Why It Matters

Despite the growing interest in sustainability, human centred design and social enterprise, I don’t see these priorities in many women in business spaces. Doing business differently is essential for creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. This approach is rooted in the belief that we must be the change we seek and that businesses should act as if people and the planet truly matter. Success should be measured not just by profit, but by the positive impact on all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, the environment, and your own wellbeing.

I appreciate this is not the thinking of everyone, however, it can be embraced by any business, large or small, through both small and big actions. Whether it’s sourcing materials responsibly, reducing waste, or supporting local communities, any business that cares can make a difference.

Prioritising your own well-being, the health of people, and the planet over mere financial gain leads to a more balanced and ethical operation. This holistic mindset fosters trust and loyalty, attracts purpose-driven talent, and builds stronger relationships with stakeholders. Ultimately, doing business differently requires a commitment to leading by example, valuing people and the planet, and redefining success in a way that benefits everyone.

Are Women Leading The Way?

Women tend to be more prominently represented in the third sector, B Corps, and social enterprises compared to traditional business sectors. This trend is driven by several factors:

Alignment with Values: Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) Report: The 2017 SEUK report found that 41% of social enterprises in the UK were led by women, compared to just 20% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) overall. The report suggests that the focus on social impact in these organisations aligns with values often associated with women, such as community-building and empathy.

Inclusive Leadership: B Lab and B Corps Data: According to B Lab, the non-profit behind B Corp certification, B Corps are more likely to have women in leadership roles than traditional businesses. A 2020 B Lab report indicated that B Corps are twice as likely to be led by women compared to the traditional business sector. This is attributed to the inclusive and ethical business practices promoted by B Corps.

Flexible Structures: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Reports: GEM’s 2015 Women’s Report highlighted that women are more likely to start social enterprises due to the flexible work environments and the ability to align their work with personal values. The report also found that women are more motivated by social and environmental goals, which aligns with the mission-driven nature of social enterprises.

Barriers and Challenges: The Impact of Gender on Social Enterprise: A study published in the Journal of Social Entrepreneurship found that while women are more likely to be involved in social enterprises, they still face significant challenges, including access to funding and gender bias. However, the study also noted that the social enterprise sector is more supportive of female leadership compared to traditional businesses.

These studies indicate that women are indeed more represented in the third sector, B Corps, and social enterprises than in traditional business sectors. The alignment of these sectors with social and environmental values, their inclusive leadership styles, and flexible organisational structures are significant factors contributing to this trend. However, ongoing challenges such as gender bias and funding disparities still exist, though they may be less pronounced in these sectors.

Redefining Success

With the best intentions, many female founder spaces can feel overwhelming. There is often a tendency to prioritise success as a large social following or appearing to juggle multiple tasks at once. However, this isn’t the kind of business that resonates with everyone. In fact, the majority of women we’ve worked with are quite the opposite. They’ve reached a point in their lives where they could no longer ignore the constant voices urging them to follow their dreams.

These businesses typically take years to become successful and sustainable. It involves a cycle of ideation, testing, adapting, and repeating. The founders are in it for the impact and genuinely believe they are the best person to bring their vision to life. We need to shift towards longer-term thinking, moving away from quick wins and superficial measures of success. As Paul Hawken wisely said,

I’d rather fail at something important than succeed at something trivial.”

How best to support good businesses? Connect with female founders who are following their true calling. Share their stories, support their ventures, and be part of a movement that values impact over fame. They will appreciate it! If you have a business and you would appreciate the support, get in touch or tag us socials, we love to share.

Latest Working For Progress is with Danni Gordon

Danni loves to help and has an organised work style, she self confesses “I love to help people get shit done”.? She originally worked in the third sector, managing creative funds to community organisations around Scotland. Danni has also worked as a personal assistant and is the founder of the Chachi Power Project. Currently, Danni is on extended maternity leave and is looking forward to the next chapter in her working life, alongside being a mother.

In this conversation, we dove into the delicate balance between productivity and parenting, exploring the internal conflicts and the excitement of returning to work in roles that support work-life balance. Danni and I share candid anecdotes about the struggle for recognition in demanding jobs and reflect on the significance of feeling valued in the workplace. This discussion underscores the essential need for supportive environments that respect both professional and personal commitments, making for a great conversation.

Listen on Spotify here.