When you think about your life - about the doors that opened, the ones that didn't, the opportunities you took and the ones that you didn't – how do you make sense of how and why those opportunities came your way?

When it comes to women "succeeding" in the workplace, and I use the term with speech marks deliberately, it's clear that organisations have a lot to learn and do differently. Women sit at just 12% of the boardrooms globally and for women of colour, the picture is even bleaker, with just 5.7% of Fortune 500 seats in the US being held by women of colour.

Today's guest, Jane Sassienie, looked around her at the women who took up roles like this, alongside other senior leadership roles in organsiations, and asked one question: how did she get there? Through her research, conducted at Bridge Partnership in partnership with WeAreLeftfield, a design-thinking consultancy, Jane spent years exploring what enables women to thrive whilst staying true to who they are amidst a status quo that typically sets them up not to.

In today's conversation, we discuss:

• The thinking and experiences behind the research, including her frustration at being asked by organisations to teach women 'how to be more assertive'
• Jane's fascination with the idea of pre-menstrual ecstacy, and how this ultimately led her to thinking about women's experiences in the workplace
• Why being a women involves being in a process of continual change
• What organisations and leaders in them can do to create the conditions where women can thrive.

I really believe in the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats, and because of that, I think that this episode is for everyone, regardless of your sex or gender. If you have or have ever had a woman in your life (and let's face it, who hasn't!), then this is a must-listen.

Resources

Download How Did She Get There? 

Find out more about Jane and WeAreLeftfield here

Connect wth Jane on LinkedIn

Find out more about the Bridge Institute's amazing systemic work here

The Deloitte study on women in boardrooms

Women of colour in the boardroom

If you find this show a helpful or stimulating listen, please rate or review in your podcast app. It really helps spread the word about the show. Email Elloa on theheardspace@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn here