This Way Forward: Meet the Female Leaders at the Forefront of the B Corp Movement

In this article, we delve into the intersection of female leadership and the transformative impact women are driving within the B Corp movement and today's corporate landscape at large.
Female-led B Corps

Amsterdam, March 8, 2024 – Despite strides made toward parity, gender inequality persists in various facets of society. However, amidst this backdrop, a remarkable narrative unfolds—one where women are not only leading the change but also reshaping the very foundations of our economic system. Enter the B Corp movement—a catalyst for using business as a force for good in a world hungry for solutions to battle social injustice and the destruction of planet Earth. At its forefront stand visionary female leaders, whose unwavering commitment to positive social and environmental impact is overthrowing business as usual and challenging traditional norms. As advocates for equality, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices, female B Corp leaders are not only breaking through the glass ceiling but also playing a pivotal role in the transition toward a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative future for all

B Corps Are Leading The Way

 

It is obvious: In a still male-dominated world where entrenched stereotypes and conventions persist, we need companies that look beyond business as usual. B Corps are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and are leading the way. They do so by empowering women, creating inclusive workplaces, and ensuring diversity in their governance structure. In Europe, there are currently over 1,700 B Corps across 30 countries (*excluding the UK), which employ more than 150,000 workers. More than a third of European B Corps* are woman-led, and 45% of them have a majority of female managers. And yet, there’s still more work to be done! Becoming a Certified B Corp is not a destination, it’s a journey, and B Corps continuously look for new ways to improve their impact. 

*excluding the UK

 

Starting a Revolution: Meet The Female B Corp Pioneers 

 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” – that’s the timeless wisdom shared by cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. Her words remind us that transformative power lies in the hands of a dedicated few. Every change, no matter how fundamental and ambitious, begins with the courage and passion of forward-thinking individuals who dare to challenge the status quo. Leading by example, it’s them who inspire others and open the doors for collaboration and collective action. Meet the pioneering women who brought the B Corp movement to their home countries by making their business a Certified B Corporation and joining a global community of change-makers! 

The more diversity, the greater the economic performance. However, women are still underrepresented in entrepreneurial networks, making up 10-20% of mixed networks and 1% of French business media. Quotas improved women’s C-suite presence in large companies and B Corps, often led by women, show all businesses the way! Still, women face entrepreneurship barriers – lacking codes and networking. They struggle to find role models due to peer invisibility, despite notable leaders. Women in leadership can therefore significantly impact through mentorship, networking, and voice amplification.

Elisabeth Laville, Chief Entrepreneur at UTOPIES (First Certified B Corp in France)
Serra Titiz, Founder of Mikado Consulting

The increase of B Corp companies is promising, but not enough to change the mindset of leaders. The world needs more women leaders to remind companies of their social mission and their potential impact on development. Also, women in leadership can inspire and empower each other through leading by example. By demonstrating resilience, authenticity, and integrity in their leadership styles, women can inspire confidence and motivate others to strive for their own professional goals.

Serra Titiz, Founder at Mikado Consulting (First Certified B Corp in Türkiye)
Prof. Diana Derval, Chair and Chief Investigator, DervalResearch

With DervalResearch, we pioneered the B Corp movement in Estonia and the neuroscience industry. Female-led businesses will increasingly have their say in the new B (Benefit for All) economy. My first order of business as the Chair of DervalResearch was to appoint a diverse board of directors and make sure to hire and work with talented and innovative leaders. Promoting true diversity, including in terms of hormonal makeup and mindset, is the only way forward.

Prof. Diana Derval, Chair and Chief Investigator at DervalResearch (First Certified B Corp in Estonia)
Cornelia Wolf, Co-Founder & Product Designer of Hoi-Laden

We women know how important it is not to take a step backward on issues such as equality, diversity, and justice. And what an important role love and persistence play in their development. I believe that leadership is the encounter between people - with trust, respect, love, and commitment. The stronger position is called upon to invite, encourage, and inspire to follow a vision of a force for good and to stand up for women's rights and the overall equality of opportunity for people and the planet.

Cornelia Wolf, Co-Founder & Product Designer at Hoi-Laden (First Certified B Corp in Liechtenstein)

More Inspiring Women in B Corps

 

The Netherlands, Portugal, or Bulgaria – no matter where we look, female B Corp founders and leaders are driving the economic systems change forward in Europe. They prioritize collaboration and empowerment over competition, recognizing that the only way forward is together.

Deniz Er Wiedhaup, CEO of Yoni

We need more mentorship to empower non-male in a male-dominated business world. There is so much to learn from each other, as we face similar problems. My mentors helped me a lot in the past, even hearing that you are not the only one experiencing a certain challenge, is revealing. Female leadership is essential to truly define what inclusivity means and to act on it. We need to go beyond B Corp and make a real impact on society, by making the unseen visible and bringing real solutions.

Deniz Er Wiedhaup, CEO at Yoni (Certified B Corp in the Netherlands)
Cláudia Pedra, Managing Partner at Stone Soup Consulting

Women leaders can strive for equity in their organizations and in the ecosystem, making sure that women have access to equal opportunities and equal pay. Fighting against all discrimination and assuring they are valued for the unique skills they bring. Women in leadership can also train and mentor other women and help them surpass systemic barriers and give them opportunities that can explore their talents and skill set.

Cláudia Pedra, Managing Partner at Stone Soup Consulting (Certified B Corp in Portugal)
Neri Karra Sillaman, Founder of Neri Karra

Women lead with empathy and resilience, driving the B Corp movement toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. Our female-founded business –Neri Karra– employing over 90% women, exemplifies this, showing that leadership rooted in compassion can revolutionize industries. So, how can women in leadership empower each other? Empowerment comes from mentorship and shared victories. By lifting each other in our successes and learning collectively from our challenges, women in leadership create a ripple effect of empowerment that transcends individual businesses.

Neri Karra Sillaman, Founder at Neri Karra (Certified B Corp in Bulgaria)

Curious to join the B Corp movement and fight world issues like gender inequality together?

Learn how to become a B Corp now!

 

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This article was published on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024 and B Corp Month 2024. Every year during B Corp Month, B Lab and the global B Corp community join together to celebrate everything it means to be a B Corp. In 2024, under the theme of ‘This Way Forward’, we show the world how we are always growing our impact. Because B Corp certification isn’t a destination, it’s an invitation to join the journey to better business. Discover what’s happening during B Corp Month 2024 (March 1-31) in your region at www.bcorpmonth.com