Rick, Mintigo, a company whose integration and predictive analytics prowess make them an interesting company to watch (according to Forbes and Inc. magazines), recently conducted a comprehensive gender study on US companies with over 100 employees or over $50 million in revenue.
The results indicate that companies with over 1,000 employees should probably hire a female CEO. However, women only make up 17% of CEOs.
So how can women raise the percentage of female CEOs in 2015? Five women have listed tips below for Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly’s readers.
Although the study found that female run companies had robust marketing teams, more publicity, stronger event planning, and a greater online presence than male run companies, another study suggests that men are more aggressive when asking for what they want, and there for make up the remaining 83% of CEOs.
5 Women Give 5 Tips for Raising the Bar to Increase the Number of Female CEOs in 2015
Have a Clear Mission
Ariana Beil, VP of Customer Success at Mintigo, suggests having a plan. “The clearer and more specific the mission for your career, the better,” she says. Make a plan and go for it. Don't listen to that little voice that tells you you're not good enough, not worthy enough. Believe in your abilities and shoot for the moon.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Women tend to be less likely to take on a job they don’t feel qualified for; but change only happens when boundaries are pushed. “Push yourself to take on roles and responsibilities outside of your comfort zone,” suggests Meagan Einsberg, Vice President – Customer Marketing and Demand Generation at DocuSign. “If you even think you are partially qualified, you are more likely fully qualified. Go for it.” Along with that comes confidence. Even if you don’t feel confident – fake it till you make it!
Collaborate with Your Team
You’re only as strong as your weakest player. In order to lead effectively, create a collaborative environment that allows your team members to bring their A game. “The future is connected and collaborative,” says Lindsey Nefesh-Clarke, Founder of Women’s Worldwide Web. “Increasingly, success arises out of creative collaboration and it's crucial to create smart collaborative networks: internally, within a company, harnessing talent at all levels; and externally, within one’s sector and across sectors.” Basically, if your team does well – you’ll do well. Give them the best possible chance.
Be Bold!
Lisa Joy Rosner, CMO of Neustar reminds us, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for; the worst thing that can happen is people will say ‘no.’” The best way to advance is to keep asking for what you want/need (no matter how big or bold) and you will be surprised at how many yeses you will get! Never depend on others to be your advocate – take matters into your own hands.
Get in the Game and Be Competitive!
“I played sports all of my life and to this day I compete against myself and others in meaningful ways to keep moving ahead,” says Linda Pasinli, Director of Total-Apps. “I look at business as a sport and I love the strategy, the skills, the tactics and ultimately winning.” You don’t get to the Olympics without a lot of races including wins and losses. The more you put into your training and performance the better chances you have at the gold medal.
