female business leaders
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I thought rather than cherry pick a few of the many fantastic females I know and have the honour of working with (and thankfully I know many of you), that I’d showcase my favourite female business leaders of all time as well as state some essential facts about WHY women are brilliant in business.
“Business shapes the world. It is capable of changing society in almost any way you can imagine.”
- Anita Roddick, DBE.
Celebrating Dame Anita Roddick, DBE, British businesswoman, mother of two daughters, originally from Brighton, human rights activist and environmental campaigner, best known as the founder of The Body Shop.
When she launched The Body Shop in 1976, its approach to beauty was radically different. It was ethically sourced, using natural ingredients from around the world, supporting women workers globally and utilising packaging you could easily refill. Anita wanted to make women feel good in their own skin, never promising to make them look like anyone else. Social and environmental dimensions were woven into the fabric of the company brand culture, as an ongoing part of everything they did.
I remember when I ran my digital agency, Zinc/Havas, we were based in a townhouse in Charlotte Street (Fitzrovia, London) where Anita also had a family home. I often saw her out and about, just like any other person, but heavily imbibing a gorgeous glow of humanity and purpose. A bright revolutionary with a belief that business could be a force for good. Her mission was simple, that ‘The Body Shop exists to fight for a fairer, more beautiful world’.
Anita died in 2007, 30 years after being contaminated via a blood transfusion whilst giving birth. RIP Anita, we thank you for your fantastic social contributions to the world, your force for good and hope the brand manages to continue your passion and beliefs for the future.
"Buy less, choose well, make it last."
- Vivienne Westwood.
Welcome to my other brand and business idol, Dame Vivienne Westwood, DBE RDI, queen of fashion, originator of punk clothing, mother of two, social activist and a brilliant founder so often misunderstood by the media and in general.
My first degree was in fashion design, in the 1980s, and Vivienne is a hero I have watched avidly ever since, thoroughly enjoying every second of her talented trajectory. I got to watch her talk a few years ago, live, at Latitude Festival, and she was so inspiring in her message regarding social media strategy and the power it could have for good if used in that way, i.e., as a collaborative communication for good, not as a micro channel for trolls. It was wonderful also to see her resplendent in strong red lipstick, towering platforms and wild dress attire, reminding us that style is timeless and that fashion can be a great enabler of strength and difference to womanhood.
The Vivienne Westwood brand has been associated with sustainability and climate change for more than ten years now and is one of the few remaining independent global luxury fashion houses, akin to Stella McCartney, campaigning for protecting life on mother earth, climate change and human rights. Sky Arts rated her the 4th most influential artist in Britain of the last 50 years. When Vivienne died recently, her financials were in great order with gross profit at £40.3 million. Well done, Vivienne, a beacon of female fabulousness and an inspiration to all of us.
“This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.”
- Maya Angelou
Last, but most importantly, I’ve been saving my adoration for Maya Angelou, the American civil rights activist, mother, poet, writer, memoirist and more.
Maya had a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood including fry cook, sex worker and nightclub performer. She was the first African American woman to work as a streetcar conductor in San Francisco.
Maya worked alongside Martin Luther King and Malcolm X during the civil rights movement and was instrumental during the decolonisation of Africa. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies in North Carolina.
Author of the outstanding book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she was an inspirational spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works are considered an authoritative communication regarding the importance of Black culture. President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, the country’s highest civilian honour, a fitting recognition for Angelou’s remarkable and inspiring career.
She penned the infamous poem "On the Pulse of Morning" and one of my favourite daily mantras of all time is, “This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.” Thank you, Maya, may your effervescent light shine on.
Why Women Excel in Business:
Men + women = greatness! In research, it was found that nine out of ten clients would prefer more female employees in male-dominated professions. And the customer is always right.
Natural nurterers! Women are statistically strong at gaining trust, and faster in building relationships with others in general. Teams can deliver better quality solutions due to the belief that women can care and nurture long-term partnerships and relationships.
Positively progressive! According to Harvard Business Review, by inviting more women to join the C-suite, companies become both more change welcomers and less risk-seeking. Meaning transformation can be embraced and planned while solutions to reduce risks are more considered.
We hear you! As greater listeners in general, women can help and understand clients, CEOs and business leaders clarify their own needs clearly, rather than imposing information or behaviours on them. Asking why strategically is so important as opposed to stating reactive solutions.
Calm challengers! Because women are less likely to be competitive, they can be flexible and don’t always feel the need to fight, or be right, in an argument or boardroom debate.
I so hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it and celebrated International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month in your own special way.
I welcome any feedback, communication or opportunity to say hello. For further information on people power, world class brand strategies, business planning or digital expertise please contact georgia@ghbrand.co.uk