Women like myself, CEOs, can pave the way for more women to get
Andrea Jung, a leader who rose to the summit of commerce, once declared: “Women like myself, CEOs, can pave the way for more women to get to the top.” In these words shines both triumph and responsibility. She speaks not only for herself, but for all women who have struggled against barriers unseen and spoken. Her achievement is not an end, but a beginning, a path that others may walk more freely because she has dared to climb.
The essence of her wisdom is this: true greatness is not measured by how high one rises, but by how many are lifted along the way. A CEO who breaks through the walls of exclusion is not merely advancing her own life—she becomes a torchbearer, lighting the way for others. Jung’s words echo the ancient truth that pioneers bear not only their own destiny, but also the destiny of those who follow.
History mirrors this lesson in the life of Empress Wu Zetian, the only woman to rule China in her own name. Though her reign was controversial, she shattered centuries of limitation, showing that a woman could govern with strength and vision equal to any man. Her example, like Jung’s, did not merely glorify her alone; it expanded the horizon of what was possible for women in her culture. Thus, every step taken at the summit is not for one, but for many.
Her words also carry a challenge: the duty of those who reach the top is to pave the way, not to guard their position in isolation. Power hoarded is power wasted, but power shared multiplies into legacy. Jung speaks to the eternal struggle of women in leadership, reminding future generations that the victory of one must become the opportunity of many.
Let this truth endure: whenever one woman rises, she does not stand alone—she carries with her the hopes of countless others still climbing. To pave the way is the noblest act of leadership, for it ensures that the next generation will not face the same chains. Andrea Jung’s words, spoken in the voice of experience and triumph, must be passed down as a teaching: that progress is not complete until every barrier is broken and the summit belongs to all.
TUNguyen Thao Uyen
It’s inspiring to hear Andrea Jung speak about women paving the way for each other, but is this an idealistic perspective? For women to truly reach the top, there must be a concerted effort across industries to eliminate gender disparities in pay, opportunity, and treatment. How much impact can one woman’s success really have in a system that continues to favor certain demographics? Can we create lasting change through role models alone?
Ttamtam
Andrea Jung’s statement is definitely optimistic, but does it assume that the success of women in high positions is enough to shift societal attitudes about women in leadership? It’s important, but we also need to consider how corporate culture, policies, and education systems need to change to create real opportunities for women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Can individual success be a catalyst for widespread change, or do we need more institutional efforts?
TAThuy Trang a5
While it's true that women CEOs can inspire others to aim for top positions, the quote seems to overlook the barriers that still exist. It’s not just about paving the way—it’s about dismantling the deep-rooted biases and institutional obstacles that prevent women from reaching the top. How do we ensure that the path is clear for women who don’t have the same platform or privileges to start from?
TCTrang Cao
Andrea Jung's statement about women CEOs paving the way for other women is empowering, but it also raises the question of how much systemic change is required to truly level the playing field. Are successful women in leadership positions able to make the kind of structural changes needed, or is the path still primarily shaped by traditional, often male-dominated systems of power? Can the success of one individual translate into broader societal change?