National Post - Financial Post Magazine
CLOSING THE LEADERSHIP GAP
Since 2006, the World Economic Forum has released a Global Gender Gap Report, benchmarking national economic, political and education gender gaps. In 2014, there is still no place in the world where women enjoy all the same opportunities as men, although Iceland seems to be paving the way, earning the top spot (Canada placed 19th out of 142 countries). The hope is that by raising awareness and showing what is possible, others will be inspired to do better.
Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 is working to close the leadership gap across industries and sectors by showcasing the successes of women leaders. When I launched the program in 2003, women were not being recognized for their leadership ability, yet there were so many outstanding women leaders I had come to know through WXN. It was a missed opportunity to advance women and close the leadership gap — a focus today of the federal government because of the well-documented benefit to business and the broader economy. At WXN, we inspire smart women to lead. It’s the heart of what we do. The best way to accomplish this is to show the next generation that women leaders are succeeding at the highest levels.
Perhaps the greatest hallmark of timeless leadership — the theme of this year’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Leadership Summit and Awards Gala — is the ability to inspire. Inspiration is about vision and communicating that vision in a compelling way so that others are inspired to follow, share and help realize it. Each of this year’s Top 100 Winners and our group of 13 Hall of Fame inductees continue to prove their ability to inspire. In fact, if there has been a constant over these past 12 years, it is this key aspect of timeless leadership coupled with a strong work ethic and commitment to improvement. Top 100 Award Winners are more than ready to roll up their sleeves, work hard and find ways to be better. They are curious, engaged, always learning and drawing inspiration from others.
What has changed is the types of roles they are now taking on. Today we recognize many more women CEOs and corporate directors. There is still a lot of work to be done before the gender gap in leadership is completely closed, but I’m happy to report we’ve come a long way. I like to think that in turning the spotlight on women in leadership, Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards has played some small part in inspiring more women to lead. I get a thrill each time I see an appointment notice for one of our Top 100 Winners and the Award is cited. It is such a privilege to watch as more and more women move into senior leadership roles.
Since 2003, WXN has honoured 800 Top 100 Award Winners and inducted 106 of these women into the Top 100 Hall of Fame. I would like to congratulate all of our Top 100 Award Winners. By seizing opportunities and breaking down barriers, you are inspiring more women to do the same.