The curious case of the Glass Rocket Ship that blasts-off from a Glass Cliff

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate leadership, there’s a distinct buzz surrounding the recent achievements of Kate Johnson , the dynamic female CEO of Lumen Technologies whose share price rocketed the first week of August 2024. As we navigate through the latest waves of business success and transformation, it’s worth exploring how Johnson's leadership can reshape the narrative around women in executive roles and how her impact can be felt across the industry and beyond.? Behold the curious, but not rare, ride of the #glassrocketship that blasts off from a #glasscliff.

The Glass Rocket Ship Phenomenon?

Kate Johnson's performance at the top of Lumen Technologies since November 2022 is nothing short of remarkable. Under her stewardship, the company has benefited from a series of strategic advancements and operational successes. Her leadership has not only steered Lumen through a period of significant transformation but has also heightened discussions about the broader impact of women in executive positions.?

Introducing the concept of the "glass rocket ship." This term represents the accelerating success women often experience after breaking through traditional barriers in their careers, seemingly defying the expectations and limitations imposed by glass ceilings and glass cliffs.?

Kate Johnson’s Trailblazing Success Is a Great Example of a Glass Rocket Ship. How did she do it?

With Kate Johnson at the helm at Lumen Technologies, there have been noticeable shifts in the company's trajectory. Johnson’s approach—characterized by a blend of strategic innovation and inclusive leadership—has catalyzed several pivotal changes:?

• Strategic Realignment: Johnson has spearheaded efforts to realign the company’s focus, leveraging emerging technologies and digital transformation strategies. This realignment has positioned Lumen as a more agile and forward-thinking enterprise.?

• Enhanced Market Performance: The company has witnessed improved financial performance and market presence, with notable gains in shareholder value and customer satisfaction, as well as important new business gains fueled by AI.?

• Cultural Evolution: Johnson’s leadership style emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a workplace culture that values varied perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.?

Johnson’s rise to prominence also offers a fresh perspective on the "glass cliff" phenomenon. Traditionally, the glass cliff refers to the precarious positions women are often placed in when they break into leadership roles—typically at companies or institutions facing significant challenges. These positions can be risky, with women being set up for likely failure in high-stakes situations.?

Johnson assumed leadership at a pivotal moment of transformation and used her strategic vision to drive positive change. Her achievements defy the glass cliff narrative by highlighting that women can not only navigate challenging situations but can also spearhead growth and success when given the right opportunities and support.?

The Bigger Picture: The Glass Rocket Ship is not an Anomaly?

Kate Johnson’s success prompts a critical reflection on the broader impact of female leadership in the corporate world. Her achievements highlight a pivotal question: Are women, as a collective, ascending with similar trajectories? ?Is the path up often preceded by a taking a calculated risk to crack the glass ceiling??

In fact, Hypatia Capital , advisor to the WCEO ETF analyzed the database for trends. Of the 140 holdings of the WCEO ETF, that invests in American companies with female CEOs with market capitalization of $500 million or more, 40% of these companies, 55 in fact, had negative stock returns the year before the female CEO took the helm. Yet twice as many women CEOs turned the company around, or had a positive annualized stock return since taking the helm, than those that did not.

The Glass Rocket Ships Defying the Glass Cliff are the Majority?

38 companies with positive stock returns, versus 18 companies that did not. Following are the 38 women CEOs that defy the #glasscliff narrative, ranked by their annualized return:

Mariam Sorond at NextNav , Cynthia Williams at Funko , Ellen Cooper at Lincoln Financial , Michelle M. MacKay at 戴德梁行 , Jean Savage at Trinity Industries, Inc. , Amy Burroughs at Terns Pharmaceuticals , Lisa Su at AMD , Mary Powell at Sunrun , Nicole Kivisto at MDU Resources Group, Inc. , Fran Horowitz at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. , Mina Kim at ACELYRIN, INC. , Laura Alber at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. , Joanne Crevoiserat at Tapestry , Anne Noonan at Summit Materials , Jennifer Rumsey at 康明斯 , Sharon Mates, Ph.D. at Intra-Cellular Therapies , Sue Nabi at Coty , Angela Kleiman at Essex Property Trust , Christine B. at Dutch Bros Coffee , Kate Haviland at Blueprint Medicines , Barbara Weber, MD at Tango Therapeutics , Cheri Beranek at Clearfield , Nadine Leslie at Middlesex Water Company , Katherine Antonello at EMPLOYERS , Kathy Warden at Northrop Grumman , Lisa Barton at Alliant Energy , Joanna Geraghty at JetBlue , Michelle Gass at 利维·斯特劳斯公司 , Debra A. Cafaro at Ventas, Inc. , Suzanne Foster at AdaptHealth , Heather Brilliant, CFA at Diamond Hill , Gina Drosos at Signet Jewelers , Carrie Wheeler at Opendoor , Stephanie Ferris at FIS , Mary Dillon at Foot Locker , Bonita Lee at Hanmi Financial Corporation , Cindy J. Miller at Stericycle

Is There a Glass Rocket Ship ride for You??

As we celebrate Kate Johnson’s and 38 #glassrocketship CEOs' achievements, it’s crucial for all women in business to evaluate their own paths and opportunities. Can you board?a glass rocket ship of your own? Is taking a risky path a breakthrough strategy you can employ??

Consider the ways in which you can leverage your unique strengths and perspectives to propel your career forward. Reflect on the strategies that have worked for leaders like Johnson and think about how you can apply similar principles to your own professional journey.?

Kate Johnson’s story is a testament to the power of transformative leadership and the profound impact women can have in top executive roles. Her success at Lumen Technologies serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to women everywhere to strive for their own versions of excellence.?

As we look to the future, let’s embrace the potential within us and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Are you ready to take the leap and board your own #glassrocketship??