TIK TOK TIK TOK – The Rise and Rise of Female Leadership
I’d love your view on this. While my work spans both men and women, I admit to a special fascination with female leadership and frankly, the latest statistics are troubling. But are they the whole story?
THE STATS
Back in 2015, Ernst & Young revealed that more men named John, Robert, William, or James sat on corporate boards than all women combined in the S&P 1500. A decade later, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report shows progress has slowed, even reversed in places. And, as Professor Michelle Ryan shared at the recent Women Unlimited Conference, 44% of people now believe there are too many women in leadership. Among young men, that figure rises to 56%.
Yet data tells only part of the story.
WHAT I SEE
Look closer, and you’ll notice something stirring. Japan has just elected its first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi and Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed the first female Bishop of Canterbury. And every day, I meet extraordinary women, educated, capable, determined, quietly preparing for their moment. They’re not in golf clubs; they’re up at 5.30am, investing in themselves, sharpening their edge like modern-day warriors.
WHAT’S THE HOLD-UP?
Beyond bias, I see a missing piece: Gravitas. The ability to hold the room, through voice, gesture, movement, and presence. Too often, business communication still operates in a male-designed culture, from how we sit at tables to the very cables that once transmitted our voices. Women’s vocal frequency is disadvantaged and can unintentionally reduce perceived authority, unless they know how to harness it.
As Jacinda Ardern reminds us, we must all be “stage ready”, ready to speak, to lead, and to perform under pressure. When women master Gravitas, transformation follows: promotions, speaking opportunities, and influence they never imagined possible.
WHERE IT’S HEADING
This isn’t a revolution to fear, it’s one to celebrate. We’re seeing leadership that blends strength with empathy, clarity with kindness. Perhaps, as Prof Ryan suggested, it’s not about the quantity of women in leadership, but the quality.
The wave is building. Intelligent, experienced women are ready, and Gravitas may be the key that unleashes their full potential.
What’s your perspective? Do you see the same rising tide?
Let me know your thoughts.
Love,
Dr Louise Mahler
