In 2024, women represent 51% of the UK population but hold just 30% of senior leadership roles in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This stark disparity highlights a dual challenge: external barriers such as structural inequities like the ‘broken rung’, and internal, often invisible limitations.
The Broken Rung: Addressing the Early Leadership Gap
One of the most critical hurdles is the "broken rung"—the first missed step to management.
Research by McKinsey shows that for every 100 men promoted to first-level management, only 87 women advance.
This early-stage bottleneck significantly reduces the number of women in the leadership pipeline. For SMEs this is compounded with uneven access to crucial resources like funding, mentorship, and professional networks.
Yet, the case for gender-diverse leadership is compelling. McKinsey reports that companies with diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform their competitors in profitability. Similarly, the British Business Bank underscores the role of diverse leadership in fostering innovation and resilience, traits vital to SMEs navigating today's volatile business climate.
Internal Barriers: Rewriting the Leadership Narrative
External obstacles tell only half the story. Equally challenging are the internal barriers, often rooted in societal conditioning. From childhood, many women absorb limiting beliefs that manifest as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a reluctance to become leaders. These psychological blocks can hold women back from realising their full professional and entrepreneurial potential.
As a coach, I’ve witnessed how reframing these narratives can be transformative.
True leadership isn’t just about acquiring new skills—it’s about evolving one’s identity.
This shift requires moving from self-doubt to self-actualisation, anchored in a clear vision, a growth mindset, and personal empowerment. By embracing this transformation, women can step into leadership with confidence, authenticity, and impact.
The Woman-Centred Approach: A New Leadership Paradigm
Inspired by the pioneering research of Dr Claire Zammit, I have experienced how the woman-centred approach offers a transformative framework for unlocking leadership potential. This approach creates a safe, empowering space where women can face internal limitations, reclaim their authentic power, and lead with confidence, resilience, and inclusivity.
Unlike traditional models, it addresses the unique challenges women face, fostering both personal growth and systemic change.
Inspiring a New Era of Leadership
Women bring invaluable strengths to leadership: collaboration, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity—qualities that, when realised, drive innovation and adaptability in SMEs. By embracing these strengths, women not only overcome personal barriers but also catalyse cultural and organisational transformation.
Confidence is a skill.
As a Woman-Centred Leadership & Life Coach and Support Partner of Women on Boards CIC®, I am committed to and highly experienced in empowering women to break through limitations, realise their full potential, and lead with purpose and authenticity.
Together, we can shape a future where women rise, thrive, and inspire others to do the same, reshaping policy, businesses, communities, and beyond.
Featured collaborator;
Debbie Moore, Debbie Moore Coaching