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The Masculine, the Feminine, and the Future of Power
For centuries, most of the world’s institutions have been shaped by forms of power associated with the masculine: competition, hierarchy, control, and domination. But the challenges of the 21st century require something more. The future of leadership may depend on integrating the strengths of both the masculine and the feminine.
Keynote Description
From politics to business to global governance, many of the institutions guiding our world today were built around models of power rooted primarily in traditionally masculine values: competition, hierarchy, individual dominance, and short-term victory.
These approaches have produced enormous achievements. But they are increasingly struggling to address the complex, interconnected challenges we now face—from geopolitical conflict and democratic erosion to climate disruption and social fragmentation.
A new balance is emerging.
Across sectors and societies, leaders are beginning to recognize the power of qualities long associated with the feminine: relational intelligence, collaboration, long-term thinking, and the ability to hold complexity and multiple perspectives.
In this thought-provoking keynote, negotiation and conflict-resolution expert Susan W. Coleman explores how the future of leadership will depend not on replacing one form of power with another, but on integrating the strengths of both the masculine and the feminine.
Drawing on decades of work in negotiation, diplomacy, and conflict transformation, Coleman shows how this integration can unlock more creative solutions, more resilient institutions, and more sustainable outcomes.
The goal is not softer leadership.
It is wiser power.
The future of leadership will not belong to the masculine or the feminine alone.
It will belong to those who know how to bring the strengths of both together.
Outcomes & Experiences
Target Audience
This keynote resonates with audiences interested in leadership, power, and institutional change, including:
Corporate leadership teams and executive retreats
Women’s leadership conferences
Universities and business schools
Policy and diplomacy forums
Organizations navigating cultural or systemic transformation
Participants will
Gain a deeper understanding of how traditional models of power have shaped modern institutions
Learn how integrating both “masculine” and “feminine” leadership capacities strengthens decision-making
Recognize the role women can play in restoring balance to leadership systems
Understand how relational intelligence, collaboration, and strategic strength can work together
Leave with a new vision of leadership that is both powerful and deeply adaptive to the complexity of our time