During a recent event, I had the pleasure of meeting a remarkable young girl from Germany. At just 14 years old, she wore a tailored suit, confidently striding from one mock boardroom to the next in high heels, embodying the spirit of a future leader. She spoke with passion about her dreams of being in boardrooms, negotiating deals, and someday leading her own company. Her ambition was infectious, and I could see a spark in her that reminded me of my own early dreams.

It’s inspiring to see young people setting ambitious goals, especially young girls who already envision themselves breaking through glass ceilings. I could tell she had a strong work ethic and believed in herself, which are key ingredients for any aspiring leader. I have no doubt that if she continues on this path, she’ll accomplish amazing things.

But as we talked, I couldn’t help but feel the need to share a more grounded perspective. The image of leadership often seems polished and glamorous from the outside—high heels, power suits, sleek offices—but the reality is much more complex. As women, we often face unique challenges in leadership, and the journey requires much more than dressing the part. It’s about resilience, dedication, and the ability to maintain balance amid countless responsibilities.

Entrepreneurship, especially, is not always as glamorous as it might appear. There are long nights, hard decisions, and moments of doubt. It requires consistent effort, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure. Beyond just "making it," being a true leader means creating positive impact, building meaningful connections, and empowering those around you. The title doesn’t come simply from being in a boardroom—it comes from the hard work you put in when no one’s watching.

To young dreamers like this girl, I say: keep dreaming big. Hold onto your vision of the future. But remember that the road to leadership is not always easy or glamorous. It’s built through resilience, hard work, and sometimes tough sacrifices. And if you can stay focused and committed through all the ups and downs, your achievements will go beyond any boardroom. They’ll resonate in the lives you impact and the legacy you leave behind.

Here’s to all the young girls out there dreaming big and working hard—your journey is just beginning.