Success in a Male-Dominated Industry: Prominent Businesswomen Share TheirTales

In industries where women often face significant obstacles, stories of success are not only inspiring but vital. In this article, 11 accomplished women share their personal journeys of breaking through the barriers of a male-dominated environment. From securing key media partnerships to battling self-doubt, these women reveal the resilience and determination required to achieve success. Discover how they achieved success in a male-dominated industry and learn how they transformed adversity into triumph.

Secured Partnerships Despite Skepticism

In the early days of launching my local moving company, I attended a pivotal meeting with a group of potential vendors. The room was filled with seasoned men who had decades of experience in the industry, and their skepticism was obvious. One man bluntly asked, “What does a woman know about moving trucks and heavy lifting?” I did not flinch. Instead, I calmly laid out my vision: streamlining operations, using digital tools to improve logistics, and introducing a much-needed customer-first approach. By the end of the meeting, I had secured partnerships that helped our company complete over 200 successful moves in our first year.

As the business grew, I faced resistance again when we expanded into a nationwide moving and storage marketplace. Larger players dismissed my pitch, assuming I could not understand the complexity of scaling such an operation. I used their doubt to my advantage. By leveraging technology and working with underutilized small moving companies, many run by minorities and families, I built a network focused on transparency and efficiency. This strategy led to 35 percent faster delivery times and a 20 percent increase in customer retention during our first year of national operations.

The real breakthrough came when we launched our marketplace’s digital platform. Industry peers, mostly men, underestimated the impact of simplifying booking and providing real-time tracking for customers. The platform quickly gained traction, onboarding over 100 moving companies nationwide within six months. Seeing those same skeptics approach me at conferences, now asking for advice, was a moment of validation. It was not just about proving I belonged. It was about showing how innovation and determination could reshape an industry, no matter who was leading the charge.

Margarita Hakobyan, CEO and Founder of Movers Corp, MoversCorp

Led Fitness Training, Earned Respect

As an Asian American woman serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, I faced stereotypes that I wasn’t strong enough or capable of leading. One moment that stands out was during officer summer training. My leadership worried I might fail, and I could hear people snickering when I volunteered to be our fitness leader. In 105-degree heat, I led the team through a tough workout, including diamond push-ups and sprints.

Not only did I earn their respect, but I was promoted to head fitness leader for all 400 trainees. I ended up winning the fitness award and was named the overall distinguished graduate for leadership. That experience proved to me—and to others—that stereotypes don’t define us. Women can lead just as well in body, mind, and decision-making.

Analiza Quiroz Wolf, Executive Coach, CEO, Women of Color Rise

Created Opportunities in Photography Training

Ten years ago, I made the decision to break into the world of photography training—a space where big brands and major events had traditionally aligned with male trainers. I noticed the lack of opportunities for women in these spaces and decided not to wait for permission or an invitation. Instead, I created my own opportunities.

I designed my own training programs from scratch, focusing on what I knew photographers needed: practical skills, actionable advice, and an empowering approach. I hosted workshops, created resources, and put my name out there with a clear message—I was here to train in a new way.

One standout moment came when I held my first sold-out training session. Seeing the room full of eager learners, many of whom appreciated having a female voice and perspective in the industry, solidified my belief that women could not only thrive but lead in this field. That moment wasn’t just about personal success—it was about proving that the space for women in photography training wasn’t limited; it was just waiting to be claimed.

Nina Mace, Photographer, Trainer & Mentor, Nina Mace Photography

Launched AI B2B SaaS Company

I founded and launched an AI B2B SaaS company—probably still one of the most male dominated industries out there. Developing and launching a complex AI-driven solution wasn’t hard, but it also wasn’t easy, and while some initially doubted my capability, I used that skepticism as motivation to excel.

Making this happen wasn’t just about launching an AI business; it was about demonstrating that expertise and determination transcend gender stereotypes. My advice to other women entering male-dominated fields is to focus on building credibility through results, advocating for yourself, and creating opportunities for others to succeed alongside you. Each step forward makes the path easier for those who follow.

Inge von Aulock, COO, Penfriend

Efficiently Managed Construction Projects

I am a woman in manufacturing and construction. We have made over 1000 preserved moss green walls and shipped them all over the US and Canada. We do large scale commercial applications of the material and have to work on a lot of construction sites—including projects for Hilton, Amazon, Starbucks, Stella Artois, Johnson & Johnson, Office Depot and more. 

Working in construction, I’ve learned to navigate project management and problem solving. More than one time, I’ve been told that our installation was the smoothest part of the project. Why? We do a ton of work beforehand to prepare, stay on top of the client to make sure that we meet their timelines (and if there are any changes to the site dimensions), and are incredibly efficient once we are onsite. 

For example, we did a 450 sq ft moss wall installation on glass in less than 6 hours. We take the approach that we should be proactive so that there are minimal mistakes. The client should never chase us, as is the case with many subcontractors. We also provide prompt information so that they get what they need and can rely on us if they need any documentation or support. It’s a different way of doing business than many of our competition and also the construction world at large.

Lindsay Scherr Burgess, CEO & Moss Boss, Green Wallscapes

Led Major Appraisal Project, Earned Respect

The heavy equipment and industrial appraisal industry is a field where you don’t see a lot of women. But there was one moment in particular that reminded me why breaking into this industry has been so worthwhile.

In 2018, I was called in to lead a major appraisal project for a large construction company. I knew going in that I’d be facing a room of highly experienced people who, to be honest, were a bit skeptical about working with a woman in this role. There were a lot of questions in that first meeting, and I could tell they weren’t fully convinced. But I decided to turn that around by doing what I knew best: being incredibly thorough, prepared, and showing that I had a deep understanding of their equipment and industry needs.

As we worked through the project, I noticed a shift. My team and I delivered accurate, reliable valuations that saved their company significant money and helped them streamline their operations. One of the senior managers actually pulled me aside at the end of the project and said, “You’ve changed how I look at this industry.” That was a big moment for me. Completing the project was important, but earning respect and challenging long-standing assumptions was an even bigger accomplishment.

This experience showed me that sometimes it takes stepping into an uncomfortable space to open doors for others. Every time I see another woman joining our industry, I feel a sense of pride. Breaking down those barriers has allowed me to build stronger client relationships, gain respect from colleagues, and hopefully inspire other women to take on leadership roles in fields where we’re still the minority.

Tracie Crites, Chief Marketing Officer, HEAVY Equipment Appraisal

Promoted to Leadership Role at Novell

My journey to breaking barriers began when I was hired as the first female field systems technician/engineer for Novell. In the 1990s, the tech field was overwhelmingly male, and I had to prove myself in a world where women were rare in technical roles. As the first woman in this position, I faced the challenge of not only mastering complex systems but also earning the respect of my peers in a male-dominated industry.

Things took a significant turn when I was promoted above my boss and team and into my first leadership role at Novell, as Area Education Manager. This was a groundbreaking achievement, but it came with its own set of challenges. I was placed in a leadership position with no training, no mentorship, and no support. To make matters worse, I personally had to inform my boss and colleagues of the promotion—challenging to say the least! The dynamics were tough, and I felt the weight of the responsibility without the tools to manage it effectively. Despite these obstacles, this promotion unlocked my love of leadership! Not the title. The role. The opportunity and responsibility to unlock potential in myself and in others and harness both to align and accomplish great things.  

The leadership I discovered was not about exerting control or authority, but about harnessing the collective power of the team. It was about guiding others with influence, fostering resilience, and empowering everyone to step into their full potential. This experience taught me that leadership is truly about unlocking potential—especially when faced with adversity. It’s about inspiring others to rise, align, and achieve shared goals, no matter how challenging the path. This defining moment and subsequent journey didn’t just shape my understanding of leadership, it became the foundation of my business and my purpose. It’s the reason I help others unlock their potential and that of their teams, breaking barriers and building alignment along the way.

Cheryle Hays, Founder & CEO, InPower Strategists

Overcame Self-Doubt, Advanced Career

Early in my career, I worked at MCI Telecommunications in Network Operations. I served in a junior role, and the entire organization was male. I had a fabulous mentor, Richard K Price, the director. Dick invited me to a quarterly off-site leadership meeting in Lake Geneva, Illinois. I was excited but intimidated and sat at the back of the room. After hearing the dialogue, I immediately realized I had valuable insights to offer. The barrier wasn’t external—it was my own “imposter syndrome.” Once I pushed past that self-doubt, my career shot forward.

Dee DeRidder, Career Strategist and Career Coach, MissFit Coaching

Owned the Seat at the Table

My father always taught me and my five sisters to own the seat at the table, so when I walked into a large conference room of a leading retail company, as a technology consultant in my mid-twenties, and took the seat at one end of the long table, the roomful of men in suits took notice. The CEO, sitting opposite of me, then asked to see my hands that were resting in my lap. I knew exactly what he was looking for, so I raised my calm and steady hands, and he quickly dismissed his anticipated taunt and we got down to business. That was a major win for me that day that led to many other wins with that company as we move forward. As my father would coach me, believe you belong and others will believe it too.

Bernadette Boas, Executive Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, Ball of Fire Coaching

Secured Media Partnership, Proved Expertise

One particular moment that stands out was when I secured a significant media partnership with a leading industry publication despite initially facing skepticism because of the predominantly male leadership team. I had been pitching my agency’s expertise and unique approach to their editorial team, but it was clear they weren’t initially convinced. However, after a series of data-driven proposals and showcasing the results from other high-profile campaigns I’d led, I was able to demonstrate the value we could bring. Securing that partnership gave our brand a significant boost and sent a powerful message that women can lead in industries where they are often underrepresented. It reinforced my belief that barriers can be broken with persistence, expertise, and the right strategic approach.

Kristin Marquet, Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media

Sold First Company, Raised Series A Funding

One moment that exemplifies breaking barriers came during my time as a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, where I successfully sold my first company to a publicly traded company. It was a pivotal achievement not just because of the financial success, but because it marked my arrival in a space where women are often underrepresented at the negotiation table.

The momentum didn’t stop there. Later, I raised a Series A round for my second company—an even bigger milestone in an industry where venture capital funding for women-led businesses is notoriously scarce. Ultimately, I sold that company as well, solidifying my journey as a woman breaking barriers in tech.

Silvia Curioni, Founder, ZIPPERLY