As a woman, have you ever found yourself apologising for asking for something that you are 100% owed? Or undermining yourself with phrases like ‘I’m no expert…’ and ‘I may be wrong…’? If not, then let me buy you a drink. Because research has shown that this ‘out-of-power’ language is enormously common for women. And it needs to stop.

Closing the female leadership gap is so much more than just fulfilling a quota or ticking a box. It requires deep, fully embedded change across all levels. A change that cannot be achieved overnight.

Because the gap still exists, regardless of how many steps have been taken in the right direction. Globally, women hold just 24% of senior leadership roles; patriarchy is rife in the workplace, and it’s high time we did something about it.

So, how can we close the female leadership gap? We need to take a multifaceted approach where stereotypes, pay, flexibility, celebrating success, balancing work styles and being perceptive all sit at the forefront of the work environment.

It’s a hefty task; there are mountains to climb and battles to tackle. Are you up for the challenge?