Women in Leadership

Study after study finds that companies with more women in leadership roles tend to be considered “higher quality” companies, with better returns on equity. Companies that utilize female talent effectively also are 45 percent more likely to report improved market share.

Having more women in leadership roles is good for society, too. According to the World Economic Forum, countries with greater female representation are more prosperous and competitive.

In the United States, about 52 percent of all management, professional and related occupations were held by women in 2015. Yet women today account for only 5 percent of the CEOs of S&P 500 companies and less than 20 percent of the board members of Fortune 1000 companies. Clearly, there’s still plenty of work to do.

Why aren’t there more high-level female executives? It’s not due to a lack of desire. A recent Gallup study found that 45 percent of women express interest in becoming a CEO or holding another position in senior management or leadership. Of that group, 69 percent admit being very determined to achieve their goal.

Companies can and must do their part to help make that happen. It means committing to advancing and empowering women and putting in place steps that will allow women to climb higher on the corporate ladder.

At CKI, we are passionate about increasing the number of women in senior leadership roles within STEM fields. We believe that companies with inclusive and diverse cultures are better positioned to adapt, grow and thrive in a changing business environment. After all, innovation comes from collaboration and the sharing of unique ideas and different perspectives.

Our She's Up Community, Circles, and Cohorts are an investment in the next generation of women leaders in STEM fields, providing them with content, tools, and networking opportunities that can help pave their way toward their next leadership role.