Kering President Ewa Abrams on Power With Purpose

Who are three women that inspire you?

My mother, who has always embodied the spirit of hard work and compassion. After immigrating to the U.S., she navigated countless barriers—cultural, professional, and personal—to earn her medical license and build a successful career as a neurologist. Her journey is a masterclass in grit, but what makes her truly exceptional is the way she used that hard-earned platform to care for others. Not only was she an exceptional practitioner, but she also managed to make each person feel seen, heard, and valued. She is a model of empathy and integrity, proving that leadership grounded in human connection is powerful and enduring. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who redefined what resilience looks like at the highest levels of influence. She was a trailblazer for gender equality—advocating for both women and men. She understood that true equality requires discourse and dismantling stereotypes for everyone. Through her advocacy and influence, she reimagined a world where people could live, work, and be afforded opportunity free from the constraints of outdated gender roles. 

Melinda French Gates, who has leveraged her platform to drive systemic change in global health, gender equality, and education. Her work is grounded in the conviction that empowering women and girls is the most effective way to create lasting, widespread progress in the world. With a strategic mind and a deep sense of empathy, she brings clarity, focus, and compassion to some of the world’s most urgent challenges, demonstrating that transformational leadership begins with a commitment to service.

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shapedu00a0theu00a0path you’re on today?

One defining moment in my career was making the shift from General Counsel to President-an untraditional move that challenged norms and shifted even my own perspective of executive leadership. I fully embrace the notion that influence and impact is not confined to titles or trajectories-it belongs to those who are willing to lead with vision, courage, and authenticity. I am committed to actively championing non-linear career paths and challenging outdated notions of who belongs.

As we look to the future, what is one key change or innovation you believe is essential for advancing equality and empowerment in your field?

To unlock sustainable performance and advance opportunity in the corporate world, we need to rethink how we recognize and develop talent. The most successful companies will be those that move away from the rigid silos of traditional career ladders and recognize that strong leadership is developed by empowering people through skill-based pathways and apprentice models of development — ones that empower people to migrate between functions, examine and explore different perspectives, and grow through experience.

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

I want my legacy to be one of disruption—for the better. I hope I’m remembered as someone who challenged assumptions, expanded the playing field for others, and used my platform to give back. I’ve built my career on the belief that excellence comes in many forms and that the future belongs to those who are bold enough to reimagine it. If my journey empowers others to lead on their terms, then I’ve done the work that matters most.