IBJ: Cracking the Glass Ceiling is Not Enough: New Women’s Executive Leadership Institute Brings Sisterhood Approach to Progress
The proverbial glass ceiling, or the unequal divide between women and men in leadership roles, is often cited as one of the reasons to create a more representative workplace. There is abundant research showing that while women represent an equal number of employees in the lower levels of management in the United States, the top level leadership roles, especially those in the C-suite, are disproportionately held by men. According to this year’s Women in the Workplace report, women in the US make up a mere 29 percent of C-suite positions, an increase of 12 percent since 2015. While this represents progress, it also shows that merely deepening the cracks in the glass ceiling is not enough. It’s time to break it entirely, especially in central Indiana.
Women in leadership positions, especially women of color, bring a unique perspective to the table. The business world is not merely interconnected but interdependent. In this world, diversity of skills, viewpoints, backgrounds and life experiences will clearly differentiate organizations as they compete for talent, resources and customers.
Even as the gap at the top shrinks, far too often, women are held back, not because of a lack of skills but because of long-held beliefs about what it takes to lead. Reshma Sujani, founder of Girls Who Code, eloquently captures some of the reasons in a Ted Talk titled “We Must Raise Girls to be Brave not Perfect.” Women suffer from imposter syndrome more than men. For example, many women will only apply for a job if they meet 100 percent of the qualifications while men will apply when they meet only 60 percent of the qualifications. Women often don’t negotiate for themselves as hard as men and are less likely to ask for advancement opportunities, even when they are fully capable and have demonstrated leadership skills.
I recall as a young professor in the business school, few leadership positions in my college or the university were held by women, especially women who looked like me. I wondered how, or if, I would fit in. I saw this reflected in my students as well—perfectly capable young women who doubted themselves, especially when they were considering pursuing degrees in fields like finance or engineering or doctorates in business, because they did not see themselves represented in those disciplines. Ever since that time I have made it my mission to BE that person. And I know I’m not the only woman, and woman of color, to feel this way.
That’s why I’m especially proud to announce that the University of Indianapolis is unveiling the inaugural Women’s Executive Leadership Institute. The goal is to help women who aspire to be in the C-Suite and other senior leadership positions to develop the skills and, just as important, the confidence and the attitude to embark on the path to senior leadership roles.
Each month, about 30 participants will hear from leaders on a whole host of topics ranging from emotional intelligence and executive communication to understanding financial statements for strategic decisions and how to understand the impact of AI on our work. The Leadership Institute is designed to empower women in central Indiana to develop a suite of skills that are required to succeed in leadership roles in a wide variety of organizations. The Institute will offer 1:1 mentorship support as well as growth groups to encourage participants to support each other. The Institute has an impressive lineup of speakers and facilitators and will feature workshops, panels and discussion groups.
One of the things that excites me the most about the Women’s Executive Leadership Institute is that this annual event will create a network of leaders who will help build and support the next cohort who can support, advise and advocate for each other.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, I would encourage you to visit uindy.edu/womens-leadership. You can take a look at each session’s theme as well as mark your calendars with the dates. I would also encourage you to share this opportunity with a friend who would benefit from the content, the conversation as well as the bonds forged by shared experiences. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.
Be bold! Challenge yourself! Let’s break that glass ceiling and accelerate the progress of women leaders in Indianapolis and central Indiana. Through a sisterhood approach of learning, mutual encouragement, mentorship and support, we can help realize the full potential of women as leaders. It’s simply time to have more women in the corner office.
Click here to read Dr. Tanuja Singh’s piece in the Indianapolis Business Journal.