News & Insights

The Uneven Path of Women in Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship

The conversation around women in leadership is no longer about whether progress is happening, but about how uneven and fragile that progress remains. According to LinkedIn’s Global Economic Graph, women currently hold 30.6% of leadership roles across 74 countries, a modest number compared to their 43.4% representation in the workforce overall (LinkedIn, 2024). McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report highlights a similar pattern: women account for nearly half of entry-level roles but hold just 29% of C-suite positions (McKinsey, 2024). Fortune 500 companies tell an even starker story, with only 10.4% of CEOs being women as of last year (Catalyst, 2024). Globally, women hold just 6% of CEO roles, 8.4% of board chair positions, and 23.3% of board seats, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC, 2023). Even in the S&P 500, where representation has improved over time, women still account for less than 10% of CEOs in 2025 (Women’s Power Gap, 2025).

Women-Led Businesses Deliver Higher Returns, Yet Face an Uneven Playing Field

Women are starting businesses at record rates, but the playing field remains uneven. A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, cited in Investopedia, reveals that when ventures fail, female founders are 30% less likely than men to secure funding for a new business. Even after success, women raise 53% less capital on average and face a 27% lower chance of being funded again, often missing out on tens of millions. The data points to entrenched bias, not performance, as the cause of this disparity.

From Financial Steward to Strategic Powerhouse

The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has transformed significantly. CFOs are no longer limited to traditional financial stewardship; instead, they have become central figures in driving strategic growth and innovation within organizations.

Historically, CFOs were primarily responsible for financial reporting and risk management. Today, they play a critical role in strategic decision-making. According to Gartner, CFOs are increasingly expected to align their organization's cost structure with unique capabilities and to act as executive champions in enterprise-wide data and analytics governance.

This shift is further illustrated by the rising number of CFOs transitioning into CEO roles. A 2023 survey by Heidrick & Struggles revealed that nearly one-third of FTSE 100 CEOs were former CFOs, an increase from 21% in 2019.

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Tariff-Driven Economic Uncertainty Reuters

On May 7, 2025, According to NBC News, The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced its decision to maintain the federal funds rate at the current range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This marks the third consecutive meeting where the Fed has held rates steady, reflecting a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

Arizona Emerges as a Tech Powerhouse: Semiconductor Boom, Workforce Growth, and Inclusive Innovation Reshape the National Landscape

Arizona’s technology sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation characterized by significant job growth, strategic investments, and a committed focus on diversity and inclusion. The latest Arizona Technology Industry Impact Report for Q4 2024, based on quarterly data from Lightcast, provides an in-depth look at these emerging trends that are establishing the state as a key player in the national tech landscape.

Exit Strategy or Exit Regret? Why Planning Your Business Sale from Day One Drives Higher Valuations

Neglecting to design an exit strategy from the very start can jeopardize both your company’s long-term value and your financial future. According to a report from Cassandra Smalley Wealth Management, 76% of business owners who sold their business last year regretted not planning their exit earlier. This statistic highlights a crucial point: exit strategy development is not a reactive exercise but a proactive strategy essential for sustainable business success.

Nonprofits Drive Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact

Nonprofit organizations address critical needs that often fall outside the reach of government and business efforts. Economically, according to Tronvig, nonprofits play a significant role by contributing $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022, accounting for 5.6% of the GDP. Their influence extends beyond direct operations, creating a ripple effect in local economies. For instance, in sectors like the arts, 100 jobs in a nonprofit can spur an additional 152 jobs in related industries. This multiplier effect demonstrates how nonprofits bolster economic stability through their demand for goods, services, and employment​.

Adapting to Transformational Trends and Economic Challenges

The global banking industry is undergoing a significant transformation in 2024, influenced by changing economic conditions, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations. According to Statista, the market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.92%, reaching a value of $10.83 trillion by 2029. However, McKinsey & Company notes that sustainable growth presents challenges, particularly as banks face declining net interest margins, expected to shrink from 3.1% in 2023 to approximately 2.7% by 2030. This compression is primarily driven by potential global interest rate reductions that could reverse the profitability gains realized during previous rate hikes.

The Power of Local Small Business Spending on Community Growth

Shopping locally is not just about finding unique gifts; it’s about strengthening the entire community. Studies from REV indicate that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a local business remains in the local economy, compared to only 43 cents for non-local businesses. This local “multiplier effect” is significant because local businesses often source products from other small businesses, creating a positive economic ripple throughout the community. As stated by Forbes, Small businesses account for 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. and employ nearly half of the American workforce. In other words, by shopping locally, consumers help maintain and create jobs that sustain their communities year-round.

The Economic Impact of Veteran-Owned Enterprises

According to the Office Of Advocacy, veteran-owned businesses have made a significant impact on the U.S. economy, with over 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses providing jobs for around 5.5 million people and generating substantial economic output, according to data from the SBA.