AN INTERVIEW WITH yVETTE HOPKINS

Written by Yvette Hopkins, transitioning EVP, Director Innovation & Partnership

1. Why is “an approach to leadership that resonates with women” needed?

Because it is no longer acceptable to surrender to world that is not inclusive of girls and women

Because the world is ruled by men - and their grip on global leadership tightens

Because leadership is a construct built by men for men

Because the UN projects that women will not reach gender parity for another 300 years (Hashtag FFS!) …and that is unacceptable.  

Because many societal factors will need to change to reach gender parity, and leadership is a critical component of that change.  The skill, art, and humility of leadership will be crucial to gender parity.  

While “leadership is leadership is leadership”, Leadership styles, approaches, or tones are wildly varied.” By infusing / injecting an approach to leadership that resonates with women to the current construct, it will secure diversity of thought, inclusivity of action, and precision in decision. It will make for a better world. 

More women leaders will mean a change in how organizations, industries, and sectors will operate – and men will need to start thinking about what it means to follow the leadership approach which resonates with women.

But first we must understand that approach to leadership that resonates with women, normalize the findings, and ultimately rebalance the global approach.  In order to accelerate closing the gender equity gap, young women must see themselves in a future which welcomes their approach. 

2. Halfway through the Expedition what are you uncovering?

That I speak a new language.  My leadership language was learnt through male dominated groups. In sports, in the army, in space.  The expedition builds upon, deepens, and enriches my knowledge and language base to include the voices, approaches, experience, hopes and determinism of women across the globe.  In the lifelong pursuit of leadership excellence, I am the absorbing the language of women in leadership.  our talk reminds me of an Aurora Borealis; colorful, layered, complex, moving and beautiful 

To read more about Yvette, click here