Gender balance is improving – now, change must go deeper and wider with Kristen Anderson

The Mind Takeaway Podcast

In this enlightening episode of The Mind Takeaway Podcast, we reconnect with Kristen Anderson, now CEO and board member at European Women on Boards, who last joined us in April 2022. With her recent promotion and the organization's growth, Kristen brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolving landscape of gender balance and equality in European boardrooms.

We dive deep into the latest research summary, hot off the press, covering the state of women in decision-making roles across 17 European countries. The data, drawn from over 1300 companies, is telling: an increase in female appointments to board roles, yet a persistent gap in executive director positions held by women. Kristen sheds light on the impact of legislative measures and the importance of inclusive leadership in driving organizational change.

Kristen also shares insights on the EU directive to improve board gender balance and the varying progress among member states. We discuss the cultural and structural barriers that hinder diversity and inclusion, the significance of transparency in recruitment, and the power of mentorship and role modelling in fostering a more equitable corporate landscape.

This episode is a call to action for leaders and organizations to prioritize diversity, not just as a box-ticking exercise but as a strategic imperative for innovation and success. We explore the nuances of inclusive team building, the value of listening, and the critical role of allyship in empowering diverse voices within decision-making groups.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of gender equality in leadership and consider the steps we can take to create more inclusive and effective boards and executive teams. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or an advocate for change, this conversation with Kristen Anderson is a must-listen for anyone committed to making a difference in corporate governance.

Click here to download the EWOB Toolkit for change

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Kristen Anderson returns to the podcast after almost two years

(00:57) Kristen is the CEO and board member at European Women on boards

(02:20) Your research on women in decision-making went live yesterday

(03:29) The European Union has passed a directive to increase female representation on boards

(11:51) Kristen: Why are some companies pulling away from diversity policies

(13:42) The EU directive requires more transparency in board positions

(17:45) One of the barriers to inclusion is it's a bit scary

(19:41) Kristen: Companies that focus on diversity tend to have more diversity

(28:14) One of the leadership skills is noticing people and giving them a voice

(36:59) Why do boards and executive teams need more team building and developing themselves

(40:59) Kristen: Having allies can be incredibly valuable in large organizations

(48:22) Only 15% of chairs of boards are women

(53:01) Look at board positions, know the position descriptions and challenge them

(58:17) Leadership mentoring is not about hard skills; it's about soft skills

(01:00:03) Kristen: To make change, we need to look at the data

Episode Keywords

Kristen Anderson, European Women on Boards, Gender Balance, Boardroom Diversity, Inclusive Leadership, EU Directive, Organizational Change, Research Summary, Mentorship, Allyship, Decision-Making, Executive Roles, Cultural Barriers, Talent Recruitment, Corporate Governance, Leadership Development.