Transforming Leadership: Embracing Gender Equality in the Modern Workplace - In conversation with Angela Mangiapane
As we strive towards a more inclusive future, the importance of gender equality in the workplace becomes increasingly apparent. The conversation often focuses on the challenges faced by women and what they should change to overcome them. However, the spotlight is never shone on the many systemic obstacles posed to women.
Today we are in conversation with Angela Mangiapane, President at Mars Global Services. A passionate advocate for systemic change, she delves into how organizations can evolve to embrace and value the influence of women. She emphasizes that women should not have to “make it” in a man’s world; instead, the world should adapt to ensure equal opportunities and support for all. This shift towards inclusivity and fairness marks a significant step forward in redefining workplace norms and fostering true gender equality.
Angela, how do you see the relationship between personal transformation and changing the system when it comes to gender equality? Women often work on improving themselves, but the environment (like people and organizational culture) also plays a big role. How can we work together to change the system as a whole? What are your thoughts on how individual empowerment and systemic change interact within organizations?
“Women should not have to “make it” in a man’s world; the world should evolve to embrace and value the influence of women. Systemic change is crucial. Reflecting on history, if someone from Mars (pun not intended) analyzed our progress from World War II to now, they would see that many issues remain unresolved. Women are still underrepresented in the C-suite, face a significant pay gap, encounter the motherhood penalty, and receive fewer promotions.
“Leadership starts with everyone. While individual empowerment is important, collective efforts make a significant impact. Organizations must be open to change; otherwise, individual efforts will be in vain. Women need to advocate for themselves, seek sponsors and mentors, and leverage their skills. Sponsorship, especially from influential male allies, can be pivotal.
“Male allies play a crucial role in the movement towards women empowerment and systemic change. Their support can help dismantle entrenched gender biases and foster an inclusive environment where women can thrive. When men actively advocate for gender equality, they not only amplify women’s voices but also challenge and reshape societal norms that perpetuate inequality.
“However, systemic changes are still the most important. Organizations need to address structural barriers to ensure women are not perpetually swimming upstream. Positive strides are being made — like achieving 50% gender equality in teams at Mars — but there’s more to be done.
“Consider the example of a female employee at Mars who needed maternity leave. Initially, the company’s policy allowed for only six weeks of maternity leave, which is often insufficient for new mothers to recover and bond with their newborns. Recognizing this, Mars extended the maternity leave to three months, a decision that marked a significant step towards supporting working mothers. This change was vital in promoting the well-being and professional longevity of women within the organization.
“Despite the positive shift, the decision to extend maternity leave faced resistance, even from other women within the company. This resistance underscores how deeply ingrained systemic biases can be, affecting perceptions and attitudes across all levels of the organization. Such reactions highlight the need for comprehensive systemic change to truly transform mindsets and achieve genuine gender equality. It’s not enough to implement policy changes; ongoing education and cultural shifts are essential to ensure these changes are embraced and sustained.
“Career paths are no longer linear, and corporations must dispel the myth of the “up or out” trajectory. While fundamental changes might not be necessary, incremental changes can accumulate to make a significant impact. By shifting attitudes, gaining allies, and focusing on systemic transformation, we can create a better future. Systemic change within organizations is crucial for true gender equality.”
Thanks for sharing, Angela.
A values-driven and human-centric leader, Angela Mangiapane brings to business and board service a creative transformation perspective — at the intersection of financial progress, social good, and human capital investment. She has held and continues to serve in a variety of leadership roles throughout her career and is currently channeling her expertise into board service. Angela is chair of EoM Solutions, the consulting arm of the nonprofit EoM Foundation, devoted to transforming the economic system by creating a mutuality of benefits among all stakeholders. She also serves as co-chair of the Conference Board, a global nonprofit “think tank,” as well as on the advisory board of SSON, a professional networking group for high-level professionals.
Connect with Angela Mangiapane on LinkedIn.
