Despite compelling data that shows a strong positive relationship between the presence of women in senior leadership roles and key business performance metrics, women are stillc behind their male counterparts in both pay equity and representation in executive positions. By understanding the common challenges that women leaders currently face, as well as the resources and techniques employed by successful women leaders in overcoming them, we can go beyond the obvious gender issues to explore the bigger picture – the business and economic benefits of helping women remove or overcome the obstacles and challenges they face due to gender. As learning and talent development professionals, we have an opportunity to unleash the hidden potential of women in the workforce, to the benefit of both our organizations and employees.

• How do the characteristics of women leaders influence company culture, performance, and employee engagement?
• What can we learn from the stories that women leaders tell about the barriers and challenges that they face in today’s business climate?
• What are some of the factors that come into play to allow women to mitigate those barriers and challenges?
• What are some of the things that we as learning and talent development professionals do to unleash the hidden potential of women in the workforce?

Lessons Learned:

• Gender equality is a business issue, not a woman’s issue. Organizations can benefit greatly from the leadership style that women bring to their roles.
• It is incumbent upon organizations to create an environment that supports women’s success.
• By sharing stories, examining data, and intentionally removing barriers, organizations can intentionally unleash the potential of its current and future women leaders.