What Women’s Inventions Teach Us About Leadership

By Dr Tanya Finnie

Every year, International Women’s Day invites us to celebrate the achievements of women around the world.

Perhaps there is a deeper question to ask:

What innovations have we gained because women were included and what innovations have we missed when they weren’t?

I do recall early in my career raising what I thought was an excellent point, only to be ignored. Yet, later when someone else raised that point it was treated as an excellent idea. At the time this was frustrating, but it also taught me how to raise my voice and speak with authority to be heard. Now when I see this happen in meetings: Oh, yes, that is the point Jane made earlier. I too think we can expand on that idea. If you look around, you’ll see various versions of this example in meetings.

History offers countless examples. Many of the technologies and everyday tools we rely on today were invented by women who pushed boundaries, challenged expectations, and brought fresh perspectives to complex problems. Yet despite these contributions, women still represent less than 20% of patent holders globally. Imagine how many innovations we may be missing when half the population faces barriers to bringing their ideas to life.

The Wi-Fi That Connects Our World

The wireless technology powering modern communication has roots in the work of Hedy Lamarr, a Hollywood actress and self-taught inventor.

During World War II, Lamarr co-developed frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology to prevent radio signals from being jammed.

Decades later, this innovation became foundational to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, technologies that underpin our connected world.

Her brilliance was largely overlooked during her lifetime.

Her story is a reminder that talent doesn’t always appear where we expect it.

The Foundations of Modern Computing

Another pioneering woman who shaped our digital world was Grace Hopper, a computer scientist and US Navy rear admiral.

Hopper developed one of the first computer compilers and played a critical role in creating programming languages that made computers accessible beyond mathematicians and engineers.

Her work laid the groundwork for modern software development.

Every time a developer writes code in a user-friendly programming language, they are building on the foundations she helped create.

Safety Innovation Born From Everyday Experience

In the 1960s, Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system after becoming concerned about safety in her neighbourhood. A classic example of how innovation often grows from lived experience.

Her design included cameras, monitors and remote-controlled door locks — concepts that would later become standard in modern security systems.

Today’s smart doorbells and home surveillance technologies trace their origins back to her work.

What These Stories Reveal About Leadership

These women didn’t just invent new technologies.

They introduced new ways of seeing problems.

Their perspectives were shaped by experiences that differed from the dominant voices of their time. That difference became their strength.

How incredible would it be if we simply all had the same opportunities…

Innovation happens when diverse voices, cultures and perspectives intersect.

Research consistently supports this: companies with diverse leadership teams are 25% more likely to outperform financially.

When organisations prioritise cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership, they create environments where people feel safe to contribute ideas or even challenge assumptions. Both essential ingredients for innovation.

At RedHead Communications, this belief sits at the heart of our work – helping organisations build culturally intelligent leadership and inclusive workplaces where diverse perspectives drive better outcomes.

The Question International Women’s Day Should Ask

International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating the achievements of women who overcame barriers.

It’s also about asking: What barriers still exist and what potential innovations are we missing because of them?

When organisations widen the circle of who gets heard, recognised and empowered, they create space for new ideas/solutions.

Looking Forward

When people feel heard, new ideas tend to emerge.

In order for this to happen we need to create space to think and share without judgement.

This International Women’s Day, the real challenge for leaders is simple:

Are we creating environments where the next groundbreaking idea, from anyone, can be heard?