. One plus one equals three or more. “ -Stephen Covey

The mentality of “I can’t do it all myself” in the face of difficulty not only initiates a more sustainable process but brings forward a more integrated result.

It inevitably justifies collaborative efforts, something that girls are socialized into during childhood play. And studies reveal that play significantly impacts the developmental growth of the brain.

Realizing limitation supports collaboration and community which are situated to become precious commodities in the coming decades.

4. Being open to Co-Creation

Co-creation is a tenet of democracy. It builds bridges and acknowledges differences. It is the embodiment of El Pluribus Unum which translates as “out of many one”.

There is an underlying facet to the co-creative process which speaks directly to equality and worth. Rather than relying on the vertical lines or hierarchies prevalent within the culture today, it presents as a circle. All points are equidistant from the center.

Within a co-creation model, success, failure, and responsibility are mutually held which subsequently reduces the stress on any one component. Stress has been shown to have a negative impact on both creativity and problem-solving.

“Soft skills” or emotional intelligence which includes things like empathy, trust, and active listening are not only of great value to peacebuilding initiatives, but studies reveal women naturally integrate them.

5. Being prepared to get messy

Getting messy is having the courage to face the undesirable and deeply unsettling. With the opposite of that being avoidance and cover-up.

Being authentic is not an easy task or one taken on by the faint of heart. It requires vulnerability which is defined as being open to attack or damage.

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” — Brene Brown

The truth of who we are at any given moment both collectively and individually may not be pretty all the time and it may look, smell or feel bad, but in the end, it liberates.

When Dr. Brene Brown addressed this topic in a TED talk that was viewed over 41 million times, she brought awareness to the bravery and power that authentic beingness creates.

Self-awareness is not only the first step in getting messy and becoming vulnerable, but it is also the first step in empowerment. Studies reveal that “knowing who we are” is indispensable to creating real and positive change.

“Know thyself.” -Socrates

Yes. We are in the midst of deep-seated change.

Yes. We have all we need to go the distance.

And yes, as women and girls become empowered, the leaders most naturally poised to escort us through that change will rise up.

I hold this vision.