Beyond representation: the impact of female leadership on Moove's culture & growth

How has female leadership positively influenced the culture and dynamics within Moove?

Jephthah Datsomor , Ghana Managing Director:

"Female leadership has positively influenced the culture and dynamics within Moove by introducing alternative leadership approaches that emphasise collaboration, empathy, and consensus-building.

This shift in leadership paradigm fosters a more inclusive and adaptable organisational culture, where diverse voices are heard and valued, leading to greater employee engagement and satisfaction."

How has the presence of female leaders impacted the recruitment and retention of talent at Moove?

Ruth Fletcher , Chief People Officer:

"Seeing so many women in leadership roles at Moove was a deciding factor for me when I was going through the recruitment process. It’s highly unusual to see so many women in prominent positions within the senior leadership body and I found it incredibly inspiring. Engaging with them throughout the process made me realise that they were not just represented, they were heard, and that they were shaping the future of the organisation.

Now, as part of the senior leadership team, I can see that there are no barriers to entry within the group, all contributions are heard equally and are not just included but promoted. I can see in turn that they are investing in the next level of female leaders, encouraging and supporting them as they develop, which makes me feel extremely optimistic about our truly diverse pipeline of talent and the future of women in leadership at Moove."

Jephthah Datsomor , Ghana Managing Director:

"The presence of female leaders has positively impacted the recruitment and retention of talents in Moove by challenging traditional norms and biases. It underscores Moove’s prioritisation of meritocracy over gender.

By showcasing diverse leadership styles and perspectives, female leaders have attracted a wider pool of talents who seek inclusive and progressive work environments."

Gemma Portelli , VP Product:

"One of the big draws for joining Moove was the inspirational women I had the pleasure of meeting during my recruitment process. I met with four different women, all on the Senior Leadership Team.

Having female leaders in Operations and Technology senior leadership roles was something I paid particular attention to, as women are often under-represented in these domains. I am proud of our strong female voices at all levels in the organisation. Happy IWD to all Moovers."

How do you envision the continued impact of female leadership on the future growth and success of Moove??

Olutola Bella , Chief Legal Officer:

"My view is that the presence of women in our leadership team is extremely positive. Notwithstanding the high quality of work done in their respective roles, I see our female leaders associated with a broader sense of social commitment, most of whom foster a participative management style.

This bodes well for Moove as this is aligned with our focus on purpose and authentic leadership. The presence of women in our leadership team fosters participation, motivation and improved results.?

Another key attribute and focus for women leaders is the implementation of measures around work-life balance which promotes employee wellbeing, leading to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction."

What advice would you give to aspiring female leaders within the company?

Warren Peters , South Africa Managing Director:

"With the strong female representation across various levels of leadership at Moove, the company has demonstrated that empowerment of women and inclusivity are important to it. I encourage aspiring female leaders to take inspiration from the current group of female leaders and actively seek mentoring opportunities with them."

Caroline Hazlehurst , President of Operations:

"For aspiring female leaders, the journey to leadership can be demanding, yet profoundly rewarding. Like navigating a complex maze, the key is to embrace resilience, strategic thinking, and the unyielding belief in your own individual strengths. The path to leadership is not linear; it's filled with unexpected turns and obstacles. Approach each challenge like a chess player, always thinking two steps ahead, yet flexible enough to adapt your strategy as the game unfolds. Taking risks and knowing when to cut your losses is important.

One of the biggest challenges for aspiring female leaders is the perceived trade off between career and motherhood. Balancing the demands of motherhood with a career is akin to being a skilled juggler; the key is not to keep all the balls in the air, but to know which one can be let to bounce for a moment. Prioritise, delegate, and most importantly, embrace the idea that getting help (at home and at work) is not a sign of weakness, but a strategic move towards achieving balance. The best advice I ever got from a mentor was to never be embarrassed about getting help.?

When it comes to networking, it's less about collecting business cards and more about finding your squad. The kind of people who are there for you, giving you that push when you need it and calling you out when you're off track. And amidst the hustle, never lose your sense of humour. A shared laugh can bridge gaps, build bonds, and make the challenges a bit more bearable.

In navigating the path to leadership, it’s essential to approach each challenge with the grace of someone trying to convince a two-year-old to eat a piece of broccoli — patience, grit and creativity are key. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, even if it means occasionally spilling your metaphorical peas on the floor.

Remember, confidence is key. As in all aspects of life, know your own worth but always be open to learning. Remember, even the most successful leaders, male or female, don’t have all the answers—often they’re just winging it.

Last piece of advice: read “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg."

Binod Mishra , Regional Managing Director India & South Asia:

• "Build Confidence: Believe in your abilities and value what you bring to the table. Confidence is key in leadership positions.
• Seek Mentorship: Find mentors, both within and outside the company, who can offer guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their experiences.
• Develop Skills: Continuously work on developing your skills and expertise in your field.
• Network: Build a strong professional network both within and outside the company. Networking can open up new opportunities, provide valuable connections, and offer support during your career journey.
• Promote Yourself: Don't shy away from promoting your achievements and contributions. Make sure your work is visible to others within the company, including senior leaders.
• Embrace Challenges: Don't be afraid to take on new challenges and step out of your comfort zone. Growth often comes from facing challenges and pushing yourself to excel.
• Advocate for Yourself: Learn to advocate for yourself, whether it's negotiating for a promotion, salary increase, or taking on new responsibilities. Know your worth and be prepared to articulate it.
• Support Other Women: Lift other women and support their growth and development. Building a supportive community of female leaders can be incredibly empowering.
• Balance Work and Life: Strive to achieve a balance between your professional and personal life. Prioritise self-care and well-being to sustain yourself in leadership roles.
• Stay Resilient: Understand that setbacks and obstacles are part of the journey. Stay resilient, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward towards your goals."