Sola Adesakin 
For decades, society has underestimated the power of women, sometimes boxing us into supportive roles rather than leadership positions. Yet history, and even daily life, shows us that women make things happen. We build families, nurture communities, and increasingly drive innovation, business, and leadership across the world.
But to thrive in today’s fast-changing world, women must rise for themselves, not just for others. Beyond what tradition or culture expects, there are certain timeless but often overlooked principles that can help women step into their full potential. Here are some of those “common sense yet not so common” pieces of advice every woman should take seriously.
1. Leverage is Power—Use It Wisely
In life and business, leverage is everything. Men have long understood this and used it to grow wealth, scale businesses, and build influence. Women must embrace the same mindset. Leverage means using resources, people, networks, and tools around you to do more than you could alone. You do not have to do everything by yourself. Build partnerships, collaborate with other women, invest in supportive relationships, and use technology to multiply your efforts. Whether at work, at home, or in business, leverage can save time, reduce stress, and create bigger opportunities.
2. Money Is Not a Man’s Language Alone
Financial responsibility is not gender-based. Women must stop leaving money matters to men—be it husbands, fathers, or brothers. Every woman, regardless of age or marital status, needs to understand how to make money, manage money, and multiply money. Financial literacy is empowerment. It ensures you are not left vulnerable and that you can make informed decisions about your life. From budgeting to investing, women must rise up to take charge of their financial future. The wealth gap is real, but women can close it by being intentional about learning and practicing financial discipline.
3. Your Voice Is Your Power—Don’t Keep Quiet
For too long, many women have been conditioned to “be seen and not heard.” In meetings, boardrooms, and even family settings, women sometimes silence themselves. But your voice is one of your most powerful tools. Speak up with confidence. Ask for opportunities. Challenge stereotypes. Negotiate your salary. Share your ideas. Silence has never created change. Progress begins when women articulate their thoughts and take up space in conversations that matter. Don’t wait for permission to contribute—your voice may be the missing link in moving things forward.
4. Self-Care Is Not Selfish
Many women carry the weight of family, career, and community on their shoulders. While sacrifice is admirable, neglecting yourself is not. Burnout does not serve anyone. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Self-care is not selfish—it is survival. It means setting boundaries, resting when you need to, and prioritising your health and mental well-being. A stronger, healthier you can give more and lead better.
5. Relationships Are Currency—Invest in Them
Your network is one of your greatest assets. Women who thrive often do so not only because of their competence but because of their connections. Be intentional about the people you surround yourself with. Seek mentors, peers, and mentees who challenge and uplift you. Relationships open doors that talent alone may not. The right association can save you years of struggle. Invest in people, add value to them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
6. Believe in Your Own Worth—Unapologetically
Perhaps the most important advice of all: believe in yourself. Many women battle impostor syndrome, questioning if they are good enough or deserving of success. But you cannot rise higher than the limits you set in your mind. Stop apologising for your ambition. Stop dimming your light to make others comfortable. Step into rooms like you belong—because you do. Believe in your gifts, own your achievements, and give yourself permission to dream big. Women have always had power, even if it has been undermined. The challenge today is not in whether society gives us a seat at the table, but whether we are willing to take it. By embracing leverage, financial literacy, bold voices, self-care, strong relationships, and self-belief, women can create impact that lasts for generations. Common sense, yes. But unfortunately, not always common practice. It’s time for women everywhere to rise—not just for others, but for themselves.
Sola Adesakin is a highly respected wealth coach and chartered accountant with over two decades of transformative impact in the finance industry. As the visionary founder of Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Limited and Smart Stewards Advisory LLC, she has revolutionised the financial wellbeing of countless individuals and businesses across 40 countries. Her methodical approach to ‘make-manage-multiply’ money principles has elevated many from financial stress to prosperity, and mediocrity to exceptional achievement.