The workplace is an ever-evolving space – we only have to reflect upon the past decade to see the rapid advancement of technology, the wider acceptance of remote working, and the slow-but-sure closure of the gender pay gap, to name just a few advancements.

Although we could take a deep dive into different dynamics that have shaped the working world for it to become what it is today, UNLEASH wanted to focus on the impact it had on one particular demographic – women.

But before we get started, let’s set the scene by going back in time.

It’s the 1800’s – right in the middle of the Victorian era. Women were expected to be the “Angel of the House,” meaning they show unwavering devotion to their family and home. But, many were also expected to participate in paid work, too, which often limited them to factory, workshop, or domestic service positions.

Opportunities to progress were therefore slim, and pay was low.

Now, jumping back to the 20th century, a stark improvement has been made. However, there’s definitely still room for more progress.

Especially when it comes to that top quartile of leadership positions.

The gender pay gap still exists, women are still outnumbered in many professions – particularly in STEM careers – and a lack of policies makes navigating fertility and motherhood an often uncomfortable topic.

But to gain a stronger understanding of not only how far we’ve come, but also how far we’ve still got to go, UNLEASH spoke exclusively to four senior female leaders: ServiceNow’s Kelley Steven-Waiss, Mailchimp’s Michelle Taite, Klowt’s Amelia Sordell, and Deel’s Nadia Alaee.

Being a women in the workplace was “uncomfortable” and “impractical”

If you think of a leader – what do they look like?

Does this image change if you’re asked to think of a female leader? Hopefully, not too much.

When talking to Kelley Steven-Waiss, ServiceNow’s Chief Transformation Officer, she explains how this image has transformed over her time in the workplace.

She says: “When I was still in college in the late 1980’s, I worked as a teller for a bank and had to stand all day in heels and wear dresses with hosiery.

“It was not only uncomfortable – it was impractical. Being a woman in business now has less to do about what you wear and more about how you carry yourself and your expertise.

“I would love to see the day when we aren’t having to talk about bias towards gender and we can focus on the needs of the workforce in general.”

And for many, the ‘power heel’ was a symbol of female importance. But now, with more businesses encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work, this is becoming an archaic stereotype.

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