276. From Capability to Power: Women Need Access, Not Fixing

Women don’t lack ambition.They don’t lack skills.And they don’t lack drive.So why do so many capable women — especially women from minority backgrounds — stall before reaching positions of power?In this episode of Girl, Take the Lead!, I’m joined by Alexandra Gantier, a French public relations, public affairs, and leadership advisor with more than 18 years of international experience across France and the United States. Alexandra is the co-founder of The Poderosas, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding leadership access for women from minority backgrounds through mentorship and sponsorship.Alexandra brings a deeply global perspective to leadership — shaped by her upbringing in France, her formative years in South America, and her professional journey in the U.S. She is currently completing a PhD at the Toulouse School of Management, where her research explores female leadership, representation in decision-making spaces, and how structural barriers shape access to power.Together, we unpack a powerful truth:Women don’t need fixing — they need access.This conversation goes beyond confidence and skill-building to name the systemic and relational dynamics that determine who advances, who is sponsored, and who is invited into rooms where decisions are made.We also explore Alexandra’s retreat work through Empowering Women Global Leaders, which creates space for women to pause, reset, and reconnect with their values — including retreats in Paris and the south of France.Why women aren’t advancing — and why it’s not a confidence problemThe difference between mentorship and sponsorship (and why both matter)Structural barriers that shape access to leadership and powerNavigating politics, relationships, and visibility at workGenerational shifts in how women approach work, ambition, and voiceWhy you can do everything — just not all at the same timeThe courage to stop shrinking and build your own room“Keep your values as your inner compass.Never stay in a space where you feel you need to shrink yourself — you can build your own room.”She also chose the Trust Your Gut card — a reminder that leadership often begins by listening to what you already know.🌍 Learn More & Connect with AlexandraWebsitesPersonal & Retreats: https://www.alexandragantier.comNonprofit: https://www.thepoderosas.comEmail📧 [email protected] AlexandraInstagram & LinkedIn: @alexandra.gantierInstagram & LinkedIn: @thepoderosasGet InvolvedApply as a mentor or mentee with The PoderosasSupport the nonprofit through donationsLearn more about upcoming women’s leadership retreats in France💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen or view your podcasts💬 Join the Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group🛍 Visit the Heartfelt Card & Gift Shop🔗 Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram