Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in C-Suite Roles in 2025

Representation in the C-suite has improved, but women still lag behind men in these top leadership roles. What can be done to elevate more women to these key positions?

Practical Tips:

1. Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs
   Developing formal mentorship and sponsorship programs can provide women with the guidance and advocacy they need to move into executive positions. According to a McKinsey report, women with sponsors are more likely to ask for—and receive—stretch assignments, which are essential for career advancement.

2. Advocate for Transparent Promotions
   Transparency in promotion and hiring processes ensures that biases don’t block women from rising to the C-suite. Encourage your organization to standardize criteria for leadership roles and offer development opportunities based on merit, not assumptions about leadership readiness.

3. Build a Personal Brand
   Women should actively manage their professional brand, highlighting achievements, leadership strengths, and vision. This includes sharing thought leadership through writing, speaking engagements, or networking events.