09/02/2026
You Don't Have to Follow Someone Else's Definition of Success
After roughly 60 conversations with women leaders, one thing I've learned is that success doesn't look the same for everyone, and it shouldn't.
During my conversations with Tamiko Toland, Kristi Mailloux, and Haleh Houshim, I was reminded that our definition of success can change as we grow.
Early in our careers, success might mean a title, a certain income, or building a bigger business.
Later, it might mean having more freedom.
Doing meaningful work.
Having time for family.
Making an impact.
Or simply building a life that feels aligned with who we are.
There's nothing wrong with wanting growth and financial success. That's part of business. But the bottom line shouldn't be the only line we measure.
That's one of the reasons I love the conversations on Beyond the Bottom Line.
They remind me that we get to decide what success means for us, not what someone else tells us it should mean.
Your definition of success is allowed to evolve.
And when it does, your business and your leadership may need to evolve with it.
Has your definition of success changed over the years? What does success mean to you today?