The Future is Female: They Can Buy Themselves Flowers and So Much More
Jamison Ernest
Co-founder/Co-Ceo/Chief Creative Officer/General Partner at Blue Scorpion Investments at Blue Scorpion Investments, L.P.
The Future is Female: They Can Buy Themselves Flowers and So Much More
As a man and an investor, I R.E.S.P.E.C.T. and admire women in the highest regard, I also recognize their immense value and superior capabilities in all capacities. It is imperative that there are way more women in leadership roles, particularly as founders and co-founders, and I look forward to investing in their self made success. The business world has been dominated by men for way too long and it is time for a major change. Women bring a unique set of skills and perspectives that are essential for success and growth, and it is time we publicly acknowledge and support these abilities.
Women have a powerful natural ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, and build strong, supportive teams. As an investor in female co-founded companies who has seen the positive impact first hand that women leaders have on a business, I am eager to support these remarkable women in their entrepreneurial journeys and help them reach their goals. Studies have consistently shown that companies with gender diversity in leadership positions outperform their male-dominated counterparts (DUH). This is not just a feel-good initiative, but a bottom-line boost. Research by McKinsey & Company has found that companies with gender diversity are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability aka Laura at Van Leeuwen and Eunice at Material Kitchen. The reasoning is simple: a diverse leadership team brings a range of perspectives and experiences, leading to more creative and effective problem-solving.
The world has been a male-dominated universe for far too long, especially in the realm of business. Women have been fighting for equal representation in leadership roles for decades, and while progress has been made, the inequality between men and women remains significant. According to various studies and reports, women often receive lower pay for performing the same job as men with the same qualifications and experience.
As an example, the National Women's Law Center in the United States estimates that, on average, women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. The pay gap is even wider for women of color, with African American women earning just 61 cents and Latinas earning only 53 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. Similar disparities can be found in other countries, such as the United Kingdom where the gender pay gap is estimated to be around 18.1%, and Australia where it is estimated to be around 15.3%.
Now is the time for women to take the lead and secure their rightful place in the upper stratosphere of decision makers. This will not only benefit women but will also have a positive impact on businesses and society as a whole, including men.
But beyond the financial benefits, having women in leadership positions is crucial for creating a more equitable society. Women bring unique perspectives and life experiences to every situation, and having them in positions of power means that their perspectives will be heard and incorporated into important decisions. This leads to better policies and fair practices that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all individuals, not just those who have traditionally held positions of power aka MEN.
And if we are being honest, the world could use a lot more empathy and compassion in leadership right now. Women have a proven track record of being more empathetic leaders, leading to better relationships with employees and a more positive work environment. This is not to say that men can't be empathetic leaders, but research has shown that women tend to have a natural tendency towards this leadership style.
So, what can WE do as a society to increase the number of women in leadership roles? The first step is to encourage and support women in their careers, starting from a young age. This means providing girls with role models, mentorship opportunities, and access to the same educational and career development opportunities as boys. The second step is to change the cultural norms and biases that hold women back. This can be done through initiatives like flexible work arrangements, equal pay for equal work (in 2023 why is this even an issue still?), and promoting a culture of inclusiveness and diversity.
I'm inspired to support this global change and invest in the incredibly talented women who are breaking down barriers and changing the world. It's time for society to work together to create a brighter future for women in leadership positions and show the world what women are more than capable of.
We are always seeking female founded consumer product companies to invest in, please send any submissions to [email protected]
Here are the top 5 charities and their websites that support women entrepreneurs:
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Women's Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF): WEF provides funding, mentorship, and resources to women entrepreneurs from underserved communities
2. National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - https://www.nawbo.org/
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): NAWBO is a national organization that provides networking, education, and advocacy opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
3. Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence https://omwbe.wa.gov/count-me
Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence: Count Me In provides microloans, business training, and mentorship to women entrepreneurs in the US.
4. Springboard Enterprises - https://springboardenterprises.org/
Springboard Enterprises: Springboard is a global organization that provides mentorship, networking, and resources to high-growth women entrepreneurs.
5. The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women - https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/women-entrepreneurs/
The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women: The Cherie Blair Foundation supports women entrepreneurs in developing countries by providing access to finance, markets, and technology. The foundation helps women start and grow their businesses and provides training and resources to help them succeed.
I look forward to a day when this article will be as ridiculous sounding as women NOT being allowed to vote or wear pants, love you MOM...Jamison
Founder & CEO at Pashion? | Forbes 30 Under 30, Shark Tank Alum, TikTok Creator (@haley_pavone) - 750K+
1 年Couldn’t agree with all of this more (the data speaks for itself) - but particularly your commentary around empowering and encouraging young girls. That is really the starting place - raising our girls to know the world is at their fingertips. The stereotypes in childhood teach girls to be “perfect” and agreeable - while teaching boys to be brave and bold. This is one of the most damaging separations taught to us in our youth - limiting self confidence and making young women more risk-averse. While this makes our businesses more profitable, it also can hold many back from starting a venture in the first place. I feel very lucky to have been raised by a father who never let me think for one minute I couldnt be anything I wanted to be. I was never raised to feel that my gender made me smaller, and that is a huge part of what gave me the confidence to become a founder. It all starts in the way we raise our girls. I am so excited for the next generation.