Adopting the CEO Mindset: Lessons from Madam C.J. Walker for Women at Every Leadership Level

When we think about executive leadership, we often picture seasoned executives making strategic decisions at the top of an organization. But leadership isn’t just about a title or position—it’s about adopting the mindset of a CEO, regardless of where you sit on the organizational chart. 

Whether you’re an emerging leader just starting your career or an established executive shaping the future of your company, adopting a CEO mindset is key. It’s about approaching every decision with the same vision, strategic focus, and responsibility as if the business were your own. 

Let’s take a page from one of America’s first self-made female millionaires—Madam C.J. Walker—and explore how her legacy of leadership offers valuable lessons for women at all levels of business today. 

1. Strategic Vision: Think Like a CEO, Act Like a Leader 

Madam C.J. Walker didn’t build her empire by simply following orders or doing things the way they had always been done. She envisioned a future where women, particularly women of color, could have the power to create their own success. She didn’t just sell a product; she sold an idea, a movement, and a vision. 

For women at every level, adopting a CEO mindset starts with seeing beyond the day-to-day. Whether you’re in an entry-level position or a senior executive role, look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself: “If this were my business, how would I make decisions? How would I prioritize resources? How would I lead my team?” 

Thinking like a CEO isn’t about authority—it’s about accountability, strategy, and foresight. As emerging leaders, you have the opportunity to practice this mindset early on by making decisions with the future in mind and positioning yourself for long-term growth. 

2. Effective Leadership: Empowering Others Along the Way 

One of the standout qualities of Madam C.J. Walker was her ability to empower others. She didn’t just build a business for herself—she built a community. She trained thousands of women to sell her products, giving them the tools and the platform to create their own wealth and leadership opportunities. 

As women leaders, whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or overseeing an executive team, true effective leadership is about elevating others. You don’t have to be a CEO to empower those around you. Start by mentoring, providing feedback, and creating opportunities for others to step into leadership positions, too. By helping others grow, you position yourself as an influential leader within your organization, no matter where you are in the hierarchy. 

3. Executive Presence: Leading with Confidence and Clarity 

Madam C.J. Walker’s executive presence was not about being the loudest or most charismatic in the room; it was about showing up with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Her presence spoke to the power of her vision and the trust she had in her own abilities. 

Whether you’re managing a team or contributing to a larger organizational vision, developing your executive presence is crucial. Walk into any room—virtual or in-person—with the confidence that you belong there. Approach every decision with the authority that comes from a deep understanding of your role, your team, and the business. 

For emerging leaders, this means acting like you belong in the boardroom, even if you’re still building your confidence. For seasoned executives, it’s about maintaining a strong, calm presence that encourages collaboration and inspires trust. 

4. Leadership Coaching: Growing Into Your CEO Mindset 

Leadership is a lifelong journey of growth, and no one’s path to success is without challenges. Madam C.J. Walker faced immense obstacles—yet, she kept learning, evolving, and expanding her business. Leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it requires continuous development, coaching, and self-reflection. 

For women at all stages of their careers, leadership coaching is a powerful tool to help you hone your CEO mindset. Whether you’re learning how to manage a team, lead a division, or navigate your career, coaching can provide clarity, strategies, and support to help you build the leadership skills necessary to make decisions with confidence and impact. 

At Grace & Salt Leadership Academy, we offer coaching and programs specifically designed to help you develop a CEO mindset, whether you’re an emerging leader or an established executive. Through personalized coaching, we help you take charge of your leadership journey, build your executive presence, and navigate the challenges unique to women in business. 

5. Confidence in Leadership: Leading with Integrity 

Madam C.J. Walker’s confidence didn’t come from arrogance—it came from knowing that her vision was powerful and that she had the ability to execute it. Confidence in leadership is rooted in integrity, in knowing your value, and in being clear on the impact you want to make. 

For women at every leadership level, this kind of confidence can be transformative. It’s about leading with authenticity, making decisions that align with your values, and standing firm in your vision. Confidence is something that can be nurtured and developed at any stage in your career, and it is essential for anyone striving to take on a leadership role. 

The CEO Mindset: Key Takeaways for Emerging and Established Leaders 

What can we learn from Madam C.J. Walker’s journey, and how can we apply it to our own leadership? 

✅ Think strategically: Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned executive, always think about the bigger picture and long-term impact. 
✅ Empower others to lead: True leadership is about lifting others up and creating opportunities for them to grow. 
✅ Own your executive presence: Show up with confidence and clarity, and make decisions with authority. 
✅ Invest in leadership coaching: Whether emerging or established, leadership growth requires continuous learning. 
✅ Lead with confidence and integrity: Authenticity and integrity are the foundation of great leadership. 

By adopting a CEO mindset, you create space for yourself to grow as a leader while also building a legacy that empowers others. Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or you’ve been in the game for years, embracing the principles of strategic vision, empowerment, and executive presence can elevate your career and influence. 

Ready to Develop Your CEO Mindset? 

If you’re ready to step into your CEO mindset, whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, I invite you to explore how Grace & Salt Leadership Academy can support you. Through our tailored coaching and leadership programs, we help women at every level develop the mindset and skills to lead with confidence and impact. 

To learn more or discuss how we can work together to elevate your leadership, contact me directly at melissa@melissa-mccormick.com.