Today, on International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women around the world.
While we’ve seen positive change, women in leadership continue to face barriers—from bias and limited flexibility to underrepresentation in senior roles. At Morgan Latif, we are committed to challenging these obstacles, championing diverse leadership, and fostering inclusion in the workplace.
In this blog, we explore the challenges, strengths, and solutions shaping female leadership today, with insights from the inspiring women on our team.
1. What unique barriers do you think women are facing in leadership roles and how can organisations address them?
“Women continue to face significant barriers in progressing to senior leadership roles, with bias and lack of flexibility being two key challenges. Unconscious or conscious bias still leads to perceptions that women are “softer” or less “tough,” undermining their leadership potential. Organisations must be mindful of the language they use and actively promote soft skills and leading with empathy as valuable traits.
Flexibility remains a major issue, particularly with the push to return to the office, which disproportionately impacts women. Many working mothers are highly organised multitaskers, and flexibility allows them to excel both at work and at home without unnecessary Mum guilt. Companies that support flexible working empower women to thrive in leadership while balancing their responsibilities effectively.”
– @HelenGoold, Non Executive Director
2. What company policies and initiatives have you seen at ML that you feel successfully support women and diverse leaders?
“Our initiatives and policies are designed to foster both physical and mental well-being. We offer robust maternity and paternity leave, as well as dedicated menstrual and mental health leave, ensuring our team feels supported at every stage of life.
Beyond well-being, we are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. We uphold a company-wide pledge to create diverse shortlists for all roles, ensuring equal representation and opportunities for everyone. These initiatives reflect our dedication to a workplace where everyone thrives.”
@ameliaknibbs, Senior Candidate Consultant
3. Who is a female leader that has inspired you? And why?
“Today, we honour the resilience, ambition, and leadership of women everywhere across the world —those who break barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.
For me, the strongest influences have been the women in my own life. The unwavering strength and leadership of my mom and sister have shaped me into the ambitious, driven person I’m today, teaching me the power of perseverance, the importance of lifting others, and inspiring me to push limits and always strive for success.
Let’s honour the women who inspire us and continue breaking barriers for future generations.”
@nataliazonneveld, Principal Candidate Consultant
4. How can we encourage more women to step into leadership roles?
“Women are driving innovation, shaping industries, and redefining leadership, from groundbreaking startups to the boardrooms of major corporations. While progress has been made, recent data highlights the challenges that remain in achieving true gender parity in leadership.
As of 2024 in the UK, women hold 43.4% of board positions in FTSE 350 companies. However, only 9% serve as CEOs, and just 18% occupy top finance roles. (ftsewomenleaders.com)
To increase female representation in corporate leadership, companies should:
Offer flexible working arrangements to help women balance professional and personal responsibilities, making leadership roles more accessible.
Review and refine recruitment, retention, and promotion processes to eliminate bias and ensure equal opportunities for advancement.
Build a strong pipeline of female leaders by providing coaching, mentorship, and leadership training through new assignments.
The future of leadership must include women, but this will only be realised if businesses create environments where their contributions are truly valued.”
@malvikaoke, Principal Candidate Consultant
5. What’s one leadership quality women bring to the tabLe that should be celebrated more?
“One leadership quality women bring to the table that deserves more recognition is their incredible resilience. Women often navigate challenges with strength and determination, balancing multiple roles and turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. This resilience not only fuels their personal success but also inspires teams, fostering innovation, empathy, and perseverance.”
@daniellezhang, Client Consultant
6. Can you share a moment where a female leader positively impacted your career and perspective?
“I can’t say there is one exact moment, but when I think of a female leader who has shaped my perspective, I actually think of my mother. She pursued a career while raising a family, never missing a hockey match and picking me up from school almost every day. She made sacrifices along the way—turning down promotions she was more than qualified for—to balance work and family. But she was so exceptional at her job that her company kept her on part-time until she was ready to return full-time, and continue to climbing the ladder. As work demands grow and the cost of living rises, there’s increasing pressure to have more than one income to support a household. My mother’s path has given me hope that as a woman, you can have success in both career and personal life.”
@meganlafrenais, Senior Client Consultant
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it’s clear that while progress has been made, there is still work to do. True gender equality in leadership won’t happen by chance—it requires intentional action from businesses, leaders, and society as a whole.
Women bring resilience, innovation, and empathy to leadership, yet barriers like bias and inflexible work structures continue to hold many back. Companies that actively challenge these obstacles—by offering flexible working, eliminating bias in hiring, and investing in female leadership development—will not only empower women but also drive business success.
At Morgan Latif, we are committed to championing diverse leadership and working with organisations that value inclusion, equity, and innovation. The future of leadership must include women—not just in boardrooms, but at every level where decisions are made and industries are shaped.
Let’s use today as a reminder and a call to action: support the women around you, advocate for change, and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
