In our latest Global Women in Leadership webinar, we had the privilege of learning from Solange Baptiste, Executive Director of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC). A passionate advocate for health and social justice, Solange leads a global activist network working through communities most affected by HIV, TB, and other health challenges to drive change from the ground up.
From Trinidad and Tobago to Alabama, Boston to Johannesburg, Solange’s journey has shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in curiosity, humility and deep respect for others’ lived experiences. In conversation with Tiffany Green, she challenged us to go beyond surface-level solutions, listen for the “thing behind the thing,” and show up authentically, even when spaces feel closed or intimidating.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
1. Curiosity Over Assumption – Solange urges leaders to enter spaces with an open mind and a genuine desire to understand context before offering solutions. Asking “why” multiple times can uncover root causes and reveal systemic barriers that data alone cannot address.
2. Listening for Understanding – True listening means holding back the urge to jump in with your own perspective and instead hearing what is behind someone’s words, including intention, emotion and unspoken needs.
3. Bravery Comes in Many Forms – Being brave might mean challenging a dominant narrative in a high-level meeting, giving difficult feedback to a team member, or speaking openly about personal struggles. Courage looks different depending on the day and the context.
4. Authenticity and Vulnerability are Non-Negotiable – You cannot fake being real. Solange shared how bringing her whole self, even through grief, built trust and strengthened her leadership. People know when you are genuinely showing up.
5. Agency Starts with Identity – Before you can claim space, you need to be comfortable in your own skin. Self-agency grows from knowing who you are, silencing the inner critic and stepping forward without waiting for permission. As Solange reminded us: “Light doesn’t need permission to enter the darkness.”
6. Build Community to Bridge Divides – In a polarized global landscape, lasting change comes from elevating community expertise. Those most affected by decisions should be central in shaping them, not as token voices, but as partners and leaders.
Solange left us with a powerful challenge: “Don’t fight mosquitoes with a hammer. Understand the real problem, then use the right tools to dismantle it.” Whether at the individual, team, or global level, treating people right means meeting them where they are, seeing their humanity, and working alongside them for change.
If this session resonated with you, we invite you to watch the full conversation by visiting our website https://emergentconsulting.co and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming Global Women in Leadership webinars at Info@emergentconsulting.co
A heartfelt thank you to Solange for her courage, candor and clarity and to everyone who joined us live. We will see you at the next session.