Insights
When we give, we all gain
The month of March marks a moment of transition as the seasons begin to shift across the globe, bridging what has been with what comes next.
March 2026
It feels fitting, then, that we celebrate International Women’s Day this month — and that this year’s theme, Give to Gain, encourages us to reflect on the generosity that helps others grow and step into what comes next.
We’re reminded that progress is often propelled by intentional acts of support. Behind many accomplished women is a moment when someone saw her potential and amplified her voice, offered an opportunity that opened new doors, or provided honest feedback that made a lasting difference. At times, the most meaningful support is subtle — rooted in flexibility, open communication, and small gestures that unlock confidence, growth, and possibility.
To bring this year’s theme to life, we asked female leaders across the firm to share specific moments, big or small, that helped shape their path forward. Their responses highlight a powerful truth: When we give — whether through guidance, opportunity, or simply a listening ear — we’re not just lifting others; we all gain in return.
Read our colleagues’ candid perspectives below.
“Intentional generosity is not just encouragement – it’s advocacy.”
Swamini Gunasekar
Head of Internal Communications, Bengaluru, India
A few years ago, a female leader who was like a mentor to me did something that felt small to her but made a huge impact in my career. She put my name forward for a limited-seat forum with top leadership. I wasn’t the obvious choice on paper, or a formal invitee — which is precisely what made it so meaningful. She used her credibility to insist, “she should be in the room.” Not only did she make sure I was included, but she also had me moderate the session! I gained both a seat at the table and visibility beyond my immediate scope. That thoughtful and generous action expanded my network and led to greater trust in my ability to take on more strategic work.
What I learned from this is that intentional generosity is not just encouragement — it’s advocacy, especially when you’re not present to advocate for yourself. Today, I strive to bring this mindset into my everyday work and to pay it forward in any way I can.
“Trust-based leadership fuels ownership and efficiency.”
Barbara Roth
SSBI Chief Administration Officer, Munich, Germany
Some years ago, I applied for a job that was completely outside of my comfort zone. It required building a new Compliance team just as I was returning from maternity leave, with expanded responsibilities in a new territory while caring for a small baby. What made the difference was the trust and support I received from my manager, who consistently backed me and encouraged bold decision making.
I am a firm believer in trust-based leadership. These days, I enable my team to take ownership of decisions within well‑defined guardrails. In our fast-changing environment, this approach is essential to fostering growth and development while maintaining speed and efficiency.
“When we give intentionally, we shape strong leadership.”
TerryAnn Williams
State Street Alpha® Client Implementation, Berwyn, Pennsylvania
A pivotal moment in my career came when a former manager invested in me, training me in what is now the core area of my leadership role. He shared his expertise in Security Master, patiently answered my questions, and trusted me with a complex client assignment. He and my executive director brought me into an implementation workshop — an environment I didn’t fully understand. My manager modeled confident client engagement, clearly presenting our services, advocating for client needs, and standing firm when challenged. His guidance and support built both my technical expertise and confidence to lead in that space.
Because this manager invested in my growth, I’m empowered to do the same for others — training and mentoring team members along the way. That investment has come full circle. Today, I lead a global team that includes individuals I once trained, who are now uplifting others in turn.
“Bring others into the process, and trust and collaboration will follow.”
Karen Niessink
Chief Administrative Officer,
State Street Investment Management, New York
One moment that stood out for me was when I received feedback from a respected colleague. He encouraged me to slow down and bring others along, rather than working through challenges on my own. I’ve always tended to move quickly — jumping straight to solutions — but not always sharing my thinking along the way.
That feedback has changed how I show up as a leader. By inviting others into my problem‑solving process, I’ve gained more than I expected, including stronger alignment, deeper trust, and richer collaboration. Choosing to create space for others’ perspectives ultimately strengthened both my leadership approach and our collective outcomes.
Advancing progress
Together, these stories remind us that progress is built with intention and shaped by moments of generosity — time spent mentoring, trust extended, doors opened, and support freely given. While these acts may feel small in the moment, their impact reaches far beyond the individual, shaping teams, cultures, and futures.
At State Street, we champion our people’s growth. Across every part of our business, we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone — across race, religion, gender, age, and ability — feels empowered to thrive. This month, and every month, we honor the moments of generosity — and the allies behind them — that help women move forward and strengthen us all.
