Kimberly K. Rath (MBA '18, PKE 138) Co-Authors Intentionality: The Key to Advancing Women in the C-Suite and Closing the Gender Wage Gap
Despite women's increasing attainment of advanced degrees and their significant representation in the workforce, the persistent underrepresentation of women in C-suite positions and the ongoing gender wage gap continue to raise alarming concerns. Recent studies, including one featured in Real Clear Markets authored by Pepperdine Graziadio alumna Kimberly K. Rath (MBA '18, PKE 138) and Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, PhD, shed light on the root causes of these disparities, challenging conventional narratives that attribute them solely to motherhood.
Qualitative interviews conducted with 30 successful women from diverse backgrounds and industries suggest that a lack of intentional career planning among mid-career women plays a pivotal role in perpetuating these imbalances. The article highlights two key factors contributing to this phenomenon: societal and corporate cultures that encourage women to prioritize hard work over strategic career planning, and women's innate tendency to prioritize the needs of others over their own professional aspirations.
Many mid-career women admitted to neglecting intentional career development, often attributing their success to chance rather than deliberate action. However, experts argue that embracing intentionality in career planning, setting boundaries, and advocating for oneself are essential steps toward breaking free from this cycle.
By empowering women to take control of their professional trajectories and make strategic moves toward their goals, the article suggests that women can overcome systemic barriers and work towards achieving greater representation in leadership roles and closing the gender wage gap.
Read the full article here.
Kimberly K. Rath (MBA '18, PKE 138) and Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, PhD, co-authors of "Now, Near, Next: A Practical Guide for Mid-Career Women" were both featured speakers at the Ignite Your Next Career Move event at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School to honor International Women's Day.