On a timely basis we curate fabulous articles about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on our Instagram, Facebook page, LinkedIn Leading NOW group and company page, and also Tweet them out.
We then share the the best of the best here on our blog!
Women CEOs run more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies for the first time in history
Fortune
"... For years, the share of Fortune 500 companies led by female CEOs has been stuck around 8%. For every appointment, there’s a resignation; in such a small universe, every corporate move counts.
This month, for the first time in the Fortune 500 list’s 68-year history, more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women. The Jan. 1, 2023 start dates of five new Fortune 500 chief executives brought the number of female CEOs up to 53, pushing the tally over the long-awaited threshold.
“Women as CEOs isn’t an oddity anymore,” says Jane Stevenson, global leader for the CEO succession practice at consulting firm Korn Ferry. “It’s not the majority, but it’s not an oddity. So 10% makes it more and more normal—and less risky, subconsciously, to put a woman in the top spot.” ..."
Aspiring Women III - Webinar Series
FWLE
SAVE THE DATE:
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
10:00AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern
“Aspiring Women III” is a free five-part series of one-hour sessions addressing topics of critical importance to contemporary leaders in the post-pandemic world – such as career evolution; leadership challenges amidst exponential change; work, family and self-care demands; and the shifting social equity paradigm. Our dynamic speakers offer instructional guidance, audience engagement and practical solutions to help our participants achieve better leadership outcomes.
Register today to see Leading NOW's Gretchen Sussman present 'Career Navigation' on Tuesday, February 21st.
Highway or Footpath? Whatever your interests, goals, and skills, managing a successful and fulfilling career in today’s constantly evolving workplace is complex. Positions and opportunities fluctuate amidst economic upheaval and emerging technologies, putting a premium on organizational nuance and agility. This interactive session will explore two distinct approaches to setting clear career goals and taking the right opportunities. Gretchen will examine the six must-have career anchors – self-knowledge, clear views, networking, mentors and sponsors, track record, and self-advocacy – to help you envision what success is for you!
..."Read ON!
How a CEO Can Create Psychological Safety in the Room
Harvard Business. Review
"... As the CEO, your mere presence in a room dictates the power dynamic. The paradox of being a CEO is that your job is to encourage useful ideas, and yet your very presence can work against that objective. So can your desire to indulge in the dark side of charisma to seek admiration. Ironically, you must overcome the interpersonal liability of your role in order to perform it. How, then, can you create high levels of psychological safety to promote the unencumbered exchange of ideas and unedited circulation of feedback? The author, who has worked with hundreds of CEOs over the past 25 years, offers 10 practical ways to make that happen...."
For DEI Success, Do This, Not That In 2023
Leading NOW
"... In a recent Forbes article, Leading NOW’s CEO, Kelly Primus, addressed the DEI Churn & Burn many organizations are experiencing in their quest to create a more inclusive culture. In the article, Kelly talks about some of the things organizations can do to stop the constant turnover of Chief Diversity Officers who are in the trenches, trying to transform the company’s culture.
This got us thinking, and begs the question – Is your DEI strategy passive or POWERFUL?
For 2023, we’re kicking off the new year with a monthly blog series titled, DO THIS, NOT THAT. Each month we’ll address common actions that most DEI strategies include (passive), the barriers to inclusion identified by our own research over the last 20 years, and the what, why, and how, to make your DEI strategy more powerful.
Let’s start with the most important DEI barrier of all ..."
How companies can more meaningfully celebrate Black History Month this year
Fortune
"... A few years ago, I caught up with chef, author, and culinary historian Michael Twitty to talk about what passes, or doesn’t, for the celebration of Black culture in corporate life. “People are trying to be sensitive by serving ‘classic’ soul food dishes,” he says, of the many ways large companies have traditionally marked moments like Juneteenth or Black History Month. “But we can do better than fried chicken.”
That line has stuck with me ever since. ..."
International Women's Day - March 8, 2023

IWD
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.
Have you booked your #IWD2023 speakers yet?
As you prepare to recognize International Women’s Day on March 8th, the team at Leading NOW & Leading Women is ready to partner with your organization to bring conversations, events, and solutions that not only challenge, but are designed to accelerate growth, advancement, and engagement for your women leaders.
Choose from a menu-style offering of content to give you the flexibility to create an invigorating program no matter the size or scale of your event. Our content can be customized and formatted to YOUR needs!
Leading NOW
As the leadership expert and global advisor to organizations seeking to change mindsets, behaviors, and cultures to be inclusive for all, Leading NOW’s team of thought leaders and global consultants are available to speak on a wide range of timely topics including DEI, Cultural Dynamics, Leadership & Talent Development, Women’s Leadership, Mentorship, and more. For information on upcoming speaking events and to see a curated sampling of our Leading NOW experts in action, click on any of the links below.
For more information on how to request a Leading NOW expert for your next conference, event, or podcast, visit our conferences & speaking engagements page.