Why mothers make great CEOs
Only 6 out of 100 CEOs in the Forbes Fortune 2017 were women. Only 5 out of 100 venture capital investments went to women-led start-ups, according to the Diana Project in the last fifty years. Ouch.
One of the most significant contributors to these statistics is motherhood. Research shows that over 43% of highly qualified women with children are leaving careers or off-ramping for a period to take care of their families.
As a working CEO myself these are not encouraging statistics, but there is always a silver lining, the number of returners programs have multiplied in the last few years, and the number of women entrepreneurs is on the rise as well. Here is why I think moms make great CEOs: They focus on what matters most. They are open to help, and they are determined to make it happen.
Focus. Focus. Focus
Moms are great at getting things done. They are great nurturers with a high level of empathy. We genuinely care about our teams, our customers and stakeholders we serve in the community. Moms are givers, in the business context, which always pays multifold.
Asking for help. Always.
Moms are more willing to ask for help. Multi-taskers by nature, managing both home and work means that we are always at a stretch. Asking for help, advice, support is natural to us and gives us a unique strength.
Determined to make it happen
The stakes are high. Women who choose leadership roles know the trade-offs they are taking, are ambitious and want it all. This desire comes with hard work, determination and relentless focus on making things happen. We don't take a no for an answer as we believe everything has a solution, one must find it.
The new breed leader is one who can manage both personal and professional aspirations as it feeds each other, women and men taking on higher personal responsibilities help them raise their bar of efficiency, effectiveness & purpose.
To all mom CEOs, wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day. Continue to inspire!