Just ten years ago, women held only 22% of senior leadership positions in the UK. Fast forward to 2025 and we’ve certainly seen some progress, as women now hold around 36.3%, in mid-market businesses. While there’s clearly still some way to go, this highlights the strides made towards gender equality over the last decade. And we’re proud that Clearcast has contributed to this, with a female leader and a predominantly female Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
We sat down with some of our SLT team for a chat about what it means to be a woman in a senior position in business today. We asked them “what advice would you give to women in junior positions, of any industry, who have aspirations of leadership?”. This jumping off point was the catalyst for a fascinating discussion about gender, parenthood, stereotypes, microaggressions and society.
Rachel
Rachel Corfe, our Financial Director, built an impressive career in male-dominated industries, before joining us in 2022.
“I’ve worked in businesses where I was in the minority as a woman. I would try not to volunteer for stereotypical tasks, like making the teas or taking notes. But I definitely feel like, on balance, being a woman has been an advantage in my career. The natural skillsets we bring as women, compliment those of men. Both are equally important.”
Rachel’s advice: “Don’t be bound by other people’s expectations. And find inspirational women to work with! I have worked with and for inspirational female leaders who are unapologetic and bring their knowledge and skills in order to help both businesses and colleagues. As women we tend to excuse ourselves – sorry for this, sorry for that. I think that’s conditioned in us. As women, I think we’re getting better at not apologising, but there’s still a huge tendency to do that.”
Hayley
Hayley is the newest member of our SLT team, having led the HR department for the last three years, with a recent promotion into her new role.
Hayley’s advice: “I understand that women, especially those early in their careers, can feel a lot of pressure if they have aspirations to climb the ladder. Take time to explore different opportunities. People can reach leadership positions at different times or stages in their careers, and there are many different paths to success.”
“This is such an important conversation for women to have, but it’s often us who are engaged in the discourse. Is there a message that we can give to everyone, rather than just the women? Men – use your voice as well, your contacts, your mentorship.”
Sam
Our Managing Director, Sam Smith, added “plus, we should be asking ourselves what we can do to support those in more junior positions, and part of that is to be a good role model. That’s not easy, but it’s something we should always strive to do.”
Following an interesting career across ITV, Sky and the BBC, working in audience research for TV and digital products, and audience-facing roles including contact centres and shows, Sam has been at the head of Clearcast since 2020.
Sam’s advice: “Don’t try and change to be someone you’re not, because you think you have to in order to get on as a woman in business. The successful women before us may have had to do, but I don’t think we do today, and I don’t think our successors will. My advice is to challenge stereotypes or bias when you encounter them.”
“Of course there’s still a way to go, but I’m proud to have seen a real change. There’s still many industries lagging behind, and I’ve got my fair share of stories of being underestimated or overlooked, but I think things are changing. I hope they are?”
It’s vital to keep these conversations going, and not just with women or senior leaders. Sharing experiences can be cathartic, but more importantly, can remind us of any imbalances which still need to be addressed. And whilst it’s encouraging that more women now hold senior positions than in 2015, the work isn’t done. We need more diversity at all levels, including people of all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages.
Another member of our SLT team, Stephen Hewett, Commercial Director, agrees “leadership must be about listening to the widest set of opinions and considering different perspectives. This not only fosters a more inclusive work environment, but brings fresh ideas in!
To that point, I’m proud to work with the amazing women in our Senior Leadership Team – Rachel, Hayley, Sam, and Niamh McGuinness, our Clearance Services Director. Collaborating with such a talented team ensures that I continue to grow, with a balanced view of the work environment and the world at large.”
We’re certainly proud of the women who make up part of our SLT, as well as the brilliant people of all genders who make up Clearcast. The varied skillsets, points of view and lived experiences that come with that, are essential. It’s the rich tapestry of diversity which make any business that much better.
