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Women in leadership: Lessons from companies leading the way

Top organisations are deploying a range of strategies to address the known issues affecting women’s advancement. While companies are increasingly active in their efforts to drive gender equality, women remain underrepresented in the career pipeline. Women constitute 42 percent of all employees, yet make up just a quarter of executives and only 10 percent of CEOs for large, for-profit companies. The transition point from key management positions to CEO has the highest drop off (59 percent) in women’s representation of any in the pipeline. Over the past three years, the average growth rate across all industries in women taking leadership roles stands at 2.8 percent, with public administration and with rental, hiring, and real-estate services leading the pack at 19.6 percent and 15.1 percent growth rates, respectively. Despite the positive trajectory, women’s representation in management, C-suite, and CEO roles continues to be a particular challenge. Progress at the very top is expected to be slow Beyond today’s pipeline numbers, the low numbers of women in key management roles presents a challenge that is difficult to change in the near term. Of the 24 percent of women in key management roles today, many of them are in support roles, such as head of human resources and general counsel. Research on workplace diversity reveals, around 90 percent of CEO appointments come from line roles such as chief operating officer or head of a business division. This means the near-term pipeline of women who are in line for CEO appointments is even smaller than it appears. Efforts to achieve gender equality are apparent The objective to achieve gender equality and change these dynamics is evident. Companies implement stand-alone gender-equity strategies. Recruitment policies are the most emphasised area. However, while policies are a useful tool for progressing toward gender balance, they alone do […]

Victoria Meldrum_Anna Christensen_Cloudian_1

Cloudian appoints new APJ Channel and Marketing Directors

Cloudian has appointed Anna Christensen as Asia Pacific and Japan head of channel and alliances, and Victoria Meldrum into Christensen’s former role of Asia Pacific and Japan head of marketing. The appointments come as Cloudian experiences a surge in demand for its technology across the region as data demand rises and customers and partners seek shelter from tariff uncertainty. Cloudian’s software-first approach has enabled companies to upgrade data storage capabilities on existing hardware to avoid new capital expenditures now subject to tariff-inflated prices. The company is also helping organisations source hardware from local suppliers where needed and opening its inventory of pre-configured appliances acquired before tariffs to the APJ market. Christensen, who led Cloudian’s APJ marketing program since 2022 and brings deep experience from IT distributors NEXTGEN and Exclusive Networks, says new tariffs have introduced significant uncertainty into technology investment planning and added pressure to already-constrained IT budgets. In the picture: Victoria Meldrum, Anna Christensen. “Our software-defined approach has given flexibility, choice and control to our customers and partners across APJ,” she said. “Now, it’s also helping to shield them from tariff costs and uncertainty while establishing their foundation for data-centric applications, including AI workloads that will drive competitive advantage.” Meldrum joins Cloudian from Buckner Brand Management and brings more than 20 years’ experience working with companies including Fortinet, Menulog and Canon. She aims to deepen joint marketing initiatives with Cloudian’s APJ partner base, particularly in key and growing regions like A/NZ, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. “Cloudian’s unique partner-led model and engagement was a major drawcard for joining the company,” said Meldrum. “No one else in the market offers the same breath of technology in the increasingly important object storage space, exemplified by the company’s growing partnerships with NVIDIA and other AI leaders.” New initiative to support A/NZ tech […]

Kweh Jia Xuan

Meet Ms Kweh Jia Xuan, a 23-year-old athlete with mild intellectual disabilities, who represented Special Olympics Singapore in DanceSport (Latin Dance) for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025! The Special Olympics World Games is the world’s largest humanitarian sporting event, and was hosted in Turin, Italy, this year. Over 100 nations sent nearly 1,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in 9 sports at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, including 113 participants from the Asia Pacific region representing countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Team Special Olympics Singapore competed in DanceSport, showcasing their talent in the Latin Dance genre in both team and couples’ categories. Jia Xuan was part of the first-ever team of four athletes with intellectual disabilities, accompanied by four officials, to compete in the inaugural DanceSport competition at the Special Olympics World Games, after DanceSport was unveiled as an official Special Olympics sport in 2019. Jia Xuan’s passion for Latin Dance ignited during her secondary school years at APSN Tanglin School, through her co-curricular activities. She followed in the footsteps of her mum, Olivia Oh, 53, who was a keen dancer almost 20 years ago. Olivia has been a constant source of support, seeing Jia Xuan’s choice of activity as a fantastic way to stay fit and active. Although Olivia no longer dances herself, she’s one of the Special Olympics DanceSport’s team’s biggest fan, often helping with hair and makeup for performances. Reflecting on the choice of her co-curricular activity back in school, Jia Xuan said that her decision to choose dance was motivated by her love for music. However, she credits her patient and encouraging coach, Andy Ang, for motivating her to continue training weekly with Special Olympics Singapore’s DanceSport outreach for the past five years. Jia […]

Afsaneh Abolhassani embraces the technical side of warehouse automation

Swisslog Technical Lead, Afsaneh Abolhassani Swisslog Technical Lead, Afsaneh Abolhassani, has always enjoyed the technical aspects of complex automation and intralogistics projects, and encourages others to continuously learn the latest technologies and trends. In a career spanning more than 15 years in the logistics and automation industry, including eight years with Swisslog in design and consulting roles, and most recently a year as Technical Lead, Afsaneh hasn’t felt any additional challenges being a woman in a male-dominated field. “That doesn’t mean others haven’t faced challenges, of course, this is just my experience. For women – and for anyone – entering a new field of work, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the needs and requirements of that industry, to see if it’s a good fit for you, and to figure out where you can add the most value,” she says. After an initial seven years with Swisslog, Afsaneh moved to another company in the logistics and automation industry for four and a half years, before returning to Swisslog a little over a year ago, to commence her new role as Technical Lead. “I chose to return because this was an exciting opportunity, and Swisslog has recently taken steps to further enhance its already excellent culture that continues to put people first, proactively encourages you to expand your skills, and makes everyone feel welcome and supported,” she says. Afsaneh’s role involves collaborating with design teams to create complex solutions that meet the customer’s specific requirements. As a global leader in intralogistics and warehouse automation, Swisslog’s projects range from standardised and standalone automation solutions, right through to highly customised solutions for unique and large-scale applications. “Regardless of the size of the project, my job is to ensure all the technical aspects work successfully, and that the customer is satisfied with the […]

IWD: Engineering apprentice, Paris McCann, has bright future ahead

www.womengoingplaces.net When Paris McCann first stepped through the doors of Buckley Systems Ltd, she never dreamed she would become an apprentice – but fast forward four years and all that has changed. Now, she’s forging an exciting career in the manufacturing sector and is set to become one of the first-ever Buckley employees to complete a general engineering apprenticeship. “I initially joined Buckley as an Assembly Technician, but when they offered me an apprenticeship through Competenz I jumped at the opportunity,” says the Mt Wellington resident. “I like to learn new things, and the chance to study and work at the same time was just too good to turn down.” Buckley Systems Ltd is considered a great place for top-tier engineering talent, and although they’ve long offered apprenticeships in machining, fabrication and electrical engineering, general engineering is a recent addition. That spells great news for aspiring tradies like Paris. “The biggest highlight for me has been furthering my knowledge in areas I didn’t know much about,” she says. “Through this apprenticeship I’ve been able to learn new skills and develop my problem solving capabilities, and although the block courses pushed me out of my comfort zone, I got through them and they weren’t actually as hard as I thought they’d be!” The secret to her success? According to Competenz training advisor Luke van den Bos, a lot of it comes down to mindset. “Paris is motivated to complete and she works hard to keep herself on target,” says Luke. “When she was first employed at Buckley, taking on an apprenticeship wasn’t something she had considered so I’m extremely happy that the opportunity was offered to her, and she’s been able to embrace it, commit to it, and see it through. “Like I always tell my learners, completing an apprenticeship […]

IWD Profile: Isabella Loneragan, Founder of Ragan Skin and Isabella Loneragan Skin

www.womengoingplaces.net What does ‘I’ve got you under my skin’ mean to you? You’ve got me humming because it’s a great track and I’m particularly drawn to Sinatra’s version but to me, it means holistic health and wellbeing. It means nourishing your skin from the inside-out. It’s a whole-body approach to skincare, considering factors like nutrition and gut-health, hydration, sleep, stress management and daily lifestyle factors alongside topical and facial treatments. No matter the volume of skincare products you use or expensive beauty treatments you undergo, your skin reflects your overall health. There’s a connection between internal health and external appearance and moreover, the connection extends to mental and emotional wellbeing too. What you put on your skin is important but what’s underneath it and how you work with what’s underneath, is just as vital. Does your product line deal with this question? It’s partly why I created it! Ragan Skin is a results-driven range of products that include ingredients that are combined in ways that are proven to work deeply. When used in isolation, my products may not permanently fix all your skin concerns because no product line can. Again, truly healthy skin calls for holistic health and wellbeing. It’s for this reason that RaganSkin.com includes video pop-ups of me educating and empowering people on how to maximise the efficacy of my products. It’s also partly why I’m so active in media. Ragan Skin products are focussed on addressing the root cause of skincare concerns – that is, healing the skin’s barrier function. I have a background in cosmetic chemistry and I personally monitor every step of the products’ formation, working within the lab alongside pharmacists and cosmetic lab technicians to ensure each formulation is produced to the highest, Ragan Skin standard. My clients and customers are […]

IWD Profile: Raffy Sgroi, Business Strategist/Founder Sage and Automotive Advocate/CEO, Car Mechanical Services

www.womengoingplaces.net How is life as a business coach? Being a business couch or strategist is incredibly fulfilling. I get to witness transformations not just in businesses, but in people. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to help entrepreneurs unlock their potential. It’s gratifying to see my clients break through barriers they once thought were insurmountable. What gives you job satisfaction? Truly, seeing my clients achieve what they initially thought impossible. Whether it’s helping a woman-led business scale up or witnessing one of our female trainees at Car Mechanical Services master a new skill, these breakthrough moments are priceless. Achieving our 40 per cent female trainee rate in our auto repair centre is a testament to what’s possible when you commit to change. Women in business – and your encouraging role for other women? As a business strategist and automotive industry leader, I’ve made it my mission to create pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated spaces. I help women recognise their potential and unapologetically claim their seats at the table. It’s about building confidence, providing practical strategies, and creating supportive networks. What holds women back? Often, it’s a combination of systemic barriers and internalised limitations. I’ve seen brilliant women hesitate to take leadership roles or doubt their expertise despite clear evidence of their capabilities. Women often face a paradox. It’s known as the ‘Double Bind Dilemma’. If women are assertive and confident, they’re labelled ‘bossy’ or ‘aggressive,’ but if they’re soft-spoken, they’re dismissed as ‘weak’ or ‘indecisive.’ This dynamic is one of the most damaging barriers to female leadership in […]

International Women’s Day: Janice Tay, Founder and Clinical Director of Bridging the Gap

www.womengoingplaces.net Explain to readers about Bridging the Gap Bridging the Gap (BtG) is an integrated early intervention centre dedicated to supporting children with developmental needs aged 18 months to 7 years. We take a multidisciplinary approach, combining speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and social skills development to ensure that each child receives holistic and personalised support. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop essential skills, and integrate with their peers, empowering them to reach their full potential. What challenges do you have with your son Emmanuel? Emmanuel was born prematurely at 32 weeks and faced multiple medical conditions, including apraxia and global developmental delay. His early years were spent in and out of hospitals, undergoing surgeries and battling infections. As he grew older, I noticed significant challenges in his ability to communicate and integrate socially. Despite my best efforts to place him in mainstream settings, he struggled with anxiety and was often isolated or misunderstood. Watching him experience frustration and exclusion was heartbreaking, and it reinforced my determination to find the right support for him. Earlier on, you found there was a large gap in support? Yes, I quickly realised that there was a lack of comprehensive, holistic early intervention services in Singapore. Many centres focused on only one aspect of therapy—such as speech or occupational therapy—without addressing the broader developmental needs of the child. Additionally, there was minimal collaboration between early intervention centres and preschools, making integration even more difficult. I found myself navigating a fragmented system, with long waiting […]

The Broken Rung

The broken rung: a phenomenon even more pervasive than the glass ceiling in holding women back from career success. This book explains it and gives you strategies for how to overcome it and fulfill your potential. Women around the world do extremely well when it comes to their education. They graduate at higher rates than men do and have higher average GPAs. But then a strange thing happens: Upon entering the workforce, they immediately lose their advantage. When the first promotions come around, the slide continues—for every 100 men who are promoted to manager, only 81 women get promoted. This is what McKinsey senior partners Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and María del Mar Martínez call “the broken rung,” and its effects compound throughout women’s careers, causing women to fall behind at the start and keeping them from catching up. In this groundbreaking book, the authors reveal the problem’s underlying cause: while about half of a person’s lifetime earnings come from education and half from experience, men get more value from their experience than women do. www.womengoingplaces.net As the authors show, it is also here, in one’s experience, that the solution lies: How can women build their “experience capital” to level the playing field and maximise their earning potential? Based on over a decade of research, conversations with more than 50 remarkable leaders, and their own experiences as senior partners and as the first three consecutive chief diversity and inclusion officers for McKinsey, the authors weave data on the potential pitfalls across a career with inspiring and instructive stories of women who have climbed over the broken rung by using strategies that increased their experience capital. Leaders and companies must do more to address structural gender inequalities in the workplace—but you don’t have to wait. The Broken Rung is your guide, right […]

International Women’s Day 8 March: Bhawna Bareja on building a supportive future in automation

www.womengoingplaces.net Accelerating equality Swisslog Senior Software Testing Engineer, Bhawna Bareja, credits a feeling of gender equality in the workplace to a supportive environment, and encourages everyone – especially in typically male-dominated industries like automation – to continue to take positive action to support their peers. The 2025 International Women’s Day theme is “accelerate action on gender equality” and Bhawna believes she has seen firsthand what an impact this can make. “From the outside, there may be a difference in numbers between male and female staff, but working here I feel like I am treated equally with everyone else. I’ve received outstanding support from my manager, and other colleagues, and have been encouraged to learn new skills, try new things, and expand my capabilities,” she says. Bhawna has worked for warehousing and intralogistics leader, Swisslog, for more than two years, and in similar industries for the past decade. Her role as Senior Software Testing Engineer spans the entire project lifecycle, from quoting, to feature testing, to functional acceptance testing, to on-site testing, and ramp-up. “It’s a big task, but it’s also a fun one. My favourite part is the on-site testing when I get to visit the customer site and see everything come together. It’s the culmination of hard work from many different teams, so it’s satisfying when it all clicks into place,” she says. Women in STEM As part of last year’s International Women’s Day, an Australian Government event “Let’s Talk Women in STEM” revealed that just 27% of women are represented in the Australian STEM ecosystem. “The positive side of this statistic is that it leaves great potential for our […]

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