From atoms to organizations: A new way to think about leadership

In physics, there is a counterintuitive truth: when an atom gives away energy, it becomes more stable and returns to a balanced state of equilibrium.

That released energy doesn't disappear - it's transformed. Emitted as radiation, it goes on to do useful work elsewhere: illuminating our communities, transmitting information, or activating complex biological and chemical processes. What looks like loss is actually optimization. The overall system becomes stronger because energy moves to where it is needed.

This scientific principle also applies to people - and to leadership.

When energy is hoarded, progress slows

We often think of giving and volunteering as personal sacrifice or moral obligation. But strong systems, whether physical or social, don't thrive on depletion. They thrive on moving energy with purpose. Progress doesn't happen when energy, knowledge, or opportunity is hoarded. It happens when those things flow.

This is how I interpret the "Give to Gain" theme for International Women's Day this year.

When leaders mentor, sponsor, or advocate, they aren't giving something away - they're converting their energy into progress elsewhere in the organization. And it's not just individuals who benefit. Teams and organizations become more resilient, more connected, and more sustainable. Shared momentum builds. New opportunities and innovation emerge. The overall cost of success is lowered for everyone.

When energy isn't allowed to move, it accumulates in the wrong places - showing up as decision bottlenecks, delayed growth, or untapped talent.

Why this matters for women in technology

For women in technology, this energy dynamic is often visible. Many women build non-linear careers shaped by lateral moves, pauses, reinvention, or crossing disciplines. These unconventional paths create breadth, adaptability, and depth. Supportive leaders recognize the value of this lived experience and intentionally remove friction from the ecosystem, allowing energy to flow to where it can do the most good.

Letting go increases coherence

International Women's Day offers a moment to reflect on this - not as a campaign, but as a question of everyday leadership. Where do I have surplus energy, insight, or influence? Who can I mentor, sponsor, or advocate for?  Whose growth depends on access I can extend? What knowledge could I share to power progress?

There's another principle in atomic physics called binding. After an atom loses an electron, the remaining electrons are held more tightly by the nucleus. Paradoxically, letting go increases coherence. In my experience, the same is true in workplaces. When leaders let go of unused authority, isolated effort, or excess individualism, what remains often becomes more focused and more meaningful.

That's not loss.
That's equilibrium.