The case for gender-diverse leadership teams has never been stronger. In the following piece, we feature insights from Dr. Kavitha Thangasami, Jenny Hamilton, and Michelle Spencer, women leaders from the Exterro leadership team as they delve into how gender-diverse leadership boosts innovation and performance.
Women in leadership bring more than just representation—they introduce innovation, empathy, and collaboration that can fundamentally transform organizations. Yet, despite decades of progress, women continue to face challenges, especially in industries like technology and finance. By examining the experiences of leaders such as Dr. Kavitha Thangasami, Jenny Hamilton, and Michelle Spencer, we can uncover key insights into how women can rise to leadership roles, and the role organizations must play in supporting their growth.
Their stories underscore the importance of expertise, mentorship, and leadership styles that foster inclusivity and diversity. These experiences are not isolated, but part of a broader movement increasingly recognized as essential for organizational success.
The Business Case for Women in Leadership
Research shows that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams consistently outperform those that lack diversity. McKinsey & Company’s 2020 report found that organizations with more gender diversity in their leadership were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than those with less. Diversity, it turns out, is more than a social good—it’s a competitive advantage.
Similarly, Catalyst’s 2022 report highlights that businesses with women in leadership benefit from increased employee engagement, creativity, and innovation. Women leaders bring diverse perspectives that help navigate modern business challenges, particularly in rapidly evolving industries like tech.
However, despite these advantages, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, especially in tech and finance. According to the World Economic Forum (2023), women hold only 29% of senior management roles globally. This lack of representation isn’t just a gender issue—it’s a missed opportunity for companies to tap into a wider talent pool.
Innovation and Leadership Through Expertise
Dr. Kavitha Thangasami, Chief R&D Officer at Exterro, exemplifies how technical expertise combined with visionary leadership can drive innovation in fast-evolving industries like technology. With a doctorate in computer science and extensive experience in distributed data sciences, she has consistently translated complex technological challenges into actionable strategies that push her team forward.
In her leadership role, Dr. Kavitha has not only overseen critical R&D functions but also helped shape innovative approaches to data management and predictive analytics. Her journey highlights how technical mastery paired with leadership skills can create new growth opportunities for organizations.
What’s unique about Dr. Kavitha’s path is how her expertise allowed her to drive innovation without the typical hurdles many women in tech face. She reflects on her leadership style as rooted in collaboration and vision, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where teams are encouraged to challenge the status quo and work toward solutions together.
For women in tech leadership, her experience illustrates the value of building competency in technical areas, while cultivating a leadership style that prioritizes communication, collaboration, and long-term thinking. "Technical skills are essential, but what's equally important is guiding your team with clarity and purpose," she notes.
Dr. Kavitha’s story is an example of how women in leadership positions, when supported by collaborative environments, can lead significant innovation, reinforcing the importance of both expertise and leadership in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Mentorship: A Critical Lever for Growth
Mentorship is a key factor in advancing women’s careers. LeanIn.org (2022) notes that women with mentors are 63% more likely to receive promotions and rise into leadership roles. Mentorship is more than guidance—it opens doors for networking, visibility, and professional growth.
For Jenny Hamilton, now General Counsel at Exterro, mentorship was pivotal. Beginning her career in sales, Hamilton transitioned into law after encouragement from an in-house mentor. This shift led her to excel in fields such as e-discovery, data governance, and privacy. “Without that push from my mentor, I may not have had the confidence to make such a dramatic career shift,” Hamilton reflects.
Mentorship programs don’t just benefit individuals—they create pipelines for future women leaders. By cultivating mentorship cultures, organizations ensure that more women rise through the ranks, helping shape the next generation of leadership.
The Importance of Inclusive Leadership
In addition to expertise and mentorship, fostering inclusive leadership is essential for promoting diverse talent. A 2022 Deloitte study found that inclusive teams are 87% more likely to make better business decisions, and companies with inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet their financial targets.
At Exterro, Michelle Spencer, Chief Financial Officer at Exterro, emphasizes the role of collaboration and empathy in leadership. “Leadership is about making sure everyone on the team feels valued and heard,” she explains. Spencer’s approach of prioritizing psychological safety and open communication has helped build a culture that fosters innovation and creativity.
This inclusive leadership style reflects research showing that when employees feel heard and supported, productivity and innovation flourish. Leaders who cultivate trust and collaboration create environments where all employees—not just women—can thrive.
Flexible Work Environments: Supporting Women’s Leadership
Beyond inclusivity, flexible work policies are essential for supporting women’s advancement into leadership roles. A 2022 Bain & Company study found that 65% of women cite flexible work arrangements as critical to their success. Companies that prioritize flexibility are better positioned to retain top female talent.
At Exterro, Dr. Kavitha Thangasami has championed flexible working hours and remote work, recognizing that these policies benefit not only women but also the broader workforce. “When you give people the flexibility to manage their lives, you get a more engaged, committed workforce,” she says.
This is especially important in industries like tech, where burnout and inflexible structures often drive women out of the workforce. According to the World Economic Forum (2023), many women leave tech roles due to the lack of flexibility. By offering remote work, job-sharing, and flexible schedules, companies can ensure that women thrive, without being forced to choose between career and family.
Representation and the Power of Role Models
Representation in leadership isn’t just about today—it’s about inspiring the next generation. A 2023 American Psychological Association study found that when women see other women in leadership roles, they are more likely to pursue similar paths, breaking down psychological barriers created by long-standing gender stereotypes.
Dr. Kavitha Thangasami, Jenny Hamilton, and Michelle Spencer serve as role models within Exterro and beyond, demonstrating that leadership is not defined by gender. Their presence in senior positions sends a powerful message to younger women: leadership is within reach, and women have the skills, resilience, and vision needed to excel.
This visibility is crucial, especially in industries like tech and finance, where the leadership landscape remains predominantly male. By challenging the status quo, women leaders like these inspire others to aim for leadership roles themselves.
Conclusion: Building the Future of Leadership
The importance of increasing gender diversity in leadership cannot be overstated. Companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more innovative, productive, and inclusive—creating a fertile ground for the next generation of female leaders.
Such Women in Leadership offer not only inspiration but also a blueprint for success. Their journeys show that mentorship, expertise, and inclusive policies are crucial for women to thrive in leadership.
For companies, the path forward requires prioritizing gender diversity and investing in the systems and cultures that support it. Aspiring women leaders should seek out mentorship, build expertise, and embrace the opportunities ahead. Together, these efforts will shape a future where leadership truly reflects the diversity of the world.
