In recognition of National Women Support Women's Day, George Washington University's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership and CommPRO are showcasing the voices and wisdom of trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on the business landscape. Insights from female business thought leaders contribute a unique perspective on the current state of women's leadership in the business world and in the workforce.

In the following series, we present the thoughtful responses of these influential women, offering a glimpse into their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future of women in leadership. As we delve into their insights, we aim to uncover actionable strategies and illuminate the path forward for businesses striving to cultivate an inclusive and empowering environment for women. You can download the full report, “Nurturing Women's Leadership: Insights From Distinguished Thought Leaders,” here.

"Tie executive compensation to supporting and advancing women to leadership positions to incentivize this behavior and reinforce the importance of this responsibility." - Patrice Tanaka

Patrice Tanaka, best-selling author, public speaker, and founder of Joyful Planet LLC, highlights the effectiveness of "all-women" leadership development programs and the power of mentorship from both internal and external sources. She encourages reciprocal mentoring and ties executive compensation to supporting women in leadership.

COMMPRO: In your experience, what leadership development and management training opportunities have been effective in retaining female talent and helping women move up into leadership roles?

“All-women” leadership development programs, I believe, are highly effective in women feeling supported in their leadership journey and, ideally, able to be open and vulnerable in the safe space of sisterhood.

Women being supported by internal and external female and male mentors and sponsors is another very powerful way to help them succeed.

COMMPRO: What do you believe is still needed to further support and advance women in leadership positions?

Have aspiring women leaders mentor and sponsor younger, emerging women leaders to learn and grow, helping those junior to them WHILE concurrently being mentored and sponsored by women leaders senior to them. 

Tie executive compensation to supporting and advancing women to leadership positions to incentivize this behavior and reinforce the importance of this responsibility.

Women Leaders on the Rise

Women Leaders on the Rise is a 2-day inaugural program, specifically designed for first-time women managers and women who have the aptitude and interest in taking on management roles. The experience supports women in developing leadership and management skills to enable career success while addressing obstacles they may face early in their careers.

The program is presented by Leslie Grossman, Senior Fellow and Executive Coach at GW CEPL, and founder of the Women’s Leadership Exchange. She is the author of "LINK OUT: How to Turn Your Network into a Chain of Lasting Connections".

Executive Women's Leadership Program

Propel your career forward with this highly interactive 3-day program presented by The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Designed for women leaders in the private and public sectors who aspire to positions of greater influence and impact or have been identified as high-potential in their organizations, this breakthrough program will provide new strategies and tactics for you to take the lead and succeed at higher levels.

Participants will have the opportunity to network and build community with guest speakers and participating women leaders throughout the three days. We offer the option to continue the learnings of the 3-day program with a monthly ‘virtual’ Mastermind Group accessed online for 6 months following completion of the EWLP program.

Members share insights, ideas and get support for newly learned best practices and address challenges in the workplace and their careers. Facilitated by executive coach Leslie Grossman, members can set goals, request accountability partners, and continue to move forward expanding their leadership abilities and goals.

Global Women's Leadership Program

While gender diversity is recognized as a hallmark of the most successful organizations, studies - including “Women Rising: The Unseen Barriers” reported in HBR* - reveal that gender bias continues to exist in most organizations. This program provides participants with transformational communication skills, executive presence, and powerful leadership strategies while transforming mindsets and behaviors that may hold women back from both contributing fully and moving up in the organization. In a global pandemic, women leaders have been recognized for their positive outcomes from COVID-19 more than most male-led countries. The program identifies the leadership skills shown by these women leaders and many others who have exceeded all expectations.