Even almost 10 years after Hamilton first graced the Broadway stage, I’m still completely obsessed with it. The show’s powerful storytelling, electrifying music, and complex characters continue to captivate me every time I listen, even after all these years. And while there are so many lines that give me chills, one that stands out the most is, “The world is wide enough.” As a woman in the business world, trying to carve out my space in a competitive environment, that line resonates deeply. In a world where it often feels like we’re all battling to climb the ladder, it’s easy to think that success can only come at the expense of others. But Miranda’s words remind me that there’s room for all of us to succeed—especially when we can find comradery and empower each other along the way.  It’s a message that still hits just as powerfully as it did when Hamilton first debuted—and honestly, if I had taken that advice earlier, I might’ve spent less time stressing and more time enjoying the ride (and maybe even taking a few less “Burr-like” detours along the way).

Setting the scene – literally

In Hamilton, the line “the world is wide enough” comes during the song “The World Was Wide Enough”, which is sung by Aaron Burr in the final act of the musical. This moment takes place after the infamous duel between Burr and Alexander Hamilton, where Burr fatally shoots Hamilton. As Burr reflects on his actions, he grapples with the consequences of his decisions. The line “the world is wide enough” occurs as Burr realizes, too late, that his obsession with rivalry and desire for personal success led him down a destructive path. He comes to the painful realization that there was room for both him and Hamilton to succeed, that the world was wide enough for their differing ambitions. This moment serves as Burr’s moment of regret, where he understands the futility of his competition with Hamilton, acknowledging that his own bitterness and inability to compromise cost him not only Hamilton’s life but his own peace of mind. It’s a powerful moment of reflection that highlights the dangers of letting ambition cloud the bigger picture of collaboration and unity.

Looking back on the earlier years of my career, I can’t help but cringe at the moments when I was desperately trying to prove myself – much like Burr. I thought the only way to succeed was to outshine my peers, to make sure my achievements were louder, flashier, and more impressive than everyone else’s. Admittedly, there were times I thought I had to be the one to claim all the credit, as if success were a zero-sum game. But now that I’m wise AF (hah!), I realize how much more I could’ve accomplished if I had embraced the mindset that the world is wide enough. If I’d understood earlier that there’s room for all of us to succeed—without stepping on each other to get there—just imagine the shared victories I could have had. How much richer the experience would’ve been, not just for me, but for the entire team, if I’d been focused on collaboration instead of competition. It’s a lesson I wish I’d learned sooner, but better late than never, right?

How to balance ambition with legacy

Celebrate each other’s wins (big and small): Too often, women in the workplace can feel like success is a scarce resource, which leads to the tendency to downplay or compete over each other’s achievements. Instead, take the time to genuinely celebrate your coworkers’ wins, whether it’s a big promotion or a successful project completion. Recognizing each other’s successes fosters a supportive environment and reinforces that there’s room for everyone to shine—because the more we lift each other up, the more we all thrive.

Mentor and be mentored: Building strong mentorship relationships can be a game changer in both personal and professional growth. Don’t be afraid to both offer guidance to women who are earlier in their careers and seek mentorship from those who are more experienced. These relationships create a bond of trust and mutual support that can help each of you navigate the inevitable challenges of the workplace while ensuring that you leave a lasting impact for others to follow.

Collaborate, don’t compete: Ambition is powerful, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of others. Instead of seeing your colleagues as competition, view them as potential collaborators. When women work together, they combine their strengths and skills to solve problems more effectively and create greater success. Remember, there are enough “evil forces” out there (like systemic barriers and biases) that we shouldn’t be fighting each other; our energy is best spent creating opportunities together, not tearing each other down.

Be transparent and supportive: Often, women are made to feel like they need to hide their struggles or achievements to avoid being seen as too “ambitious” or “emotional.” Instead, create a culture of transparency and openness with your female colleagues. Share challenges and victories alike, and offer advice and support when necessary. Transparency in your goals, struggles, and wins promotes trust and solidarity, helping to break down the invisible walls that sometimes exist between women in the workplace.

Lead with the wake you leave behind: Focus on the long-term impact of your success, not just the immediate rewards. Pay attention to the wake you leave behind as you rise—how your actions, words, and successes influence the path of those who come after you. Lead in a way that creates space for others to grow, elevates those around you, and encourages collaboration over competition. When you consider the wake you leave behind, you ensure that your achievements aren’t isolated—they ripple out, empowering others to rise alongside you.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton offers a timeless message: the world really is wide enough for all of us to succeed. As women continue to break barriers in the workplace, there’s truly no limit to what we can achieve when we work together, stay determined, and remember that diversity and collaboration are more than just buzzwords—they’re our superpowers. Just like the characters in Hamilton (minus the whole “duel to the death” part), we can leave our mark by lifting each other up and making sure there’s enough room at the table for everyone to thrive—preferably with coffee and a side of empathy. Let’s embrace the lessons of ambition, empathy, and collaboration as we pave the way for future success in the workplace… and maybe throw in a few musical numbers for good measure!

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My hope is that this blog may be helpful, or dare I say inspirational to someone out there. How can we empower each other?