Professional women who seek to advance their careers face challenges in a workplace that struggles to support and promote them. Gender bias, still prevalent across all industries, results in an unlevel playing field that is difficult for women to navigate successfully. This bias contributes to a more difficult climb to leadership positions for women with the ambition to do so.
Currently, women now run 10.4% of the top companies in the United States. According to the recent Women in the Workplace Report from McKinsey and Company and Leanin.org, “Women are more ambitious than ever, and workplace flexibility is fueling them. Yet despite some hard-fought gains, women’s representation is not keeping pace.”
With only a small percentage of female leaders, women entering the workforce have limited ability to envision what it takes to be a strong female leader. Female leaders can not only serve as role models, but mentors and advisors. Yet, many women lack role models to inspire and help them see what it takes to reach leadership positions.
A 2022 nationwide study from the UK revealed 43% of women believe they would be more successful if they had a role model in the workplace, “with 57% believing that having a relatable role model is crucial to achieving career success and 70% agreeing it’s easier to be like someone you can see.”
Female role models need not be limited to your company.
Read the full article on Forbes.com.
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