State of Play for Women in Leadership
Marianne Hewlett - Leemans
Senior VP & Chief Storyteller / Head of Brand Strategy
In today's economy, the representation of women in leadership roles continues to be a pressing issue. While there have been strides made in gender equality, women remain significantly underrepresented in executive positions across various sectors. Here's an overview of the current landscape, including bottlenecks and accelerators.
Globally, women hold about 24% of senior management positions in 2023, with the US and Europe leading with 36%. (UN Women, 2023). Only?10.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs?are women and the gender pay gap, although slightly improved, still persists with women on average earning 20% less then their male counterparts.
What are the persistent bottlenecks?
- Stereotypes and Bias: Persistent gender biases can hinder women's advancement. Stereotypes about leadership traits often favor men, leading to a lack of confidence in women’s capabilities.
- Lack of Mentorship and Sponsorship: Women often have less access to mentors and sponsors who can advocate for them in the workplace, affecting their career progression.
- Work-Life Balance Challenges: The burden of caregiving responsibilities disproportionately falls on women, making it challenging to pursue leadership positions.
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Accelerators to help career advancement for women:
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity, leading to programs aimed at promoting women in leadership roles.
- Networking Opportunities: More platforms and networks are emerging to support women in building connections and sharing resources, which can lead to career advancement.
- Corporate Policies: Companies are implementing policies such as flexible working arrangements and parental leave, making it easier for women to balance their careers and personal lives.
?Top 3 Strategies for Female Talent to Stand Out
- Seek Out Mentorship and Sponsorship: Actively look for mentors who can provide guidance and sponsors who can advocate for your advancement in the workplace.
- Enhance Visibility: Participate in high-impact projects, engage in public speaking opportunities, and share your successes on professional platforms like LinkedIn to increase your visibility.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Invest in personal development through workshops, courses, and certifications that enhance your leadership abilities. This can set you apart as a strong candidate for leadership roles.
While there are significant challenges facing women in leadership today, there are also numerous avenues for advancement. By understanding the landscape and taking proactive steps, female talent can enhance their prospects and contribute to a more equitable workplace.
What is your advice to encourage a more balance leadership landscape?
Driving Global Transformation with Ethical Leadership and Innovative Thinking
4 个月Marianne Hewlett - Leemans ?? I love these strategies! ?? One thing I’d add is to embrace your unique qualities—your strengths, experiences, and perspectives are what set you apart. Being bold enough to show up as your authentic self is powerful and creates space for others to see your true potential. Find your army of supporters who not only advocate for you but also encourage you to stay true to who you are. Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up will help you stand out and thrive in leadership roles. Let’s redefine leadership by being unapologetically ourselves! ??? #AuthenticLeadership #FindYourTribe #WomenSupportingWomen
Global Head Career Management Atos Group, Atos Research Community Member & University Lecturer
4 个月Hey Marianne Hewlett - Leemans - thanks a lot for the heads up and the food for thought. You made me think how I actually react in different situations. And I think my rule no.1 is to never stop asking and getting as much information as possible so you take the right decisions. We have great offerings for leadership development in the company thanks to Anelia Spassova and her team and not only. And you know - when I joined ARC - back in 2021 it was Scientific Community it opened so many doors for me and contacts across the company - colleagues with different expertise and seniority level which increased a lot my visibility - what I and the team do and be recognized as trusted partner for various topics. Thanks again for the post.
dear Marianne Hewlett - Leemans!! inspiring post ! ?? Being invited to the Girls in Science event on march 2024 has given me much to reflect on. Woman often feels like having three full-time jobs, especially with children and family commitments. We must juggle work, parenting, and maintaining relationships, all while finding time to learn and grow in our digital world. My journey with Atos has been incredibly enriching, with the #ARC community playing a pivotal role. The networking opportunities and support from the L&D team , Career and Management and HR have been invaluable. The #Gold program broadened my perspective, and the support from close managers has been instrumental in my growth and visibilty. Balancing multiple roles and continuous learning is challenging but rewarding. Hence, my main advise ?? Believe in yourself, stay committed to your growth, and leverage the support systems around you ( Networking, HR, Peers , Collègues, ARC community , Career And Developpement , Senior leadership etc ) . go to bed with a dream, and wake up with a purpose, since this determination will play a huge role. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for women in leadership ?? .
Geo CE ITSM Head; Atos Research Community Security & Compliance Domain Leader
4 个月Dear Marianne Hewlett - Leemans I appreciate your great inspiring post. In my opinion leadership is a journey of constant development, learning and engagement in diverse projects and initiatives. My own growth has been shaped by exchanging insights with experts, leaders, mentorship and exploring various perspectives. Building strong internal and external customer relationships, active listening and participating in multiple events locally and internationally have been invaluable. Engaging with great colleagues and experts globally through Atos, Atos Research Community, Eviden, ISPIM - International Society for Professional Innovation Management and LinkedIn has also enriched my experience. I am particularly thrilled to contribute to Atos Research Community, where I have the privilege of leading the Global Security & Compliance Domain. From my experience, seeking mentorship can be a powerful accelerator for both personal and professional growth. I encourage women to actively seek out mentors, as this has been instrumental in my leadership journey #ARCInnovators #Mentorship #Leadership #ContinuousLearning ?#CustomerRelationships #AtosResearchCommunity #ISPIM #leadingladies