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Gail Rosen
Partner
RRBB Advisors, LLC

What leadership traits have served you well? And on the flip side, what have you learned that tends to hold women leaders back?

What has served me best is being decisive and not being afraid to act. Leadership requires evaluating a situation, making a thoughtful decision, and moving forward. I have also learned the importance of delegation. Growth requires letting go. If someone else can competently handle a task, I don’t hold onto it. Advancement is not about doing more, it is about doing the right things and focusing on where you add the most value.

On the flip side, I’ve seen many women hesitate longer than necessary. There’s a tendency to analyze every angle or wait until everything feels perfectly aligned. Preparation is important, but over-deliberation can slow progress. Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from acting.

What valuable career lesson or lessons would you like to share with others?

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Opportunities, compensation, new roles, none of it happens automatically. You have to advocate for yourself.

Also, your reputation is everything. As a CPA, I know it takes years to build credibility and seconds to lose it. Protect your integrity at all costs.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Speak up—especially in rooms where decisions are being made. Your voice matters.

Understand the numbers. Financial literacy is powerful and often drives the most important decisions in any organization.

And don’t chase perfection. You won’t get everything right. Leadership is about accountability, learning quickly, and continuing to move forward.

Mentorship is so important to women in the workforce these days. Do you mentor other women through a specific program? Or did you have a mentor that was inspirational to you?

Mentorship has meant the world to me. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, both men and women, who shaped my confidence and professional growth. Because of that, I make it a priority to mentor others and pay forward what was generously given to me.

What is one quote or phrase you refer to when you need inspiration?

“Love what you do, and you never work at day in your life.”