Of the 2,500 companies studied, Strategy& found that women CEOs were more likely to lead companies that make or sell consumer staples, discretionary products and IT services. The number of incoming CEOs with MBAs increased by 50 percent from 2003 to 2013, and they expect that number to continue to rise.
The study also revealed that men and women who rise to the top position come from similar backgrounds. But women were hired from outside the company were more likely to be ousted.
How should a woman prepare herself for the rise to the corner office or from one CEO position to the next? Talent management firm Legacy Bowes suggests that the following strategies will help executives move up:
They also suggest you seek out professional help in conducting self-awareness and self-development.
Steve Tappin, CEO of consultancy Xinfu, says that being a CEO is a privilege, and before anyone can become a CEO, they must first become an outstanding leader. “If you’re in it for the money, prestige and power, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons,” he says.
Tappin suggests doing everything it takes to be a CEO early and often in your career, from getting an ample amount of education to taking risks, working for startups, diversifying globally and working under great leaders.
Maria Rodale, chairman and CEO of publisher Rodale Inc., offers several tips to leaders and leaders-to-be. She says: believe in what you’re doing, but have a contingency plan; see things that others aren’t willing to see; and if you don’t believe in what you’re doing, no one else will either.
Finally, she says, always do the right thing, but do it with love.
Additional reading:
Start preparing for the corner office today
The Secret: How To Become A Fortune 500 CEO
What It Means to Be a Leader, 11 Tips
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
