Creative Equals has called on companies to support its Business Leaders course as research shows women are leaving their companies at the highest rate ever seen.

Data from the IPA’s Diversity Survey, carried out in partnership with Campaign magazine, showed that last year only 32.4% of C-suite positions were held by women, down from 34% in 2019.

Ali Hanan, Founder and CEO at Creative Equals, explained: "Research at the Leanin.org shows women are leaving their companies at the highest rate we've ever seen. That shows women need to find their own voices, their own leadership style. In 2022, only one in four C-Suite leaders is a woman and only one in 20 C-suite leaders is a woman of colour.”

She continued: “We still have the issue of the 'broken rung' where less women are promoted into management positions at a rate of up to 18% less. Creative Equals Business Leaders has demonstrated over the years how it is life-changing and career defining for those women who go on it.”

Changing the language of leadership

Calling out the double standards to which women leaders are still held, Hanan said: “While there is no doubt NatWest CEO Alison Rose erred, the government is slow to act in cases of its male leaders (Dominic Raab, Nadim Zahawi, Boris Johnson) have made public mistakes without the same swift decisive actions."

According to Creative Equals the course aims to build women up to reach the very top level of their careers, through workshops. The workshops are based on Creative Equals data, which shines a light on what women really need to thrive. The course also supports women to build up a network of like-minded professionals.

To date, the course has helped over 200 women in how to be effective creative leaders, and ascend to the C-Suite, with more following behind.

Melanie Norris, Managing Director and Head of Planning at BBDO Worldwide, who previously went on the course, explained that it has “changed my professional life and had a profound impact personally.” She continued: “It sounds dramatic but it is completely apt. I gained skills that made me a better manager, a better negotiator and a better Planner.”

The programme starts in September and includes 8 modules over a 6-month period delivered by industry experts. Places are limited and applications close 11th August 2023.

To apply click here.