The Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre (WLC) at Cambridge Judge Business School is passionate about improving gender balance through dialogue and action. We produce thought-provoking research that address pertinent topics on gender diversity, collaborating with major corporations and not-for-profit organisations. Throughout the year we offer a wide variety of panel events, workshops and our flagship annual conference to achieve our goal of continuing to foster a supportive community, advancing gender parity and inclusion, and advocating for a sense of belonging for all.
Wo+Men’s Leadership Conference: Shaping Success, Saturday 25 November at Cambridge Judge Business School
The WLC’s annual conference with inspiring women leaders and specialist panel events on the sector’s trending topics, allows delegates at all stages of their careers to deepen their understanding and access a global network. Women have been traditionally under-represented in business, and by working with the next generation of female leaders and our current students, we are harnessing this momentum to drive thought leadership, meaningful dialogue and collective action.
At this year’s conference we’ll also be discussing the recommendations from our newly published research report Inclusion in Investment Management > in collaboration with Invesco and the Investment Association. The study published last week finds clear psychological and performance advantages in workplace diversity in the asset management sector.
“People from lower socio-economic backgrounds were rated higher in job performance, had greater psychological resilience (particularly females) and higher task-based persistence,” the study says. “Men are rated as more creative, feel a higher sense of status, and are more likely to be recognised for awards even if they are not assessed to have higher performance."
Key recommendations from “Inclusion in Investment Management” report:
- Limiting the subjective component in performance review and compensation, which can be subject to unconscious bias. Instead, tie such criteria to particular tasks and set clear evaluation guidelines with multiple evaluators.
- Increasing mentorship and sponsorship programmes in order to provide support and networking opportunities while creating a more inclusive environment.
- Addressing gender stereotypes through awareness campaigns, education and promoting diverse role models.
Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre’s commitment to fostering gender diversity
Earlier this month we sponsored the UN Women UK Awards 2023, with Executive Director Tracey Horn presenting the Outstanding Contributor to Gender Equality award to Zelda Perkins. This prestigious recognition honours an individual or organisation that has made exceptional contributions to gender equality and the rights of women, girls, and marginalised people in 2023 ; Executive MBA alumna Khayala Eylazova was shortlisted in the HeforShe Changemaker category. At the Women of Future Awards, EMBA candidate Prudence Chow was also nominated in MBA category
The WLC is actively involved in the Business School’s Athena Swan accreditation submission, a collective effort to foster gender equality within higher education and research as part of our commitment to creating an inclusive space for everyone. The Athena Swan Charter is a framework used across the globe to support and transform equality within Higher Education (HE) and research.
Invitation to the Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre’s ninth annual conference: Shaping Success
This year’s conference offers an exciting day of a keynote speakers, panel discussionsand an interactive communications workshop led by outstanding leaders and renowned Cambridge Judge academics. Our aim is for gender parity among delegates.
Our keynote speakers are:
- Alumnae Marie von Bethmann, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company and Rina Einy, Founder and Owner, Culthread London in conversation with Professor Dame Sandra Dawson, KPMG Professor Emerita of Management Studies, Cambridge Judge.
- Anne Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer at Kinaxis in conversation with Feryal Erhun, Professor of Operations and Technology Management and Academic Director, Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre at Cambridge Judge.
Panel discussions include:
- Inclusion in Investment Management: on our new research report into inclusion in the investment management industry, in collaboration with Invesco EMEA and The Investment Association with Dr Jenny Chu, Associate Professor, Cambridge Judge Business School
- Networks, with Patrizia Vecchi, Assistant Professor, Cambridge Judge Business School.
- At this year’s conference we are delighted to offer a first – an interactive masterclass on communicating at your best, led by actor and Integral Coach, Barbara Dryhurst, from AGL Communication, London’s leading communication experts.
View the full agenda and find out more >
Image: courtesy of Cambridge Judge Business School
