Rosalind Brewer’s rise to the top of corporate America is not only impressive, but it also teaches us something. Brewer’s story is a reference to resilience, vision, and the power of real leadership.

She is one of the few Black women to lead Fortune 500 companies. Her journey teaches young leaders a lot about how to make their own way in a world that is changing quickly.

1. Accept Resilience in the Face of Hardship

Brewer has had to overcome many obstacles in his career, both seen and unseen. She was often the only person in the room at Kimberly-Clark, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, where she worked her way up to executive positions. Instead of giving up, she used these problems as motivation.

Young leaders can learn from her by seeing problems as chances to grow personally and professionally and developing a mindset that sees failures as chances to succeed in the future.

2. Support Diversity and Inclusion

Brewer has always spoken out for diversity and inclusion in her work. She pushed for fairer hiring practices at Starbucks and started conversations about race and gender. She kept making history for women and people of color at Walgreens.

People who want to be leaders should understand how important it is to have diverse teams. This is not only for representation, but also for coming up with new ideas and making better decisions. Brewer’s story shows that promoting diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for business.

3. Be a Real Leader

One thing that makes Brewer stand out is how real she is. Instead of following the rules of traditional businesses, she brings her whole self to work and uses her experiences to shape her leadership style. This honesty builds trust and motivates teams.

Young leaders should know that being real isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. When you lead with honesty, empathy, and openness, you build stronger relationships and a better work environment.

4. Commit to Continuous Learning

Brewer is different because she is willing to learn and change. She has talked openly about how important it is to be curious and learn new things, even if it means going outside of your territory. For instance, Brewer’s big jump from retail to healthcare at Walgreens showed how adaptable she is. Young leaders should see learning as a journey that never ends, and they should always be open to new ideas, skills, and fields.

5. Teach and Empower Others

Brewer loves being a mentor and often thanks her own mentors for helping her move up in her career. She gives back by helping the next generation of leaders grow, especially women and people of color. Young leaders can learn from her by looking for mentors and then becoming mentors themselves as they grow. One of the most important things about being a good leader is giving others power.

6. Make a Difference Beyond the bottom Line

It’s clear that Brewer knows how to run a business, but her leadership goes beyond making money. She wants to make a difference in communities, whether it’s through corporate social responsibility projects or promoting health equity at Walgreens. Modern leadership is about making a difference, not just getting good financial results.

Rosalind Brewer’s story is more than just an inspiring biography; it’s a guide for how to be a good leader. Young leaders can learn from her strength, honesty, and dedication to diversity and mentorship how to deal with the complicated business world of today. The next generation of leaders can learn from her journey and do things that have never been done before to make a real difference in their careers and the world.