In 2025, female entrepreneurship is evolving beyond buzzwords—it’s becoming a full-fledged movement grounded in authenticity, confidence, and financial power. Leading the charge is Lisa Sun, former McKinsey consultant and now CEO of Gravitas, a fashion and lifestyle brand built on the belief that confidence is not born—it’s made.
Women are launching businesses at historic rates, as highlighted by the NerdWallet 2025 Women Entrepreneurs Report. Women of color are especially driving this growth. But despite this momentum, real challenges persist—unequal access to capital, tariffs on imported goods, and the constant juggle between business and caregiving responsibilities.
Sun offers a powerful blueprint for overcoming these hurdles. Her bestselling book, Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence, distills her journey from corporate consultant to fashion CEO. She also shares tools like the now-viral “19-Second Rule,” a mental strategy designed to help women tap into their inner strength instantly. In a world where women are often told to “wait their turn,” Sun’s rule encourages them to take up space—now.
But Sun’s impact goes beyond personal mindset. She’s helping redefine what it means to build a brand. In an era where polished perfection once reigned, Lisa champions unfiltered storytelling. She’s turned Gravitas into a platform for authenticity, showing both the high points and struggles of building a business as a woman. Her voice resonates with a generation of consumers and creators who value vulnerability over viral trends.
This new wave of entrepreneurship is also marked by structural change. Companies like Cakes Body are pioneering policies that pay for 100% of employee child care, while financial platforms like Ellevest are tailoring investment tools to women’s needs. Sun believes financial literacy and policy support are no longer optional—they’re essential for the next phase of growth.
Whether she’s challenging gender norms in the boardroom or mentoring the next generation of founders, Sun is proving that leadership doesn’t have to look like the status quo. It can be bold. It can be real. And yes—it can be unapologetically female.
As Sun puts it: “Confidence isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice. And every woman has the power to choose herself.”