Why Women Make Great CEOs
Let’s face it, running a company isn’t easy. It takes a mix of skills, smarts, and strategy to get it right. And here’s the thing: more and more research shows that women make fantastic CEOs. Sure, anyone can be a good leader, but women bring something extra to the table that’s perfect for today’s business world. Let’s break it down and keep it casual.
1. Women Are Empathetic Leaders
Empathy is a kind of superpower when it comes to leadership, and women tend to nail it. Empathetic leaders understand what their employees and customers need, which makes them better at building happy teams and loyal customers. A study from Development Dimensions International found that women are 86% more likely to be seen as empathetic leaders compared to men. And guess what? That empathy leads to more engaged employees and better teamwork.
2. Communication Pros
Good communication can make or break a CEO. Women, in general, excel at explaining things clearly and building connections with people — whether it’s their team, investors, or customers. A Harvard Business Review study showed that women scored higher than men in inspiring and motivating others, which is vital for running a company. When everyone’s on the same page, magic happens.
3. Collaboration Is Their Jam
Women tend to lean toward a collaborative approach when making decisions. Instead of the old-school “my way or the highway” vibe, they are more about listening to different opinions and building consensus. Research from McKinsey & Company found that companies with more women in leadership were 21% more likely to outperform their competitors. Why? Because diverse input leads to smarter decisions.
4. Resilient and Adaptable
Let’s be real: getting to the top isn’t a walk in the park for women. They’ve often faced extra challenges along the way, and that’s built a ton of resilience. According to a study published in the “Journal of Business Research,” women leaders are better at handling crises because they’ve learned how to stay calm and think creatively under pressure. Whether it’s a pandemic or a market crash, women CEOs know how to keep things moving.
5. They Play the Long Game
Short-term wins are great, but long-term success? That’s the ultimate goal. Research by Credit Suisse found that companies with women in leadership roles tend to focus more on sustainable growth. Women often think about the big picture, balancing profitability with ethics and sustainability. It’s not just about making money now—it’s about setting the company up for success years down the line.
6. Emotional Intelligence for the Win
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a fancy way of saying you know how to handle your emotions and read the room. Women tend to score higher in EQ, according to a study by TalentSmart EQ. This means they’re great at building relationships, managing stress, and inspiring their teams. A high EQ isn’t just nice to have — it’s a must-have for anyone leading a company.
7. Women Deliver Results
Here’s the kicker: women CEOs get results. A study from S&P Global Market Intelligence found that companies led by women had better stock price performance than those led by men. That’s right—the numbers don’t lie. Women’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth pays off big time.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Despite all this awesomeness, women are still underrepresented in the C-suite. But times are changing. Companies are beginning to see the value of putting women in charge, and it’s about more than just fairness. It’s about bringing in fresh ideas and new perspectives that help businesses thrive.
The Bottom Line
Women bring empathy, communication skills, resilience, and long-term vision to leadership — and it works. They’re not just breaking the glass ceiling; they’re proving that diverse leadership makes businesses stronger. As more women step into CEO roles, the corporate world is becoming smarter, more inclusive, and much more innovative. The future is bright, and it’s female.
The sources referenced in the article include the following studies and reports:
Development Dimensions International: Research on empathy in leadership, highlighting that women are more likely to be seen as empathetic leaders. (Read here)
Harvard Business Review: Study showing that women outperformed men in inspiring and motivating others, particularly during crises. (Read here)
McKinsey & Company: Women in the Workplace report, indicating companies with more women in leadership outperform their competitors. (Read here)
Journal of Business Research: Study discussing how women leaders excel in crisis management. (Read here)
Credit Suisse Gender 3000 Report: Insights on how women in leadership roles prioritize sustainable growth. (Read here)
TalentSmartEQ: Research on emotional intelligence, where women tend to score higher. (Read here)
S&P Global Market Intelligence: Data showing that companies led by women have better stock price performance. (Read here)