Leading on Your Terms

A Leadership Guide for Women in STEM

By: Dr Shara Cohen

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This practical and empowering guide is written for women in science who want to lead with clarity, influence, and confidence, without having to imitate outdated leadership models. Whether you are early in your career, managing a research team, or navigating complex institutional systems, Leading on Your Terms gives you the tools to lead authentically and sustainably.

Structured around ten in-depth chapters, this book goes beyond generic leadership advice. It addresses the real-world challenges women face in STEM environments, from bias and overwork to visibility and self-doubt. With actionable strategies, reflection exercises, and downloadable templates, it shows you how to:

• Build authority without imitation

• Communicate with clarity and impact

• Lead projects and teams, even without a formal title

• Navigate bias without losing momentum

• Set sustainable boundaries and advocate for your needs

• Plan a career aligned with your values and leadership vision

• Mentor others and create lasting impact in your field

This is not a book about becoming someone else. It is a guide to becoming more intentional about who you already are—strategic, thoughtful, and ready to lead on your own terms.

Each chapter includes a reflection exercise and practical advice drawn from the lived experiences of women in STEM, combined with evidence-based insights and leadership tools. All proceeds from the book support the Women in STEM Network’s global mission to foster equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Whether you are the only woman in the room, building your credibility in a new role, or preparing to mentor the next generation, this book is for you. You do not need to be louder to lead. You only need to be clearer.

Your leadership. Your terms.