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Jack Ma, the visionary founder of Alibaba, has a unique perspective on leadership and success: women are essential to winning in the 21st century. But his reasoning isn’t about ticking diversity boxes or meeting quotas—it’s about logic, practicality, and the undeniable strengths women bring to the table.
Photo: Sipa via AP Images
In this article, we’ll explore Jack Ma’s insights on why women are such powerful contributors to business success, share real-world examples, and break down the practical reasons behind his approach.
The Alibaba Story: Women Driving Success
When an American journalist visited Alibaba and pointed out the high number of women in the company, Jack Ma didn’t see it as unusual—he saw it as a strategic advantage. Here’s what he shared:
47% of Alibaba’s employees are women. (At one point, it was 51% before a recent acquisition brought in more men.)
33% of senior management roles are held by women.
24% of the very top leadership positions are held by women, including the CEO, CFO, and Chief People Officer.
For Ma, this isn’t about gender diversity for the sake of appearances. It’s about recognizing the unique strengths women bring to leadership and teamwork.
Jack Ma’s Logical Reasons for Empowering Women
Jack Ma’s approach to hiring and promoting women is rooted in clear, practical reasoning. Here’s why he believes women are critical to success:
1. They Think About Others
Ma observes that women tend to prioritize the well-being of others—whether it’s their children, spouses, parents, or colleagues. This mindset translates into leadership that fosters collaboration, empathy, and teamwork.
“Women think about others more than they think about themselves,” Ma says. In a business context, this means leaders who are more likely to consider the impact of their decisions on employees, customers, and the broader community.
2. They Empower Others
According to Ma, “If you want to win in the 21st century, you have to make sure you’re empowering others.” He believes women naturally excel at lifting others up and helping them succeed. This creates a culture of growth and mutual support, which is essential for long-term success.
3. They Lead with Friendliness
Women often bring a friendly, approachable demeanor to leadership roles. This fosters trust, open communication, and a positive work environment—all of which are critical for building strong teams and driving innovation.
Real-World Examples: Women Leading the Way
Jack Ma’s philosophy isn’t just theoretical—it’s backed by real-world success stories. Here are a few examples of companies thriving under women’s leadership:
Example 1: General Motors
Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, has been credited with transforming the company’s culture and driving innovation. Under her leadership, GM has embraced electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology, positioning itself as a leader in the automotive industry.
Example 2: Bumble
Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble, built a dating app that empowers women to make the first move. Her leadership has not only created a successful business but also challenged traditional gender norms in the tech industry.
The Business Case for Women in Leadership
Jack Ma’s emphasis on women in leadership isn’t just about fairness—it’s about results. Here’s why having women in leadership roles makes logical business sense:
Better Decision-Making: Women often bring different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
Stronger Teams: Women’s focus on collaboration and empathy fosters a positive work environment, which boosts employee morale and productivity.
Improved Financial Performance: Studies show that companies with women in leadership roles tend to be more profitable and resilient.
Ma sums it up perfectly: “Making sure other people are better than you are is how you become successful.” By empowering women, companies can unlock their full potential and achieve greater success.
How to Harness the Power of Women in Your Organization
Inspired by Jack Ma’s approach? Here are some actionable steps to leverage the strengths women bring to your organization:
1. Recognize Their Unique Strengths
Understand the value women bring to leadership and teamwork, and create opportunities for them to shine.
2. Provide Mentorship and Support
Help women develop their skills, build networks, and advance their careers through mentorship programs and leadership training.
3. Foster an Inclusive Culture
Ensure that your workplace values collaboration, empathy, and open communication—qualities that women often excel at.
4. Celebrate Their Contributions
Highlight the achievements of women in your organization. This not only recognizes their impact but also inspires others to follow in their footsteps.
The Future Belongs to Those Who Empower Others
Jack Ma’s message is clear: the 21st century belongs to those who empower others, and women are uniquely positioned to lead the way. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths women bring to the table, companies can create a more innovative, collaborative, and successful future.
As Ma puts it, “Women think about others more than they think about themselves.” In a world that increasingly values teamwork, empathy, and community, this mindset is the key to winning—not just in business, but in life.
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