We wanted to understand what’s enabling their success, what obstacles remain, and what meaningful support looks like – from the earliest stages of a career to the most senior levels. We were delighted to partner with Clusivity, who use data-driven insights to help organisations measure and improve inclusion. Together, we designed and ran this survey across the US, UK and Europe with a focus on gender dynamics in the M&A and professional services industry.
Over 130 women shared their views. Their responses highlight both the ambition and the resilience of women in this sector. Most of our respondents are aiming for senior leadership, and many are already there. However, challenges remain. Gender impact is still felt early in careers. In Europe, internal barriers like imposter syndrome are widespread, and in the US, bias and discrimination continue to be cited as major hurdles.
What’s encouraging is the clear consensus on what makes a difference: inclusive cultures, visible role models, flexible working, and the opportunity to build strong networks. These are the fundamentals that drive progress – helping to attract and retain top talent.
This report brings those findings together. We hope it prompts reflection, and more importantly, action across the sector.
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the full PDF version here
