The document discusses the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions despite their academic success, highlighting statistics such as only 21 female CEOs in Fortune 500 companies. It emphasizes the societal and psychological barriers women face, including self-doubt and attributing success to external factors. The talk encourages women to take proactive steps for personal advancement and to embrace confidence, support networks, and hard work.

1. The Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Laura Witjens
23 January 2014

4. WHY IS THIS TALK NEEDED?

7. The stats
• Across Europe, 22-24yr completed at least
upper secondary education
– W: 82%
– M: 77%
• In US, 57% of college graduates and 63% of
master degrees are women
• Generally, academically women
outperform men

8. And you know that don’t you
Heathfield Young Woman??!?

9. But then…
• Only 21 of the Fortune 500 CEO’s are women
• Only 14% of the executive officers are women
• Only 16% of the board seats are women
• Only 22% of MP’s are women
• 17,000 UK graduates (2013), same study,
same Uni > men get paid more
– 30% women > £24,000
– 44% men > £24,000

12. ‘I’m not the woman President of Harvard,
I’m the president of Harvard’
Drew Faust, President, Harvard University

19. We blame society
But we ARE society
We can blame society
but we ARE society

20. Women worry…
• 36% of men said they want
to be CEO. Only 18% of
women said the same
• Women are much less likely
to say they want to be
prime-minister
• Successful women are more
likely to feel like
"impostors" who will be
found out

21. • Men attribute their success to innate qualities and skills.
Women attribute their success to luck and help from others
• When men fail, they say its because they weren't interested.
Women blame their lack of ability.
Women are modest

22. Do YOU choose to be one of them?
OR
Will YOU ask yourself…
• What can I do to get ahead?
• What can I do get be heard?
• What should I do to shine?

23. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Dream BIG

24. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
BELIEVE
IN
YOURSELF

25. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
CONFIDENCE is not
about being right
It’s about not fearing
being wrong

26. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Dare to be different

27. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Your attitude, not your aptitude,
will determine your altitude

28. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Executive Presence
Act
Look
Speak

29. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Work hard and keep learning!

30. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead
Pick your support teamHave a team of supporters

31. Girl Guide to Getting Ahead

32. Step up
Dare to shine
Show the world how good you are

33. Thanks