Nov 19 '24 by Rose Kaz

Too often the conversation revolves around shiny new tech, buzzwords that seem to vanish as quickly as they appear, and the superficial promises of progress. But for Women in Business, true innovation isn’t about creating the flashiest tools or chasing the latest trends. It’s about building systems that work for everyone—centering equity as a core principle, not a footnote.

As a vintage millennial, pretty queer, and mostly Jewish, Woman in business, I’ve seen how equity-driven innovation can change lives when it’s done right—and how it flounders when it’s sidelined. My experience working with thought leaders, activists, and women in business has shown me that real progress doesn’t happen by tweaking broken systems. It happens when we reimagine the foundations altogether.

Innovation That Centers People, Not Just Profits

At the heart of any meaningful business is the community it serves. Women business leaders, especially those committed to building Business 4 Good, understand that our work must prioritize people and equity above all else. We’re not just here to make money—we’re here to create opportunities, uplift communities, and spark generational wealth. And that not only makes sense, it makes dollars and for that matter, generational wealth more of a reality for more humans.

True innovation happens when we take a long, hard look at who has been left behind and build solutions that bring everyone to the table. It’s not enough to slap the word “equity” on a project and call it a day. Equity is about ensuring that all voices—not just the loudest or most privileged—have a role in shaping the future.

This is why women leaders are often at the forefront of building Business 4 Good. We know what it means to navigate systems that weren’t built for us. We’ve learned to create pathways where none existed. And when we bring our diverse perspectives into leadership, we redefine what success looks like for everyone.

A Local Lesson in What Not to Do

The Portland Metro Innovation Hub could have been an example of equity-centered innovation. Funded through Business Oregon’s 10-year innovation plan, the Hub was designed to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in the Portland metro region. Its mission was to foster collaboration, elevate marginalized voices, and drive economic growth through entrepreneurship.

Instead, it has become a case study in how not to lead. Within its first month, the Hub’s Supervising Director fired this pretty queer, mostly Jewish, woman entrepreneur who was unanimously chosen by a committee of 12 regional leaders to serve as its first Executive Director. The firing wasn’t based on performance; it was an abrupt, unilateral decision that erased the thoughtful work of the hiring committee and undermined the Hub’s equity-driven mission.

This failure highlights a critical point: when equity is treated as a talking point or a box to simply check rather than a highly valued and guiding principle, even the most well-funded initiatives will fail. Without strong, inclusive leadership, the Hub’s lofty goals are unlikely to materialize.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one failed project. It’s a symptom of a larger problem—a reluctance to let go of outdated systems and invest in the transformative potential of equity-centered leadership.

How Women in Business Lead Differently

Women in Business are uniquely positioned to drive real change. Our approach to leadership often centers on collaboration, inclusivity, and long-term impact. We understand that sustainable success isn’t just about bottom lines—it’s about building systems that serve entire communities.

Here’s what makes equity-driven leadership so effective:

Culturally Relevant Programming: Women leaders prioritize solutions that reflect the lived experiences of the people they serve. This ensures that initiatives are not just impactful but deeply resonant.

Community Empowerment: By centering community needs, we create opportunities for marginalized groups to thrive. This is the essence of Business 4 Good.

Strategic Collaboration: Women excel at fostering partnerships that break down silos and amplify collective impact.

Generational Wealth Building: Our work often focuses on creating opportunities that extend beyond the present, ensuring lasting benefits for future generations.

When women lead with equity at the core, we’re not just improving individual businesses—we’re transforming entire ecosystems.

Why Equity in Business Is Political

 It’s impossible to talk about equity in business without acknowledging its political implications. The systems we work within—whether they’re corporate structures, funding models, or public policy—are deeply entrenched in power dynamics. Changing those systems requires courage, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

As women business leaders, our very existence in these spaces is political. Every time we advocate for inclusive practices, challenge inequitable norms, or build businesses that prioritize people over profit, we’re reshaping the narrative of what leadership looks like.

But let’s not stop there. Equity-driven innovation is about more than representation—it’s about reimagining the systems themselves. This is why Business for Good matters so much: it’s not just about what we build, but how and for whom we build it.

A Call to Action for Women in Business

For those of us committed to equity, the out of the gate failures to preserve the core equity focused mission of projects like the Portland Metro Innovation Hub are both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry. They remind us that if we want real change, we can’t rely on the same outdated frameworks that got us here.

Instead, we need to lead with intention and integrity. We need to prioritize equity not just in words but in action. And we need to hold ourselves—and the systems we work within—accountable for creating meaningful impact.

Women in Business have always been more than just a variation of leadership. We have been disruptors, innovators, and builders of community. By centering equity in everything we do, we have the power to redefine what success looks like—not just for ourselves, but for everyone.

So let’s keep building. Let’s keep leading. And let’s keep proving that equity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of a better, more inclusive future.

And if you are ready to build Business 4 Good in new and inspired ways that work for everyone—centering equity as a core principle, not a footnote- hit me up. I just dropped my newest offering and I’d love to build better business, together.

Love,

Rose

Business Woman & Business 4 Good Founder