Leadership takes many forms, and for Phillip Leighton-Daly, it manifests through the power of storytelling, history, and moral insight. As a distinguished Writer-Historian, Phillip has become a defining voice in the Goulburn local history scene, with 13 acclaimed nonfiction books that preserve heritage and celebrate the human spirit. Beyond his historical works, he is also the author of 11 compelling fiction titles—adventure-driven stories infused with themes of honor, respect, and selflessness.

Through his influential presence on LinkedIn, Phillip continues to advocate for equality, fairness, and moral integrity, inspiring readers and thinkers worldwide. His words not only reflect wisdom drawn from history but also illuminate a path forward for a more just and principled world.

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, true leadership shines brightest when it’s driven by purpose, innovation, and heart. Lee-Anne Kassel, a renowned businesswoman and the visionary force behind Kasselot Evanesse, embodies exactly that. Her brand empowers mothers across the globe through sustainable, stylish, and comfortable nursing attire designed to make motherhood both beautiful and empowering.

Inspired by her father and guided by an unshakable entrepreneurial spirit, Lee-Anne has transformed a simple idea into a globally recognized brand—earning prestigious awards, patents, and international acclaim along the way. Her journey is more than just a story of building a successful business; it’s a powerful narrative of courage, leadership, and creating meaningful change for mothers worldwide.

This edition celebrates Lee-Anne Kassel as one of The Most Inspiring Women Leaders of the Year 2025—a woman whose vision is redefining empowerment, one mother at a time.

Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is not only the right thing to do—it’s essential for sustainable development. While progress has been made over the decades, the world remains off track to achieve gender equality by 2030. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and half of its potential, yet gender inequality persists, hindering social progress. Barriers such as sexual violence, unequal domestic responsibilities, and limited representation in leadership continue to challenge meaningful change. Even today, women hold only 30% of managerial positions globally and dedicate two and a half times more hours to unpaid care work than men.

In this climate of ongoing struggle and rising voices for equality, Kristin Bone stands out as a force for empowerment and change. An award-winning actress, producer, and RN supervisor, Kristin seamlessly bridges the worlds of film, entertainment, and healthcare. Through Cinnemaddict Films and Gaimchng3r Entertainment, she champions projects that shine a light on critical social issues affecting people of all ages. One of the most anticipated among them, Pony, is a powerful movie centered on women’s empowerment—set to inspire audiences and spark meaningful dialogue.