INCLUSIVE leadership
Advocates for Equality
Let's Work Together
Inclusivity is Everyone's Business
Advancing women in leadership isn't a women's issue or a zero-sum game - it's a business imperative. And men have a vital role to play in shaping workplaces where women rise, lead, and thrive. Not as passive supporters, but as advocates and co-creators of cultures that value talent, amplify voices, and drive better outcomes for everyone.
Why It Matters
Men still hold the majority of leadership positions in the business world. That means they're uniquely positioned to challenge outdated norms, sponsor women into decision-making and budget management roles, and remove the barriers that keep talented and qualified women from progressing.
Research from Harvard Business Review, Catalyst, and the World Economic Forum shows that when men actively advocate for women's advancement, businesses win:
- Companies perform better and innovate faster
- Teams are more engaged and collaborative
- Cultures shift from performative inclusion to real transformation
This isn't about being helpful - it's about being strategic.
What It Takes
In a world that feels increasingly divided, it's tempting to stay quiet. But silence reinforces the very systems that need to change. We invite men to step into the conversation—not from a place of guilt or defensiveness, but with curiosity, courage, and a commitment to progress. Here's how:
- Sponsor with intention: Use your influence to open doors, not just offer advice
- Challenge the default: Ask who's missing from the room, the promotion list, the leadership pipeline
- Amplify women's voices: In meetings, in strategy sessions, in moments that matter.
- Model shared leadership: Incorporating voices, perspectives, and experiences isn't about doing favors. It's a smarter way to lead.
Join Us. Lead Differently. Be part of a movement that doesn't just talk about change, but builds it, every day. Because when men step up, women rise. And when women rise, business gets better.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Become the type of business leader you were meant to be.
How you can take action:
GET INSPIRED WITH REAL-LIFE STORIES OF ADVOCATES
- Pam Fischer, VP of Academics for Graduate Women in Business, Darden
- Nick Vachon, Co-President of MIT Sloan Male Allies
- Brad Johnson, PhD, and David G. Smith, PhD, authors of Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
- In your professional experience, what have you noticed helps or hinders women at work?
- What have you observed helps women to thrive professionally? Does it differ from what helps men?
- What behaviors could you start, continue, or stop to become an effective champion for women in the workplace?
- How can men encourage their male colleagues to get involved in supporting women at work?
LEARN WHAT CHAMPIONSHIP LOOKS LIKE
In every role you play - leader, manager, colleague, peer, partner, or parent - you can support fairness through your actions and behaviors. If you're not sure what this looks like for you, there's an easy way to get started: Ask the women in your life how you can better support them, and pay close attention to their answers. Next, explore these resources to help you understand what active, effective advocacy looks like:
5 Things Men Can Do To Be Advocates for Women in the Workplace
There are many ways for men to be supportive at work that don’t require shouting “Sexism!” at their next meeting. Forté CEO Elissa Sangster shared some tips with Forbes.
Sexual Harassment Training Doesn’t Work. But Some Things Do.
This New York Times article highlights the steps individuals and companies can take to reduce sexual harassment in the workplace.
How Inclusive Managers Create Glass-Shattering Organizations
Colleen Ammerman and Boris Groysberg, authors of Glass Half-Broken: Shattering the Barriers That Still Hold Women Back at Work, share best practices for balanced leadership that also give companies a competitive advantage.
Male Allyship is About Paying Attention
Brad Johnson, PhD, and David G. Smith, PhD, authors of Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace explain how to build your situational awareness and recognize the impacts of gender in the workplace.
5 Ways to Improve Gender Equality in the Workplace
This article from the World Economic Forum offers tips for overcoming gender bias and creating workplaces where women have equal access to growth and leadership.
Support Gender Equality
When you help someone take a step in their business career, you’re not just opening doors – you’re investing in access, opportunity, and a more equitable future for the workplace.
