The Unlikely Roots of Leadership: A Tale of Humble Beginnings

The notion that successful leaders are born, not made, is a myth perpetuated by those who’ve forgotten their own humble origins. Fortune’s 2026 Most Powerful Women list shines a light on the first jobs and experiences that shaped the careers of these high-achievers.

Jane Fraser, chair and CEO of Citigroup, began her career as a mergers and acquisitions analyst at Goldman Sachs but soon found herself feeling suffocated by its monotony. Her decision to leave and pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School was a turning point in her career. In a 2023 speech, she recalled, “I was young when I started, and I was the boring girl from Scotland.” This candid acknowledgment of her early insecurities humanizes Fraser, reminding us that even the most powerful women have had to navigate their own self-doubt.

Mary Barra’s story is similarly instructive. As a teenager, she worked at her local grocery store, an experience she credits with teaching her “commitment to work.” Her subsequent co-op stint on the assembly line at GM’s Pontiac Motor Division gave her a deep understanding of the inner workings of a major corporation. Barra’s eventual rise to CEO status is all the more remarkable given that she never had a traditional route mapped out for herself.

Lisa Su, chair and CEO of AMD, defies conventional wisdom with her unconventional background. As an immigrant from Taiwan, Su spent her early years fascinated by technology, which led her to MIT and later to stints at Texas Instruments and IBM. Her first job was as a technical staff member at Texas Instruments, but it’s her subsequent roles that demonstrate her willingness to adapt and take risks.

Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, began working at age 14 as a reservationist at a dinner theater in California. Her early start was driven by necessity – her parents were struggling financially – but it also gave her a valuable work ethic and a taste for the corporate world. Sweet’s subsequent rise through the ranks is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and hard work.

Ana Botín, executive chair of Santander, took a more traditional route, studying economics at Bryn Mawr College and starting her career at J.P. Morgan in 1981. However, it was her experience working for Santander Group that gave her the foundation she needed to take on the reins of one of Europe’s largest banks by total assets.

Grace Wang, chairwoman and CEO of Luxshare, is an outlier among this group – she never graduated from college but began working in manufacturing as a teenager. Her first job was at Foxconn, where she joined one of the first cohorts of employees when it opened its factory in Shenzhen in 1988. Wang’s decision to cofound Luxshare with her brother in 2004 was a bold move that has paid off handsomely – the company is now a leading maker of Apple products.

Mitsuko Tottori, president and group CEO of JAL Group, took an equally unconventional path. Beginning as a flight attendant in her early twenties, Tottori spent decades rising through the ranks, serving in leadership roles including senior cabin attendants director in 2015. Her journey is a testament to the value of experience and hard work.

These women’s stories serve as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Their journeys are marked by setbacks, twists, and turns – but also by a shared willingness to adapt, take risks, and seize opportunities when they arose. As we reflect on their paths to the top, we’re reminded that leadership is not solely about achievement, but also about character.

The Power of Humble Beginnings

Their experiences on factory floors, in grocery stores, or as flight attendants may seem far removed from the boardrooms and corner offices they now inhabit. However, it’s precisely this foundation that has given them the work ethic, resilience, and adaptability to navigate the complexities of modern business.

A Lesson for Future Generations

Their stories offer valuable lessons for future generations. Success is not solely about innate talent or privilege – but also about hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. Leadership is not solely about achievement, but also about character.

The Enduring Value of Experience

Experience has given these women a depth of understanding and empathy that would be hard to replicate through traditional training programs. Their early experiences have prepared them for the challenges they face today.

What This Means for Business

Their stories remind us that leadership is not solely about achieving results – but also about building relationships, fostering collaboration, and empowering teams. Success is not solely about individual achievement – but also about creating a culture of innovation, adaptability, and resilience.

In the end, these women’s journeys demonstrate that leadership is forged in the crucible of experience, hard work, and determination. They are testaments to the power of humble beginnings and the enduring value of character.