How to Raise Resilient Female Leaders Like Catherine MacGregor

So, you want to raise the next Catherine MacGregor? You know, the powerhouse CEO of Engie who’s leading the charge toward a greener future while casually smashing glass ceilings? Good news: You can totally do it! Bad news: It’s going to take more than just yelling, “You can do anything!” at your daughter while she’s playing Roblox. Don’t worry, though. This guide is here to sprinkle a little fun (and a lot of practicality) into the mix. Let’s turn your little star into a blazing comet of resilience and leadership!

Step 1: The “Failure Is Fabulous” Mindset

MacGregor didn’t become a trailblazing leader by succeeding at everything. Nope, she probably tripped, failed, and then turned those flops into stepping stones.

• What you can do: Encourage your kid to take risks and embrace failure.
• How to do it: Next time your daughter burns the brownies or forgets her lines at the school play, don’t sigh. Instead, say, “Ah, a new chapter in your future TED Talk!”
• Pro Tip: Share some stories of epic fails from your own life (yes, even that embarrassing karaoke night). Show her that every leader starts with a cringe-worthy moment.

Step 2: Build the Confidence Muscle

Catherine MacGregor likely didn’t sit in meetings second-guessing herself. Why? Because confidence is a learned skill, not a magic potion.

• What you can do: Let her take charge of small things.
• How to do it: Assign her a mini family project, like planning Saturday movie night. She’ll learn decision-making, budgeting (those snacks add up!), and handling criticism when someone complains about her movie choice.
• Pro Tip: Give her room to shine in her own way. Not everyone’s born to be a Type-A go-getter. Even quiet confidence is powerful!

Step 3: Teach Them the Power of “No”

Leaders like MacGregor know when to say “no” to energy-sucking tasks (pun intended) and focus on what matters.

• What you can do: Teach your future boss that “no” isn’t a bad word, it’s a superpower.
• How to do it: When she’s overwhelmed with school projects, soccer practice, and babysitting her little brother, let her drop a task. (Yes, even if it’s babysitting. Sorry.)
• Pro Tip: Model it yourself. Next time your neighbor asks you to dog-sit for the fourth time this month, gracefully decline. Actions speak louder than lectures!

Step 4: Fuel the Curiosity Rocket

Catherine MacGregor’s journey to becoming Engie’s CEO wasn’t just about energy grids, it was fueled by curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.

• What you can do: Encourage her to explore and ask questions.
• How to do it: Create a “Why Not?” jar. Every week, she has to write down one crazy idea, like, “Why not invent shoes that grow with my feet?” Then discuss how to make it happen.
• Pro Tip: Give her books or documentaries about other women who’ve changed the game. Start with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, and of course, Catherine MacGregor herself.

Step 5: Introduce Her to the Power of Networking

Successful leaders don’t do it alone, and MacGregor surely didn’t climb to the top without a tribe of supporters.

• What you can do: Teach her the art of networking.
• How to do it: Start small. Encourage her to talk to a new person at school or join a club. Then, level up with family introductions, “Meet Aunt Karen, the queen of DIY hacks and budgeting wizardry.”
• Pro Tip: Host a mini networking night at home. Invite a mix of family friends and ask everyone to share their career stories. Bonus points for snacks!

Step 6: Resilience = Rest + Hustle

You can’t raise a resilient leader if your kid is running on empty. Even MacGregor doesn’t power through life like an overcaffeinated Energizer bunny.

• What you can do: Teach her to balance work and play.
• How to do it: Insist on screen-free Sunday mornings (cue the groans) for family hikes, board games, or just chilling with a book.
• Pro Tip: Celebrate downtime as much as achievements. Nap queens can also be CEOs!

Step 7: Put Her in the Driver’s Seat, Literally

Catherine MacGregor didn’t wait for someone to hand her the wheel; she grabbed it and drove to success.

• What you can do: Let her lead real-life projects.
• How to do it: Whether it’s organizing a fundraiser, building a science fair volcano, or starting a small business selling homemade slime, let her call the shots.
• Pro Tip: Be her cheerleader, not her backseat driver. Trust the process (and her messy learning curve).

Step 8: Laugh Through the Chaos

Let’s face it: Raising a future leader can be messy, stressful, and downright hilarious. Embrace it!

• What you can do: Make humor a daily habit.
• How to do it: Share jokes, laugh at mistakes, and turn everyday dramas into sitcom-worthy stories.
• Pro Tip: Show her that even serious leaders have fun. MacGregor didn’t get where she is by being boring.

The Bottom Line

Resilient female leaders like Catherine MacGregor aren’t born, they’re built, one awkward, messy, fabulous moment at a time. With a little encouragement, a lot of laughter, and some solid strategies, you can help your daughter (or yourself) climb the ladder to leadership. Who knows? The next boardroom star might just be sitting at your dinner table, sneakily feeding broccoli to the dog.

Go ahead, start today. The future is female, and fabulous!