Recognising outstanding leadership

Last year, I was delighted to win the Best Coach Award in the Best Business Women Awards The final was an incredible evening, a real celebration of female business achievement. The photo for this article shows all the Gold Winners who are all incredible businesswomen.

I am committed to empowering women to step up as leaders. After attending the event, I reflected on my experience and felt inspired by how it showcased and recognised female talent. I realised that I wanted to be more involved. I suggested to the organisers that they include an award for the Best Female Leader in 2025. I’m pleased to say they agreed and am delighted to sponsor this category!

Why celebrating outstanding leadership is vital.

I firmly believe that every exceptional leader, regardless of gender, deserves recognition. The role of a leader is not easy. It involves many responsibilities and often isolation when it comes to support. We must acknowledge and celebrate these individuals.

Having worked with many female leaders, I’ve observed that women often hesitate to advocate for themselves. A common bias we’ve all grown up with is that women are discouraged from promoting their achievements. It is usually perceived as arrogant or even considered "unfeminine.” This, combined with the fact that male counterparts tend to receive more attention and recognition, makes it clear that sponsoring this award and shining a light on the incredible women leaders is essential.

Many glass ceilings still need to be shattered. In the United Kingdom, despite efforts to achieve greater gender parity, men still predominantly occupy leadership positions.

This overview of the current landscape demonstrates that there is still a long way to go:

FTSE 100 Companies

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs): Approximately 90% of FTSE 100 CEOs are men, with only 10% being women.
• Executive Roles: Women hold about 28% of all executive roles within FTSE 100 companies.

These figures show the disparity that still exists, and when you consider that women make up over 50% of consumers, it seems madness that more excellent balance has not yet been achieved.

Why are women underrepresented in the boardroom?

Unconscious (and conscious) biases have a lot to answer for. A woman who behaves assertively and decisively is viewed unfavourably and labelled as “bossy”, whereas a man displaying the same behaviours is considered a “good leader.”

Leadership positions in some industries are still dominated by men, creating an exclusionary culture where women may feel out of place. More recent research highlights that the first rung of the career ladder is broken, with predominantly men being promoted to team leader roles, leaving a dearth of female talent to choose from when selecting more senior leaders. If fewer females are in senior roles, other women in the company do not have role models to aspire to.

Women need to see other women succeeding. Without these roles models it can contribute to a lack of confidence when applying for promotion, even though they might be equally or more qualified than their male counterparts.

Many women are juggling multiple responsibilities, from work to home and caregiving. This can often lead to career gaps or slower progression, affecting their chances of reaching leadership positions. Recognising and addressing these challenges can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Celebrating Female Trailblazers

Female leaders can and do profoundly impact the business world. This award honours women who inspire others, break barriers, and lead with purpose, strength, and vision. It aims to highlight the much-needed positive role models in female leadership.

By championing this award, I seek to acknowledge the achievements of female leaders shaping the future of their industries and paving the way for the next generation.

Let’s celebrate the trailblazers, mentors, and role models who show us that authentic leadership is about our actions and the positive change we inspire in others.

To all the incredible women leading with courage and determination—this is your time to shine!

Here’s to empowering women and creating a lasting legacy of leadership!

'Exploding the Confidence Myth'

20th March, Grand Connaught Rooms, London

A Transformative Workshop for Women Business Leaders

Join us for a transformative one-day workshop and two group coaching sessions designed specifically for women leaders. This event will help you dispel myths about confidence and uncover what it truly takes to feel grounded and self-assured.

Key Highlights:

• Understand Confidence: Discover how your unique strengths contribute to authentic self-assurance.
• Recognise Patterns: Identify the factors that influence your confidence levels.
• Challenge Messaging: Reframe societal biases and rewrite your story.
• Build a Personal Toolkit: Develop practical strategies to navigate challenges with resilience.

Expect a supportive environment with engaging exercises, actionable takeaways, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Leave with renewed clarity and tools to sustain your confidence and thrive in your business.

Step into your power and embrace your full potential!

Workshop Venue: The Connaught Rooms are easily accessible between Holborn and Covent Garden Tube Stations.

Lunch and refreshments are included, please advise at booking if you have any dietary requirements.

The workshop is in person, and follow-on group coaching will occur online, 4.00 - 6.00pm Thursday 10th April and 8th May

DETAILS -CLICK HERE