Business

Female Leadership Beyond the Pandemic, Harvard Business School’s Program to Recruit Women, & Advice from Chipotle’s Highest-Ranking Female Executive

Women and Leadership Beyond the Pandemic

By Kate Burdick

Although the global pandemic has caused many financial and health hardships, many women have continued to find ways to make positive impacts and serve as leaders during these tough times. In the article “Women, Leadership and the Post-Pandemic World”, the New York Times asked women what means were necessary to stop the current pandemic. Dr. Daniela Victoria Grohmann, head of inclusion and diversity PH, Bayer, said that “In the midst of this global pandemic, we need to focus on what our colleagues need [in order] to do their best. Because patients rely on us.” Both she and many others believe that women will play a key role in getting society back to normal, but first, they are working to minimize the damage that coronavirus has caused.

In a similar New York Times article, “Women and Leadership: Looking Beyond the Global Health Crisis” important women leaders are asked about the role of women in post-pandemic life. Mariya Gabriel, who serves as the European commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education, and youth, believes that educating young women on technology will help create more jobs for women in STEM. In order to do so, Gabriel proposes that the European Institute of Innovation and Technology create training programs for 40,000 people, with at least 40 percent being women and girls, in technology and artificial intelligence. To create a change in the pandemic, we need young women to take on leadership roles.

Harvard Business School’s Program for Recruiting Women: Peek Day

By Natalia Kochut

Harvard Business School‘s Peek is a one-day event featuring faculty lectures, mock trials, and a chance to learn more about the admissions process. It is offered to prospective students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program and allows an inside look into the everyday lives of HBS students. 

The program primarily focuses on recruiting students from women’s colleges and others with leadership ability. Participants can converse with faculty and are offered valuable networking opportunities.To attend Peek Day, applicants must submit a resumé and an essay. The program costs $500 to attend, but scholarships are available. In addition to that of Harvard Business School, other similar programs exist, including those with no fees. For example, Columbia Business School offers class sit-ins, online seminars, and interviews with current students free of charge. 

According to the 2020 matriculation list of Harvard Business School, 41% of graduates were women. While room for improvement persists, Peek Day is certainly a step in the right direction for women in business.

 

 

 

Advice from Gretchen Selfridge, Chipotle’s Highest-Ranking Female Executive

By Mary Burdick

Gretchen Selfridge, Chipotle’s highest-ranking female executive knows a thing or two about being a boss in the world of business. As a restaurant support officer for the well-known fast-food chain Chipotle, Selfridge manages field leadership teams as well as compliance and support departments across the country. From her several years of experience, she has learned how to be a successful manager in a field dominated by men. 

Her first tip is to establish shared goals. By having shared goals, she says, everyone is on board and engaged in the project no matter how big or small. Secondly, Selfridge suggests staying approachable. She explains that remaining approachable cultivates an important level of comfort in a work environment and allows for bonding between employers and employees. Selfridge also recommends that managers never pretend to have all the answers. From her many experiences, she has learned that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness, but rather allows for more growth. Finally, she suggests being a mentor. She says personally connecting with junior employees engages these employees and keeps them connected. These tips from Gretchen Selfridge, Chipotle’s highest ranking woman, offer wisdom for women navigating the business industry.

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