In October last year, LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Co. published their Women in the Workplace 2022 report, and it echoed what many of us already knew. Post-COVID, women are resigning from companies at a very high rate… especially women in leadership roles. Citing lack of ability to progress in their careers, regular microaggressions, and exhaustion from carrying the unrecognized burden of company diversity work, women are simply marching out in what has been dubbed “The Great Breakup”.
Last week, Jacinda Ardern, PM of New Zealand, announced that she would be stepping down. She no longer “has enough in the tank” to continue as needed.
Are these negatives? Or is this, finally, the oxygen mask? A sign that we have had enough of self-sacrifice and want to start setting the same boundaries that we have long advocated for our teams and loved ones; that we want our workplaces to reflect our values – and value what we bring.
Either way, it’s given us a lot to think about here at AmCham Women in Leadership. This year, we have decided to mix things up a bit. We are going to put more emphasis on bringing real, inspirational stories to you. Alongside that, a focus on the issues we face in the workplace, including practical tips and advice to improve the ecosystem for all of us. We will begin with a focus on allyship and its importance. From Investors to Boards to Executive Teams to Leadership, the inclusion of women and minorities drives better business decisions and results, especially when those voices are amplified.
And what better moment than during the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit, symbolizing longevity, peace and prosperity. The Rabbit is considered optimistic, kind-hearted, sensible and highly approachable. This sounds a lot like the leadership exemplified by Arden and a new group of strong, empathetic female leaders.
It’s time.
-Megan Riley, AmCham Vice President
MLR Strategies