Female entrepreneurship is experiencing a bold transformation in 2025, marked by a surge in authentic branding, financial empowerment, and practical confidence-building. At the forefront of this shift is Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of lifestyle brand Gravitas, and author of the bestselling book Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence.
According to the NerdWallet 2025 Women Entrepreneurs Report, women-owned businesses are growing at record rates, with a significant increase in ventures launched by women of color. Yet, systemic challenges—ranging from tariffs to capital access and work-life balance—persist. Sun’s own journey, from McKinsey consultant to fashion CEO, exemplifies the adaptability and resilience women are leveraging to thrive in this evolving landscape.
One of Lisa Sun’s most talked-about tools for navigating this space is her “19-Second Rule,” a simple yet powerful strategy to instantly boost confidence. As she explains, confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create in real time. Her approach resonates with female founders facing self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or high-pressure situations.
Lisa also champions the growing trend of authentic brand storytelling, pushing back against unrealistic perfection in favor of real, relatable narratives. “Consumers crave connection over curation,” Sun emphasizes. Through Gravitas, she’s built a brand that reflects both the highs and the hardships, proving that unfiltered storytelling builds deeper, longer-lasting customer relationships.
The broader entrepreneurial ecosystem is also changing. Platforms like Ellevest are leading the charge in women’s financial literacy, while companies such as Cakes Body have introduced groundbreaking benefits like 100% childcare coverage for employees. Sun believes these initiatives reflect a growing understanding that empowering women financially is key to long-term business success.
c is a sought-after speaker, media contributor, and advocate for women’s leadership. Whether confronting gender bias, building confidence, or crafting authentic brands, her expertise offers invaluable guidance for today’s—and tomorrow’s—entrepreneurs.