Gemma Stow’s Post

Leadership development programmes designed for women are tokenistic and not needed! Something our founder Gemma Stow was told recently.  This belief undermines the very real challenges women face in the workplace. From navigating unconscious bias and systemic barriers to balancing the demands of career advancement with caring responsibilities, women encounter a myriad of unique and intersectional challenges that can hinder their confidence, self-development and professional growth. Given the unique hurdles women face on their career development journey, a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership programmes just doesn’t cut it.  A tailored programme designed with women in mind creates a safe and supportive space for women to explore their leadership potential, develop critical skills, and overcome barriers that hold them back from achieving their goals and seeking out opportunities. Beyond individual development, women-focused leadership programmes play a crucial role in fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment within organisations. By investing in the professional growth and advancement of women leaders, companies signal their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, the ripple effects of empowered female leaders extend far beyond the boardroom, inspiring future generations of women to pursue their ambitions and challenge the status quo. When women thrive, entire communities benefit from their leadership, innovation, and contributions to society. Gemma's RiSE programme for visible leadership has helped many cohorts of senior women overcome the unique barriers they face, set the foundations for visible leadership and make their mark with influence and impact. Every single woman has a unique perspective that can be leveraged within their leadership teams, and with the right support can pave the way for a strong pipeline of female talent ready to follow in their footsteps. If you want to find out more, get in touch. #rise #careerprogression #nomorehiding

3 ways to fix the ‘broken rung’ on the career ladder Some recommendations for companies to get more women moving up over the broken rung on the leadership ladder.  #career #growth #leadership #2019linkedintoprecruiter #mostsociallyengaged https://lnkd.in/gV9pfMC7

I was casually browsing through LinkedIn yesterday and was alarmed at the pattern. There is a simple test you can do by yourself. Go to the LinkedIn search bar, type "CIO," and browse the results list. Keep scrolling. What is it that stands out immediately? Not even 1 in 20 CIOs are women. As we celebrate International Women's Day, while numerous studies show the rising % of women leaders across industries and levels, much needs to be done. There are more considerable efforts across companies to hire women into leadership positions. However, long-term, lasting results can be achieved when those efforts are paired with internal efforts around developing leaders into mid-management and leadership positions. Titles can come later, and they will, but the efforts to build a leader take time and must be taken consistently. When succession bench strength is increased through focused efforts, developing leaders from within is easier achieved. This article from McKinsey & Company is an excellent example of why focused efforts are required to develop more women leaders. #datapreneursdaily #womenleaders

Investing in women’s leadership is more critical than ever in today's business landscape. While progress has been made, women’s representation in leadership roles still lags behind. Here are some reasons why intentional investment in women’s leadership is essential: - Gender-Diverse Leadership Teams Foster Creativity: Women bring unique perspectives shaped by their experiences and backgrounds. By investing in women’s leadership, companies can tap into a broader range of ideas and better connect with their customers, many of whom are likely women. - Better Decision-Making and Inclusion Efforts: Gender-diverse teams have been found to make better decisions. Women leaders provide more support to their teams and inclusion efforts, leading to more balanced and well-rounded decision-making processes. - Financial Performance: Companies with more gender diversity in leadership tend to outperform their less diverse competitors financially. There is a positive correlation between gender diversity and improved financial metrics, including profit margins and returns on equity. - Changing Workforce Priorities: The generations entering the workforce prioritise different aspects. Gen Z, for example, values mentoring and seeks inclusive workplaces. Companies that prioritise women’s leadership signal their commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, making them more attractive to prospective employees. - Investing Through Mentorship: Creating a formalised mentoring program is an effective method for investing in women leaders. Organic mentoring perpetuates itself, but a structured program can break this cycle and provide valuable support and guidance. https://lnkd.in/guj-2ErZ #WomenInLeadership #GenderDiversity #Inclusion

In today’s corporate world, “Women in Leadership” programs empower women with the resources they need to become effective leaders, but they are also important for a number of other reasons, including that they: ·     Foster skills development: To be an effective leader, you need to possess a number of skills and competencies to be able to motivate, inspire, and get the best out of your people. Some of these skills and competencies include emotional intelligence, influence, communication, interpersonal skills, resilience, decision making, empathy, and authenticity – all of which are skills that can be fostered through women’s leadership training. ·     Help with overcoming challenges: Anybody who holds a leadership position is guaranteed to face challenges in their role, but a lot of the time, women leaders face more challenges than their male counterparts. For this reason, it is imperative that women leaders have the knowledge, skills, and resources at their disposal to be able to effectively manage any challenges they are facing (both in their personal life and in their professional life), whilst maximising their productivity, performance, and enjoyment of their role. This can also play a role in ensuring positive mental health and wellbeing. ·     Promote diversity and inclusivity: Women’s leadership programs can help to increase the visibility and representation of women in leadership positions. By investing in women’s leadership, organisations can help champion diversity and inclusivity, whilst embodying a more diverse representation of individuals at all levels. Research by Glassdoor found that more than seven in ten job seekers see the diversity of an organisation as an important factor when considering a potential job offer, which highlights the importance of this for organisations. ·     Attract and retain talent: Women’s leadership programs can also make organisations more attractive when it comes to the attraction and retention of top talent. Women value inclusivity and access to equal opportunities for growth and progression within their roles, so an organisation that offers these kinds of opportunities and pathways for advancement is likely to be more attractive to female applicants than organisations that do not. If you would like to know about my Women in Leadership program, and how I can further support you in your business and career you can do so with the link in the comments. #womeninleadership #femaleexecutivesau #femaleempoermentau #buildingstrongerwomen

Championing the Achievements of Successful Women Leaders The stories of successful women leaders inspire us with their resilience, vision, and determination. These women have broken barriers and redefined leadership through empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. By leading with purpose, they focus not just on profit but on driving positive social change. Their leadership extends beyond industries, reshaping how we view success. Mentorship and empowerment are critical in their journeys. Many successful women leaders credit other trailblazing women for their guidance, creating a cycle of support that strengthens future generations of leaders. This network of mentorship ensures that women continue to rise, bringing diverse perspectives to leadership roles. Women leaders are also driving change by challenging outdated notions of work life balance. By advocating for flexible work policies, they create inclusive environments that foster productivity and support diverse lifestyles. They lead by example, showing that leadership and balance can co-exist The path to leadership is often marked by adversity. Gender bias and lack of representation remain significant barriers, but the perseverance of these women proves that success is possible. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience. As we champion these stories, we recognise that leadership is evolving. Women leaders are shaping a more inclusive, dynamic future where leadership knows no gender. By sharing their stories, we inspire others to rise and lead.

Championing the Achievements of Successful Women Leaders The stories of successful women leaders inspire us with their resilience, vision, and determination. These women have broken barriers and redefined leadership through empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. By leading with purpose, they focus not just on profit but on driving positive social change. Their leadership extends beyond industries, reshaping how we view success. Mentorship and empowerment are critical in their journeys. Many successful women leaders credit other trailblazing women for their guidance, creating a cycle of support that strengthens future generations of leaders. This network of mentorship ensures that women continue to rise, bringing diverse perspectives to leadership roles. Women leaders are also driving change by challenging outdated notions of work life balance. By advocating for flexible work policies, they create inclusive environments that foster productivity and support diverse lifestyles. They lead by example, showing that leadership and balance can co-exist The path to leadership is often marked by adversity. Gender bias and lack of representation remain significant barriers, but the perseverance of these women proves that success is possible. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience. As we champion these stories, we recognise that leadership is evolving. Women leaders are shaping a more inclusive, dynamic future where leadership knows no gender. By sharing their stories, we inspire others to rise and lead.

3 ways to fix the ‘broken rung’ on the career ladder Some recommendations for companies to get more women moving up over the broken rung on the leadership ladder.  #career #growth #leadership #2019linkedintoprecruiter #mostsociallyengaged https://lnkd.in/gAUddS2a

Lack of career development for women leaders isn't just an unfair imbalance (though, to be clear, it certainly is that); it's also a massive missed opportunity and business risk. Discover how organizations can support and empower women in leadership roles in this insightful article by HR Drive that cites DDI | Development Dimensions International's research.

As a leader, one of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being your own biggest fan and champion, especially for women in leadership. While it’s essential to seek out mentors (we all know I advocate for this), build supportive networks, and advocate for others, it’s equally crucial to recognize and celebrate your own achievements and capabilities. Here’s why: Self-Advocacy is Empowerment By championing yourself, you set a powerful example for others. You demonstrate confidence, resilience, and the belief that your voice and contributions matter. This not only empowers you but also inspires those around you. Visibility and Recognition We women often face unique challenges in gaining visibility and recognition for our work. By actively promoting your own successes and strengths, you ensure that your hard work and impact are seen and acknowledged. This visibility is key to career advancement and opening new opportunities. Breaking Barriers Historically, women we have been conditioned to downplay our achievements. By confidently owning your accomplishments, we challenge these outdated norms and help break down barriers for future generations of female leaders. Building Self-Confidence Celebrating your victories, no matter how small, builds self-confidence. This inner belief is fundamental in navigating the complex landscape of leadership, making tough decisions, and leading with authenticity. Creating a Culture of Self-Support When women champion themselves, they contribute to a culture where self-support and mutual encouragement become the norm. This culture shift is vital in creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. To all the incredible women leaders out there: believe in your worth, celebrate your milestones, and don’t shy away from showcasing your brilliance. Be your own biggest fan because your journey and achievements are worth celebrating. Here’s to embracing our power and leading with confidence! #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #SelfAdvocacy #CareerGrowth