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The Future is Female: Pioneering Change in Business

The business landscape is changing, and women are leading the charge. Women are shattering boundaries like never before, securing CEO and entrepreneurial roles at an unprecedented rate. Let’s explore how women CEOs and small business owners are not just making an impact—they’re shaping the future of business. Even amidst challenges, women are pushing forward, setting a path for future generations.

Rise of Women in Leadership

Did you know that around a third of primary business owners are women? And the numbers are on the upswing! In the US solely, about 849 new establishments are launched by women daily. That’s commendable growth—114% over the last 20 years (Inc). 

Women are breaking barriers left and right, snagging leadership positions like never before. We’re talking about CEOs and entrepreneurs claiming their seats at the table and making some serious waves. Despite the hurdles they face, women are pushing boundaries and carving out paths for the future generations to follow.

Let’s break it down a bit. Did you know that around a third of all business principal owners are women? In low-income countries, about one in four businesses are owned by women. But in middle and high-income countries? The participation of women in entrepreneurship jumps up to around 36% to 37% (World Bank).

But women in leadership is far from a new concept. When we think about influential women in American history, Eleanor Roosevelt’s name often comes to mind. Even though she was married to the formidable Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor was a force to be reckoned with in her own right. There’s this story that one of FDR’s advisors shared about Eleanor. He recalled, “No one who ever saw Eleanor Roosevelt sit down facing her husband and holding his eyes firmly [and saying] to him, ‘Franklin, I think that you should .. .’ or ‘Franklin, surely you will note … ‘ as an experience, he will never forget. (Women In Leadership). It just goes to show the kind of influence Eleanor had—unafraid to speak her mind and make her voice heard, even to the President of the United States.

Since then, women’s roles in leadership have multiplied and it’s clear that women are not just making waves—they’re making a real impact on the business landscape.

The Role of Alisa Herr and Unity Web Agency

Take Alisa Herr, CEO of Unity Web Agency, for example. She’s not just a boss—she’s a trailblazer. Her leadership style, dedication to diversity and inclusion, and influence in the tech industry have left an indelible mark on Unity Web Agency’s culture. She’s not just leading; she’s inspiring women everywhere to reach for the stars. According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields accounting for only 35% of employees in STEM in the U.S. (WomenTech)

Women CEOs like Alisa Herr know that a happy team is a productive team. That’s why she’s  all about creating inclusive and supportive work environments. Mentorship, professional development opportunities—you name it, they’re all in. It’s about empowering employees to be their best selves and fostering a workplace culture where everyone thrives.

Empowering Employee Experiences

According to McKinsey,”Women leaders are up to twice as likely to spend substantial time on DEI work that falls outside their formal job responsibilities.” This includes additional responsibilities like supporting employee resource groups, mentoring women and organizing charitable giving programs and volunteer efforts that support the company’s mission. The importance of supporting DEI initiatives helps everyone within the organization to show up as their true selves, without judgment, resulting in increased productivity and a happier workplace.

Impact on Organizational Culture

Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to women CEOs. They’re all about championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations. Unity Web Agency’s culture is proof of that, with a team that celebrates varied perspectives and fosters collaboration and innovation at every turn. Women in the age group of 25-34 account for the largest segment of women entrepreneurs globally. Those women in business right behind them, aged 18-24 prove there is plenty of growth ahead as this segment is up 73%. Organizations must create flexible policies where women have flexibility over their hours as well as options for paid time off (Forbes). 

When it comes to achieving gender parity in organizations, it’s crucial to take proactive steps in managing women’s careers and fostering opportunities for their advancement. Women are demanding that their managers level up and pick up new skills to effectively steer the ship in a flexible and hybrid model. This isn’t just about business strategy and effective communication, but also embracing some of that human touch—think emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion. Ultimately, we need more women on board. Why, you ask? Well, McKinsey says “one in five women reckon they’re often the only gal or one of a couple in the room at work.” Especially for the senior-level ladies and the ones in technical roles — almost 40 percent are the “Onlys”. Time to level the field folks.

First conceptualized by James McGregor Burns, the idea of transformational leadership versus transactional leadership is particularly applicable to women. In a survey sponsored by the International Women’s Forum, women described themselves in ways that characterize this “transformational” leadership concept—getting subordinates to transform their own self-interest into the interest of the group through concern for a broader goal. Moreover, they ascribe their power to personal characteristics like charisma, interpersonal skills, hard work, or personal contacts rather than to organizational stature. More specifically, women encourage participation, share power and information, enhance other people’s self-worth, and get others excited about their work. All these things reflect their belief that allowing employees to contribute and to feel powerful and important is a win-win situation—good for the employees and the organization.

Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes

Ever notice how some brands just feel different? That’s the magic of women CEOs at work, and Unity Web Agency is a perfect example. We’re all about trust, authenticity, and making connections that last.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—women CEOs face their fair share of challenges. Gender bias, discrimination—it’s all too real. But guess what? They’re not letting it hold them back. Women in leadership aren’t just  talking the talk; it’s about walking the walk; sharing strategies for other women to harness their leadership potential, break stereotypes, and thrive in the business world.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

In conclusion, the influence of women as CEOs goes beyond numbers—it’s about making a real difference. As we celebrate diversity and inclusion, let’s raise a toast to the women leaders who are shaping the future of business. Cheers to progress, one CEO at a time!