Women in Leadership: A Candid Conversation with Amber Foucault, Global VP of Product Applications

As the global leadership landscape continues to evolve, women are not just participating — they’re leading transformation. From boardrooms to innovation hubs, the presence of women in executive roles has become a powerful catalyst for change, driving smarter decisions, richer collaboration, and more inclusive progress.

Amber Foucault, Global Vice President of Product Applications, exemplifies this shift. Her journey is a testament to resilience, clarity of purpose, and the belief that gender should never define potential. With a strong voice, sharp strategic insight, and unwavering determination, Amber challenges long-standing stereotypes and opens the door wider for the next generation of female leaders.

Join us as she shares her perspective on navigating the C-suite, the evolving role of women in tech, and what it truly takes to lead with impact in today’s world.

To begin with, would you like to share some details about your role as Global Vice President, Product Applications at Dayforce?

Foucault: Dayforce is a global, cloud-based HCM company, and I lead our Product Applications organization. That means I oversee the teams responsible for our core products—Talent, Time, Pay, Benefits, Wallet, HR, Tax & Payments, and our Public Sector solutions. My role is all about delivering meaningful value to our customers while driving innovation at scale, especially through the thoughtful use of AI. It’s equal parts strategy, execution, and staying deeply connected to the people we serve.

What are some of the leadership skills that helped you move up the ladder?

Foucault: Empathy is foundational in product leadership—and a great sense of humour helps you not take yourself too seriously. But if I had to name one thing that’s defined my path, it’s grit. I’m gritty as hell. That resilience—showing up even when it’s hard, staying the course, and being relentless in pursuit of the right outcome—has been my secret weapon.

What does it mean to be a woman leader in today’s world?

Foucault: To lead as a woman today, you need a toolkit: confidence in yourself, allies who lift you up, and a thick skin. Imposter syndrome is real, and your confidence may be misunderstood. That’s why surrounding yourself with strong women—colleagues, friends, mentors—is essential. These are the people who remind you of your worth, challenge you to stay true to your values, and occasionally show up with a martini when needed.

Could you name a woman leader who’s inspired you the most?

Foucault: I’m lucky to be surrounded by brilliant, driven women—my friends and colleagues inspire me daily. Publicly, I’ve always admired Jacinda Ardern. Her leadership style as Prime Minister of New Zealand proved that kindness can be a growth strategy. The world needs more of that.

Have you faced gender bias in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Foucault: Absolutely—more times than I can count. Early in my career, I tried to fit into the mold of what leadership looked like in male-dominated rooms. But that only distanced me from who I really was. With time, I rooted myself in my values, my voice, and my worth. That became my compass. When you know what you stand for, you also know what you won’t stand for. I no longer waste time in rooms that can’t see past my gender.

How have you built confidence and resilience throughout your career?

Foucault: Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes through intentional practice. Careers aren’t linear—your identity and confidence evolve with each season. The key is giving yourself grace and space to rebuild when needed. Resilience isn’t a destination—it’s a toolkit you develop to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

What’s a leadership lesson that’s unique to being a female leader?

Foucault: Kindness is not weakness. It never was. Being human, compassionate, and principled doesn’t make you less effective—it makes you more trusted. If someone believes they need to lead through aggression or intimidation, they’ve chosen the shortcut of fear. That’s not leadership. That’s survival mode. And we’re here to build, not just survive.

What advice would you give to young women joining the workforce today?

Foucault: Find your people—your support system matters. And build confidence in yourself outside of work. Whether it’s lifting weights, painting, or playing pickleball, do something that reminds you of your own strength. That clarity will help you spot toxic environments faster and stay grounded in who you are. Your biggest asset is knowing yourself.

Explore more of the Women leadership series.