Empowering Women in Leadership Roles:
Bridging the Gender Gap in Creative Companies
Article for Impact’s Market Guide 2024
It is an uncomfortable truth, but men and women typically experience their careers differently.
Why? Our careers aren't ours alone; instead, they are a product moulded by the societies we live in, the cultures we work in, and the messages we and everyone else tell each other. They create invisible barriers and advantages, leading to some of us experiencing the regular privilege of a helping hand whilst others are left to navigate the perilous modern-day battlefield, lucky to make it on the first rung, never mind into the world of leadership.
The creative industries are not just about generating art, design, or content; they are about crafting the very narratives that shape our societies. The voices at the table, the stories we tell, and the perspectives we embrace all impact the world's perception of itself. It's a powerful position, and therefore, it's no surprise that the importance of diversity and inclusion crops up in nearly every business and people agenda.
It is not just hype either; plenty of evidence shows diversity (when coupled with inclusion) positively impacts workplaces, financial performance, creativity and innovation. Yet, in the creative industry, women typically only represent 29%** of the senior leadership roles and 17%*** of the key behind-the-scenes roles (These numbers are drastically lower for women of colour and those with different abilities). Why are we still struggling to close the gap? Because there is no silver bullet, it requires thoughtful strategies, commitment, a shift in traditional power dynamics and the collective effort of organisations and communities alike to surmount.
But where can you start?
Be careful of homogenous teams; they are self-fulfilling and can lack different lived experiences that understand different barriers. Actively include differences and help people to manage the change in dynamic. Cultivate the next generation of leaders by recognising that women and others have traditionally been overlooked for leadership roles.
Figure out what you are measuring, and don't rely on subjectivity when assessing job performance. We know bias has a detrimental impact on women in the workplace, so don't let it go unchecked.
Have accountability at the top and part of your strategic agenda. Nothing speaks louder than how you reward people (through pay, access, opportunities and promotions). Regularly and openly challenge gender-biased behaviour and language and ensure behaviour and action align with rewards.
Provide effective programmes, opportunities and support that help with career planning and advancement. Mentoring (when done well) transforms company silos into networks and is proven to be a powerful catalyst in promoting inclusive working practices and cultivating the next generation of creative leaders.
Create a culture that embraces flexibility and different leadership styles; without this, you exclude skills, ideas, and experiences, meaning your workplace will only work for a limited few.
Lastly, if you are a woman looking to develop your career, own your outcome as much as possible. We regularly say that your career is 50% based on skills and 50% based on your network. It is easy to deprioritise and leave one-half on the shelf. Recognise your career is not a solo endeavour; focus on building your network, and don't limit yourself. Find safe, supportive spaces where you can connect with other women, share experiences, and draw inspiration from each other.
Summary
For business to thrive, we depend on a more equal future where women in leadership roles are not the exception but the norm. By empowering women, we empower creativity itself, and that is a world we all want to be a part of. Gender diversity fosters innovation, creativity, progress and is the driving force that fuels positive change in creative industries.
*A study by PwC revealed that for the creative sector, having a diverse workforce can lead to more innovative ideas and greater financial performance.**According to a study by McKinsey & Company, in 2020, women made up only 29% of the senior leadership roles in the creative industry.***Research from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that in the film industry, women held only 17% of key behind-the-scenes roles, such as directors, writers, producers, and cinematographers.
