White. Male. Over 40. This profile perfectly describes the C-suite in many American companies. USA Today reports that in 2023, 88.8% of CEOs, CFOs, and COOs of Fortune 500 companies were white men.
Thankfully, there is a cultural shift toward accepting more female leaders in business. And why not? With companies focusing more on diversity, inclusion and empowerment, women are ready to redefine how to be competitive in the corporate world.
The internet provides an unlimited source for female role models in various industries. Fueling the generational and cultural shifts are a slew of Gen Z and millennial yuppies who are raised with the ideals of equality and social responsibility – not simply profit maximization.
Missouri youth don’t need to look any further as inspiration comes in the form of Ozarks Coca-Cola/ Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. Vice President and Chairman Sally Hargis, whose leadership approach can be described as “human-centric” as it centers on employee and community engagement.
“I think all business is personal. When you can develop those personal relationships with people, you gain a better understanding of what their needs are and what they’re looking for,” Hargis said in an interview with Biz417 magazine.
Gender equality in business has been a more prominent theme over the years. The increasing number of female executives is a sign of progress. However, its twin issue is in the form of wage inequality due to gender biases – a challenge that will only further strengthen women’s resolve for their space in the corporate world.
