Sherri Stevens is the Owner and CEO of the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), a leading membership-driven organization that operates in the U.S. and Canada and is dedicated to promoting the progress of women professionals across various levels, sectors and age groups. The organization fosters this progress by providing training, hosting events, facilitating mentorship, fostering networking and implementing award and recognition initiatives for both members and partners. Strategy caught up with Stevens in advance of International Women’s Day (IWD) to talk about the state of women executives in the Canadian marketing sector and what work there is left to do in this space.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It serves as a reminder to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of women globally. However, it’s crucial to extend this acknowledgment beyond just one day of the year and strive for inclusion and belonging for women every day. WXN is a one-of-a-kind community where bold women multiply their influence and impact in a rich and diverse ecosystem. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” is at our very core as we inspire women across the world to rise and lead.

This year marks a special year for WXN as we teamed up with SkipTheDishes to create a first-of-its-kind award that celebrates women in the food industry across Canada. This award will recognize standout women from a diverse range of career paths, including chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs. Through the initiative, both WXN and Skip celebrate Canadian women in leadership roles in the food industry and hope to inspire others to pursue similar career paths. This initiative is especially critical as women-owned restaurants and enterprises accounted for only 7% of the industry in 2020, emphasizing the need for recognition and support.

What should leaders in the marketing sector know or keep in mind about IWD?

Leaders in the marketing sector can harness the power of International Women’s Day to drive positive impact and create a more inclusive and equitable future for all, but they must ensure authenticity is behind their efforts. I believe transparency, diversity and education are paramount points to keep in mind when thinking about activating or leveraging IWD for marketing initiatives. It’s essential to ensure that our efforts are genuine and not merely performative: authenticity resonates with consumers and strengthens your brand’s credibility.

It’s also important to use IWD as an opportunity to amplify the voices and stories of women from diverse backgrounds. Your campaigns should reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within the female community. IWD provides a platform to educate and raise awareness about gender equality issues, and diversity plays a larger role in this.

What is the landscape looking like these days for women in executive or leadership roles?

At WXN, we know companies win when women lead. Yet, not enough women hold leadership roles within their companies. Today, women represent just 34% of board positions, with gender parity an estimated 10 years away. Women hold fewer than one-quarter of all executive leadership positions, and a little over 10% of president and CEO roles, as highlighted in WXN’s 2023 FP500 report, Moving Beyond Progress to Create Bold Change. We want to create a bold future where the boards and executive leadership teams in our society truly embrace belonging, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of women that make up our world.

Additionally, The Globe and Mail 2023 report on gender diversity in corporate Canada reported that only 6.6% of Canada’s largest publicly traded companies have women at the top (up one percentage point from 2020). Organizations need to continue prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to ensure that women have equal opportunities to excel and lead across all sectors and industries.

Is the marketing sector doing better in terms of supporting women?

Despite the ongoing challenges women face day-to-day in the workforce, the Canadian marketing and communications industries are great examples of fields where many women hold key roles, fostering a supportive atmosphere where they champion each other’s success. This representation not only inspires but also drives progress toward gender equality in the industry. But while there have been positive developments in supporting women across the sector, ongoing efforts are needed to address systemic barriers and create more inclusive and equitable workplaces for women at all levels. By prioritizing gender diversity and inclusion, the marketing ecosystem can better harness the talents and contributions of women and drive positive change within the industry.

Are there intersectionalities that we need to be aware of with regards to the escalation of women in business?

Women have traditionally always been faced with roadblocks as a result of gender, race, class and other factors, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. When it comes to challenges facing women in business, women are still vastly underrepresented in key fields, and even though there are trends of a growing female workforce across sectors like finance, engineering and tech, these disciplines still tend to be strongly male-dominated. The stark reality of this is also evident across the Canadian food landscape.

To help accelerate women in business, it is important to celebrate the accomplishments of women present in these industries. The aforementioned SkipTheDishes Food Award will recognize the efforts of women, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of women to pursue leadership roles in the dynamic and evolving field of food entrepreneurship. As we work  to propel women to accelerate across all sectors, this new award is a fantastic step for the food industry and a framework we hope to see rolled out more widely to help overcome traditional barriers resulting from intersectionalities.

Can you share any tips or advice for women in marketing who are experiencing the glass ceiling?

Breaking through the glass ceiling in the world of marketing can present unique challenges, but I want to assure you that you’re not alone in this journey. And remember, the glass ceiling is not insurmountable. As women, we bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table. Embrace your creativity, empathy and strategic thinking skills to make a lasting impact in the marketing industry. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, sponsors and peers who can offer guidance, encouragement and opportunities for advancement. Be a catalyst for change by challenging gender bias and stereotypes whenever or wherever you encounter them. Advocate for equal opportunities and fair treatment for women at all levels and departments of the organization.