IWD 2025: Far-reaching influence: the impact of women in business

International Women's Day is a time to reflect on the huge impact that women have both in business and on society as a whole. I think it's important to acknowledge  both the progress and the occasional regressions we have seen over the years in the efforts to achieve equality within society and the world of work. Although the setbacks sting, I am optimistic for the future based on the long-wave impact of women whose contribution has gone down in history: their individual struggles and their resounding successes provide an example that is an inspiration, casting ripples through time and space that go far beyond their individual experience.

Women in technology: the gap

The tech sector, where I spend my time,  is often used as the measure for how far underrepresented groups have come in reaching equality. It's a dynamic environment, driven by innovation, so it should not be anchored to traditional mindsets. Yet, statistics show it is similar to more traditional sectors.  For example, the number of STEM professionals with a disability remained unmoved at 3% between 2011 and 2021 (National Center for Science and Engineering, 2023). Similarly, in 2025, women still make up only 35% of employees in (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mechanics) STEM in the U.S., albeit up from  8% in 1970.  In a sector as dynamic as technology, valuing divergent perspectives is key to injecting innovation into operations and ensuring solutions respond to emerging demands.

More diversity in procurement

When it comes to procurement specifically, a recent survey highlights this drop in career progression with only 25% women in senior roles. This is despite 76% of respondents reporting that having women on the team resulted in "more creativity and innovation". Personally, throughout my career I have benefitted hugely from this diversity of thought countless times, gaining key insights from younger workers that are more connected to new trends, older workers with their key experience and those of different genders, backgrounds and more. The benefits of diverse views are those extolled by a champion of women's rights, Eleanor Roosevelt, who writes in her It's Up to the Women, "Women are different from men. They are equals in many ways, but they cannot refuse to acknowledge the differences," thus highlighting the importance of creating an environment where differences are a driver for growth and common good. A more inclusive outlook can also support flexible sourcing strategies, that take into account social value, resilience and sustainability and are key to responsiveness in complex and volatile geopolitical times.

Reluctant leaders

In my own career, which sits astride of these two sectors, I have found that looking back and reflecting on the examples that come before us is both inspiring and reassuring that progress is slowly being made. In particular, inspiring women whom many consider role models have been  "reluctant" leaders  -  women such as such as leading publisher Katherine Graham who was the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and more recently Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama. These are women whose impact was great, not because they chose to lead, but because they found themselves in a position to be an example, grasped the nettle and left an indelible mark in history!

What inspires me from these examples is that women in business can connect with their purpose and profoundly understand their value to use their "superpower", whatever that is for them. This naturally leads to having an impact.  Casting off self-doubt and moving past reluctance is key to owning our roles in the changing environment.  This means identifying what drives us and channeling that constructive energy, while also confidently asserting boundaries. How?  I recommend a mid-day mental health walk, a weekly turn on the ski slope, daily time to read or learn a new language, or anything else to keep those batteries fully charged.

Making and following a personal roadmap

To manage all these professional and personal expectations I believe in the importance of time spent in preparation and setting intentions. Then, prioritize long and short-terms goals . I am far from the expert at time management, but I do proactively structure our rhythm of the business based on plans to achieve  these goals.  And, for me, it's important to  have some fun along the way.

Finally, change is the only constant. Any plan you make will need revisions along the way as that is the nature of life, so factoring in those human diversions is key. Agile, anyone? Bumps in the road remind us that kindness and empathy matter. If there is strong motivation , new pathways for success will open. Inspired by women before me, their allies and mentors, and as a professional woman in a male-dominated sector, I look for inspiration in the little things.  Today, I am inspired by my coffee mug that reads: "Behind every great woman is a whole tribe of amazing women!".