Progress Toward Parity

In October last year, I joined the steering committee for The 30% Club, a campaign to boost female representation at board and C-Suite level in the world’s biggest companies.

This month, a major milestone was achieved. The 30% Club revealed the number of female CEOs in the FTSE100 had hit double figures for the first time. A long way from gender parity, and not even 30% yet, but it is progress. 

And it is simply better for business and better for society.

I’ve always been surrounded by strong, talented, female leaders. My co-founder and business partner Louise, our advisor Phil McManus, my remarkable wife bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to my world. 

Corporate governance does make organisations move faster but not enough is being done to shift the S in ESG. 

What can you do? Board chairs appoint CEOs. If it is within your gift, seek out hidden talent. Think beyond your immediate C-suite. What will your executive and non-executive future board look like in five years? Support that pipeline.  

Become a member of the 30% Club. Take advantage of the world’s largest cross-company mentoring programme with a phenomenal alumni from organisations including EY, Cisco, TSB, Marks and Spencer, The Environment Agency and Kingfisher.

We can all do better to remove barriers and welcome top candidates to the top table.

Huge kudos to chair George Culmer who recently called out shareholder misogyny targeting Amanda Blanc at the Aviva AGM. George refused to thank the shareholders who said she was “not the man for the job.” Amanda believed the sexism she experienced that day was a wake-up call for the City. 

It’s time to follow George. And, more importantly, follow Amanda.