This article presents a feminist poststructuralist inquiry perspective on how news and social media discourse around the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting a potential shift in hegemonic representations of masculine leadership. I am informed by organizational rules and sensemaking theories, and consider how Canadian and international female leaders are showing resilience, emotion and vulnerability as they help lead their countries through these uncertain times. I reflexively ground my observations in my own sensemaking and personal experiences. Despite reservations, I am hopeful. There are indications that the 'rules of the game' are starting to be challenged, and feminine frameworks that question traditional gender roles are disrupting conceptions around 'business as usual'.
Keywords: COVID‐19; female leaders; feminist; organizational rules; poststructuralist; sensemaking.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.