Female leadership disparity is a 'machine that needs to be fixed'

‘Any machine is calibrated in the spirit of its designer’

Isabel Baxter
clock • 3 min read

Gender disparity when it comes to female leadership roles in the workplace is a ‘machine that needs to be fixed’, delegates heard.

At an event hosted by female-focused charity One Loud Voice on Tuesday 4 March ahead of International Women's Day, a panel including Octopus Money CEO Ruth Handcock, Consumer Duty Alliance CEO Keith Richards, Law Debenture CEO David Jackson and FTSE Women Leaders Review CEO Vivienne Artz chaired by presenter Luisa Baldini broke down the systemic barriers for women adopting leadership roles. Handcock said that the overall systemic problem is that there are "so many adjustments that need to be made". A broken machine that ‘needs to be built by someone different' "I think of gender equ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Culture is the most effective risk tool wealth managers are missing out on

Culture is the most effective risk tool wealth managers are missing out on

'Understanding a firm's culture is understanding its risk profile'

Bev Shah
clock 09 January 2026 • 5 min read
FCA sets October 2027 date for implementation of cryptoasset rules

FCA sets October 2027 date for implementation of cryptoasset rules

Issues further guidance

Michael Nelson
clock 09 January 2026 • 1 min read
WH Ireland shareholders back Team takeover in key vote

WH Ireland shareholders back Team takeover in key vote

FCA clearance still required

Sahar Nazir
clock 09 January 2026 • 3 min read