Case Studies
Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment:
The Learning Journey of Heidrick & Struggles
Company: Heidrick & Struggles
"We will not rest until the boards of directors we serve have the look and composition of the society in which we all live. This makes sense for business."
- Kevin Kelly, CEO |
Introduction
Women in the global workforce have increased their numbers significantly in recent decades, yet senior corporate officers and board members remain overwhelmingly male. This is true despite a professed effort by many international companies to increase the number of women at the highest levels, and despite increasing evidence suggesting that more diverse boards and management teams can be more effective. Heidrick & Struggles, a premier executive search and leadership consulting firm, is working with corporate clients and women to address this situation. It is an exciting challenge for the firm and an important business imperative.
Main Lessons
- Support from the top is critical to advance gender-related initiatives.
- Research and data help embed the business case.
- Women need to help each other if the boardroom door is to open wider.
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Win-Win Situation for Business and for Women
- A global executive search and leadership advisory firm working with international companies to recruit talented board members and corporate officers, commited to including at least one woman on every board search assignment.
- Building and promoting international networks of board-ready, professional women to expand the candidate pool.
- Promoting best practices in corporate governance and management, including greater cultural and gender diversity.
- Publishing research on board-level trends and viewpoints to help strengthen the business case for diversity.
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