As we bask in the afterglow of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, our hearts and minds are full at London Speech Workshop (LSW), reflecting on the indelible imprint of female leadership.
Born from the vision of a woman who continues to steer our ship as CEO, and with our Managing Director also at the helm, LSW is a beacon of the transformative impact women have when they lead. This blog is an exploration into female leadership at LSW and beyond, our collective journey, and the ripple effect this has on the broader scope of diversity and inclusion in the business world.
We Asked our CEO and MD, What Does it Mean to Lead a Company as a Woman?
“I am a woman and I run a company. I don’t define myself as a female leader. Simply a leader. The more interesting question to me is what it means to lead a company. For me that is to build an environment where people feel happy, where well-being is prioritised, where people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work AND we are also high performing. This is my focus as a leader. Now as a female leader – I have only to say this. The fact that my gender is barely relevant to my thoughts of leadership is not a given. 120 years ago – it would have been impossible not to be obsessed by it. But thankfully, back in 1903 courageous women put their heads above the parapet and said – this is not fair. This will not do. We may be different by gender, but we have just as much to offer and should not, will not be ignored any more. They showed spine-tingling courage then, so people like me now, can sit here and have that initially nonchalant first reaction of – well it just is. I’m a woman. and I lead. So what. So with awe, humility and appreciation – I shrug. AND I am grateful.” – Emma Serlin, CEO and Founder of LSW
“Leadership, to me, is about being in a position to give opportunities to others, to recognise that talent is diverse and not always obvious. The chance to create a place and a way for people, whatever their gender, ethnicity or background, to fulfil their potential is a huge privilege and one that I do not take for granted. As for being a woman in leadership, I would say that I am grateful to all the women of previous generations who went before me, who made the path easy, compared to theirs, and made it possible for me to do something for people who come after me. They were giants and we wouldn’t be here without them.” – Caroline Evans, Managing Director of LSW
The Impact of Female Leadership at LSW:
LSW’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of female leadership. Under our CEO and Managing Director, we’ve seen significant milestones:
- Growth and Innovation: Since inception, LSW has expanded its offerings, consistently innovating in the field of communication training, empowering thousands worldwide to find their voice and encouraging them to use it with kindness and authenticity.
- Diversity and Inclusion: With a commitment to diversity, LSW boasts a team from various backgrounds, contributing to a rich tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and practices.
- Community Impact: LSW’s initiatives, particularly those focused on empowering women in business and our community, have made a tangible difference in promoting gender equality and leadership.
The Global Picture:
Beyond LSW, the influence of female leadership is undeniable, yet underrepresented. These statistics highlight the benefits:
- Companies with women in top management roles experience 21% higher profitability compared to those without.
- 78% of companies report that diversity and inclusion initiatives improve their competitive advantage.
- Despite these benefits, only 5% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women, underscoring the need for continued progress.
In Conversation with Emma Serlin and Caroline Evans:
We were lucky enough to have our CEO and MD sit down for a candid conversation on International Women’s Day discussing everything from inclusion, diversity, gender roles to being a woman in leadership. You can dive into their insights with our ‘Women in Leadership’ playlist on YouTube. Each video is a testament to the strength, intelligence, and perseverance of women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Key takeaways from the interview include:
- The Importance of Role Models: Seeing women in leadership roles inspires others, creating a cycle of empowerment.
- Challenges and Opportunities: While challenges persist in achieving gender equality, each step forward opens doors for the next generation of women leaders.
- The Role of Communication: Effective communication is pivotal in advocating for diversity and inclusion, highlighting the need for initiatives that support women in developing these skills.
Join us in celebrating their achievements and learning from their experiences. You can watch it all now! ‘Women in Leadership’ Series on LSW’s YouTube channel.
As we reflect on the progress and the path ahead, let’s use International Women’s Day 2024 as a catalyst for action. We invite our readers to join us in:
- Supporting Women in Leadership: Mentor, sponsor, and advocate for women in your professional networks.
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Implement and support policies that foster an inclusive workplace.
- Continuing the Conversation: Engage in discussions about gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, contributing to a broader societal shift towards equity.
The quest for gender equality in leadership continues, yet every success story of a woman brings us closer to a balanced and equitable business realm. At LSW, we take immense pride in our female-founded and led legacy, steadfast in our commitment to celebrate and amplify diverse voices. Together, let’s honour these achievements, face challenges with courage, and redouble our efforts to empower female leadership in every corner of life. Your voice matters, and we’re here to help you ensure it’s heard.
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