Examining the obstacles faced by female executives, and how organizations can increase female leadership and reap the benefits.
Women Commit to Careers at Different Times
At school or university in the United Kingdom, and after a few years’ work in the Nordic region and German-speaking countries
A Career Is a Major Part of a Woman’s Identity
Drivers are personal growth for Nordics and Southerners, identity and impact in the United Kingdom, and challenge for Nordics
United Kingdom
“I had ambition at school and chose a career for the future. It was the start of the digital age and I knew I would have a global career if I studied computer science and micro-processing.”
— Managing Director
“A career is a way I can develop my skills and contribute to the greater good to improve the wider world.”
— Senior Consultant
“I enjoy being independent, powerful and at the top of the hierarchy.”
— Chief Executive Officer
“For me it’s a story, not about different jobs. Each job morphed into the next one and I gradually moved from being a software engineer into management.”
— Managing Director
Southern Europe
“A career is a path that leads you to self-esteem and personal satisfaction.”
— Regional Managing Director
“For me it is a path of thoughts which has been enhanced during my education and later on when I started my career.”
— HR Director
“A career is the evolution across time of your professional capabilities and competencies, to follow your passions and ambitions.”
— Country Head
“For me it is about reaching your objectives and facing new challenges, through very hard work.”
— Subsidiary Head
German-speaking countries
“A classic career is an opportunity to create something, involving leadership, innovation, P&L, networking, singular thinking, communications and high-tech.”
— Chief Executive Officer
“A career is life, it is my life task.”
— Director
“I wanted to join the top management to create things, to be creative and proud.”
— Chief Executive Officer
“I see a career as a professional occupation with an opportunity for personal growth to the advantage of the individual as well as the business.”
— General Manager
Nordic Region
“I have never wanted a ‘position’ but a challenge.”
— Chief Executive Officer
“A career is about following my passion and my ambitions, increasing my responsibility.”
— Board Director
“A career is a fulfilling position where I can influence decisions and continue to develop.”
— Chief Executive Officer
“For me it is about development – personal as well as professional – on many different levels. It does not need to go in a straight line, but is a process of continuous development.”
— Chief Executive Officer