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A Tribute to the Trailblazers – Watch Our 15-Year Celebration Film

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Looking Back with Pride. Looking Ahead with Purpose.

 

To mark the 15th anniversary of the 30% Club UK, we created a special video tribute – not only to commemorate how far we’ve come, but to honour the people who made it possible.

 

Premiered at our celebration evening at Claridge’s, this film is a heartfelt look back at the beginnings of the 30% Club. You’ll hear from founding Chairs, Steering Committee members, and passionate supporters who reflect on what it took to turn the 30% Club into a global movement.

 

Fifteen years ago, saying “we need more women on boards” was provocative. Today, it’s widely accepted. But that transformation didn’t happen overnight. It happened because individuals were willing to speak up, challenge norms, and put inclusion at the top of the business agenda.

 

This video is our tribute to the many who took that first step:

 

The founders who put their names – and reputations – on the line.

 

The Chairs and CEOs who signed up and opened boardroom doors.

 

The advocates and volunteers who built momentum on the ground.

 

And the next generation of leaders, already making their mark.

 

As we look to the future, our focus is shifting towards the executive pipeline – supporting women not only to join the boardroom but to lead it. Representation at ExCo -1 and -2 is the next frontier, and we’re committed to unlocking those leadership pathways.

 

Thank you to everyone who has supported us across the past 15 years – and to those joining us for the next 15.

Celebrating 15 Years of Progress on the Path to Parity

Posted on by Admin

Earlier this month, we marked a powerful milestone in our journey – 15 years since the 30% Club first launched in the UK. What began as a bold challenge to the status quo has become a global movement, transforming boardrooms and reshaping the leadership landscape.

 

Hosted at the iconic Claridge’s Hotel in London, our anniversary celebration brought together long-time allies, founding members, and future changemakers. It was a night to recognise just how far we’ve come – and to recommit to the work still ahead.

 

When the 30% Club launched in 2010, women held just 12.5% of seats on FTSE 100 boards. Today, that figure stands at an impressive 44.7%. That shift didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of sustained, collective action – and a community of leaders, both men and women, who understand that diversity at the top isn’t a “nice to have” but a business imperative.


During the evening our UK Chair Pavita Cooper gave a powerful speech reflecting on Club’s origins and how far we have come. We also heard from Rupal Kantaria, UK Vice Chair, who laid out our vision for the future – including a focused effort on building a stronger female CEO pipeline.

 

We were also delighted to show a special video address from Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, who highlighted the economic and societal impact of more inclusive leadership. Speeches were closed by our sponsor Malik Karim, CEO of Fenchurch Advisory Partners, who made the evening possible, and whose continued support for gender parity in leadership exemplifies true allyship.

 

We are proud of the 21 international chapters, 1,800 member organisations, 31 scholarships for young women, and the world’s largest cross-company mentoring programme – all of which have grown from this shared commitment to progress.

 

As Pavita noted on the night: “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who stuck their necks out early, and to everyone who’s kept pushing forward on the #PathToParity.”

 

Thank you to everyone who has walked this journey with us. Here’s to continuing to break down barriers and building a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead.

 

15 Years of Impact: The 30% Club’s Journey

Posted on by Admin

From 12.5% to 44.7% – How a Bold Idea Sparked a Global Movement

 

When the 30% Club launched in 2010, just 12.5% of FTSE 100 board seats were held by women. That stark imbalance sparked the formation of a movement that set out to change the face of leadership, not just in the UK, but around the world.

 

Our new timeline marks the key milestones and turning points over the past 15 years, offering a visual reminder of what sustained advocacy, collaboration and courage can achieve. Click here to view the PDF in detail.

30% Club Timeline 2010-2025

The Early Days (2010–2012)

 

The concept for the 30% Club was born in early 2010 when there were just 12.5% of women on FTSE 100 boards. Founding Chair Helena Morrissey brought together high-profile Chairs and CEOs who were willing to challenge the status quo, and a dedicated group of women to make up the first 30% Club SteerCo.

 

By 2012, the number of Chairs signing up to the 30% Club had grown to 50 – proving change was not only necessary, but possible.

 

Momentum Builds (2013–2016)

 

The 30% Club went global, with the 30% Club Hong Kong chapter launch. The club also turned its vision towards the pipeline and executive education with the launch of our first scholarship programme, in partnership with Henley Business School and the FT.

 

The UK saw a significant rise in women on boards during this time period, supported by initiatives like the “Cracking the Code” report and further international expansion into the US, Southern Africa, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Turkey, Canada, Ecuador and Malaysia.

 

By 2015, the percentage of women on UK boards had risen to 23.5%.

 

Making progress (2017–2020)

 

Research reports, mentoring initiatives, more scholarship programmes and CEO campaigns drove deeper change. The percentage of women on UK FTSE 100 boards rose to 36.2%

 

Accelerating Impact (2021–2024)

 

The Club hit a landmark moment – there were no all-male boards left in the FTSE 100. During these years, new campaigns, data releases and Chair-led working groups focused on building the pipeline of future leaders.

 

By the end of 2024, women made up 44.7% of FTSE 100 board roles, and the conversation has now shifted to how we can improve the number of women in executive leadership positions – to date only 9% of FTSE 100 companies have a woman in the CEO position.

 

2025 and Beyond: The Work Continues

 

Our focus in the UK now extends to the executive pipeline – ensuring women are not only present, but poised to lead at every level.  As we head towards our 16th year, we’re doubling down on our mission to make inclusive leadership the norm, not the exception.

 

View our celebration video here.

„Women Go Boards” na Perspektywy Women in Tech

Posted on by 30club-Poland

Za nami wydarzenie „Women Go Boards” podczas pierwszego dnia Perspektywy Women in Tech, które zgodnie z tegorocznym hasłem pokazało siłę współpracy kilku instytucji:

  • 30% Club Poland
  • European Women on Boards, instytucja wspierająca 30% Club Poland
  • Benefit Systems, firma członkowska 30% Club Poland
  • Stowarzyszenie Niezależnych Członków Rad Nadzorczych

Wydarzenie rozpoczęły:

  • Katarzyna Piasecki, ambasadorka 30% Club Poland, przedsiębiorczyni & inwestorka, założycielka ENNBOW i dyrektor zarządzająca @European Women In VC,
  • Małgorzata Żelazko, Dyrektor IR i FP&A w Grupa Wirtualna Polska, firmie członkowskiej 30% Club Poland, członkini Komitetu Sterującego 30% Club Poland,
  • Ewa Kubín, Country Lead European Women on Boards,

przedstawiając poszczególne instytucje.

Następnie w panelu dyskusyjnym prowadzonym Milenę Olszewską-Miszuris, Co-Chair 30% Club Poland:

  • Dr Patricia Gestoso – znawczyni technologii, doradczyni, Country Lead EWOB UK
  • Klaudia Gorczyca – przedsiębiorczyni i doradczyni władz spółek
  • Aniela Hejnowska – niezależna członkini rady nadzorczej Benefit Systems
  • Robert T. Nowakowski – kierujący biurem Spencer Stuart w Polsce
  • Przemysław Aleksander Schmidt – niezależny członek rad nadzorczych, Stowarzyszenie Niezależnych Członków Rad Nadzorczych
  • Olga Surugiu – CEO Orange Moldova

podzielili się swoimi doświadczeniami, wskazówkami i przemyśleniami jak prowadzić swoją karierę, aby dojść do pozycji CEO czyli Prezesa/ Prezeski Zarządu. Bardzo dziękujemy za szczerze i mądre wypowiedzi, po których oklaskom nie było końca.

Następnie Ewa Kubin poprowadziła z Milena Olszewska-Miszuris autorskie case study, podczas którego uczestnicy i uczestniczki mierzyli się z wyborem Prezesa/ Prezeski zarządu. Decyzja nie była łatwa, dyskusje ekscytujące a rozwiązania odmienne. W podjęciu tych decyzji, oprócz panelistów i panelistek pomagali mentorzy i mentorki ze Stowarzyszenia Niezależnych Członków Rad Nadzorczych: Małgorzata Awdziejczyk, Katarzyna Kosel, Ewa Drozd oraz Mirosław Janik.

Ogromnie dziękujemy wszystkim zaangażowanym w wydarzeniu. Cieszymy się, że wzbudziło ono tyle pozytywnych emocji i przemyśleń.

Do zobaczenia za rok!

Boardroom Insights: What Corporate Directors Really Look For – In Partnership with ICDM

Posted on by 30club-Malaysia

The 30% Club, in collaboration with ICDM, recently hosted an engaging Board Interview Dialogue: What Boards Are Really Looking For. Moderated by Dr. Sumitra Nair, the panel featured seasoned board members: Tunku Alina Alias, Rowina Ghazali Seth, and Grace Yap Mei Wan. The session welcomed 77 board-ready leaders and simulated real-world interview scenarios, offering invaluable insights straight from the boardroom.


Progress and Persistent Perceptions
Today, women occupy 33% of board seats in top companies and 27.6% across others -clear signs of progress. Yet, 53% of current board members still perceive a shortage of qualified female candidates, underscoring the ongoing gap between opportunity and perception.


Navigating a Challenging Landscape
Securing a board seat remains a competitive journey. In 2024, only 64% of independent director appointments went to newcomers – a slight dip from 67% the previous year – with established networks continuing to dominate recruitment.

While connections and experience matter, they aren’t sufficient on their own. As Rowina highlighted, “You must articulate your value proposition clearly.” Board interviews test your ability to think strategically – not simply recount past experiences.


From Executive to Strategic Director
Grace Yap shared her own transition story, emphasizing that moving from an operational executive mindset to that of a strategic director is crucial. “Asking insightful questions about a company’s future demonstrates board-level thinking far better than listing past achievements,” she advised.


Building Substantive Value
Dr. Tunku Alina reinforced that skills must lead, with gender fairly considered when candidates are equally qualified. “Women shouldn’t be tokens – we must bring substantive value that enriches board discussions,” she asserted, echoing the movement toward genuine 30% representation.


Final Mile Insights
The final step into the boardroom is often the hardest – not due to a lack of qualifications, but because the interview conversation doesn’t always reflect the leadership behind the résumé. A standout CV opens doors, but clarity, composure, and the ability to engage as a peer ultimately secure the seat.


Key Takeaways for Aspiring Board Members
•    Understand the Shift: Board service requires  

     different skills than executive roles. 


•    Prepare and Persist: Every interview is a two-way 

     assessment of mutual fit.


•    Think T-Shaped: Develop deep expertise alongside 

     broad strategic awareness.


•    Stay Informed: Read widely -publications like The 

     Economist, Financial Times, and The Edge are       

     essential.


•    Interview Smartly: Focus on recent career           

     highlights (5-10 years) and avoid operational details.

•    Network Strategically: Leverage platforms such as 

     ICDM and the 30% Club for mentorship and access.

„Narzedziownik DEIB – dobre praktyki na drodze do DEIB”

Posted on by 30club-Poland

„W Narzędziowniku DEIB każdy znajdzie coś dla siebie. Pomoże on zarówno firmom na początku drogi do DEIB jak i tym przygotowującym polityki równowagi płci” – to tylko wybrane pochwały do najnowszej publikacji 30% Club Poland, które wybrzmiewały podczas wydarzenia stacjonarnego 21 maja 2025 roku.

Bardzo się cieszymy, że wraz z Standard Chartered Polska, naszą firmą członkowską, jak i Divercity +, naszą organizacją wspierającą, mogliśmy wspólnie się spotkać podczas wydarzenia „Narzedziownik DEIB – dobre praktyki na drodze do DEIB” w siedzibie Banku.

Podczas wydarzenia Milena Olszewska-Miszuris, Co-Chair 30% Club Poland przedstawiła cel Klubu oraz kluczowe liczby dotyczące udziału kobiet we władzach 140 największych spółek giełdowych.

Następnie Justyna Przybył, Ambasadorka 30% Club Poland, autorka Narzędziownika DEIB, przedstawiła jego kluczowe założenia, w szczególności ustrukturyzowane podejście do tworzenia polityk DEIB, obejmujące 4 fazy:

  • Przygotowanie do wdrożenia polityk DEIB w spółce
  • Opracowanie polityk DEIB
  • Realizacja polityk DEIB
  • Rozwój kultury organizacyjnej opartej na zasadach DEIB

Trzecim elementem wydarzenia był pasjonujący panel dyskusyjny poświęcony działaniom na rzecz DEIB, który prowadziła Aleksandra Karasińska, dyrektorka Fundacji RASP, dziennikarka i autorka książki.

Swoimi przemyśleniami i doświadczeniami w panelu dzieli się:

  • Anna Urbańska, CEO Standard Chartered Polska
  • Dominika Sadowska, członkini Zarządu Divercity +
  • Michał Knapik, Group DEI Lead Kruk S.A.

Oczywiście po części oficjalnej nie zabrakło networkingu przy przepysznym cateringu.

Jak stwierdziła prowadząca panel – przeczytajcie Narzędziownik DEIB i podajcie dalej! Przypominamy, że Narzędziownik DEIB jest bezpłatnie dostępny na stronie internetowej 30% Club Poland. Zachęcamy do zapoznania się z nim i podzielenia przemyśleniami.

Join The 30% Club Team

Posted on by Admin

 

We are looking for a strategic, high-impact Campaign Manager to drive the global growth and visibility of the 30% Club, a leading global initiative championing gender balance at board and executive level. Reporting directly to the Global Chair, you will act as a central link between our Global Strategy Group, Chapter Chairs, Communities, and partners.

 

As a UK-based role, you will also work closely with the UK Campaign Manager and assist on strategic priorities of the UK Chapter.

 

The cornerstone of all organisational and communications activity, the ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, professional and capable of prioritising work in the fast-paced, complex environment that characterises the campaign’s vision for growth, development and measurable impact globally. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purposeful organisation committed to gender equality and gender balance.

 

Your role

 

As the central point of contact for key stakeholders and campaign activities, the Global Campaign Manager ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the global campaign.

 

Responsibilities

 

Chapter growth & business development:

*Work with the Global Chair and their support team to research and oversee the organisation of Chair/CEO engagement sessions (agenda, invitations, logistics and follow up);

*Research options for Global Strategic Partnerships – develop proposals, manage commercial relationships, align with principles of operations and maintain oversight of agreed deliverables;

*Support the Global Strategy Group in the identification and development of new Chapter proposals and strategic direction; and

*Work with the Global Chair to identify areas of thought leadership and embed within the messaging house for Global Chair.

 

Chapter governance:

*Act as Secretary to Global Strategy Group – working with the Chair to agree agenda, meeting logistics and follow on action plans;

*Oversee implementation and maintenance of Principles of Operation across all Chapters, identifying any potential
challenges or opportunities and raising with the Global Chair as required;

*Oversee induction of new Chapters in partnership with the relevant Global Steering Group member;

*Triage ideas and issues from Regional Communities/Chapters for wider operation/resolution; and

*Lead on key event management e.g. bi-annual Chapter Conference (commencing 2026). Marketing and Communications:

*Crafting the messaging house for Global Chair, with support from the messaging house for the Global, and update regularly based on global/regional market trends; includes social media, blog posts, speech writing, panel and media interview preparation;

*Work with global PR partner (to be appointed) to identify opportunities;

*Develop and maintain a calendar of events for Global Chair to promote the campaign, improve visibility and widen access; and

*Proactively manage global social media content.

 

What we are looking for:

A proactive, hands-on leader, demonstrating:

*prior experience in leading cross-border multi-stakeholder initiatives in a project manager capacity;

*stakeholder management excellence, especially within a cross-cultural environment, likely acquired by working in a complex, global, matrix organisation at a senior level;

*excellent written and oral communication skills;

*experience in delegating tasks, managing and motivating others;

*ability to multi-task and to work in fast-paced environments;

*comfort with ambiguity and ability to adjust priorities based on latest available information;

*problem-solving and critical assessment skills, supported by an inquisitive mind;

*strong attention to detail; and

*proficiency in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel and PowerPoint skillset.

 

This role would suit an experienced professional looking for greater flexibility in their working hours and the opportunity to drive a values based/purpose driven business campaign.

 

To apply, please email Helen Aron at haron@per-ardua.com with your CV and cover letter.

 

Majowy CEO Breakfast

Posted on by 30club-Poland
Kolejne CEO Breakfast zainicjowane przez 30% Club Poland za nami, a tym razem gospodarzami spotkania byli Daniel Flis, członek 30% Club, wraz Bożena Josypenko oraz Anna Olszówka w siedzibie IQVIA Poland. Dziękujemy!

Tematem przewodnim była relacja pracodawca-pracownik, a także rola praktyk DEI w budowaniu silnych organizacji, które stawiają na różnorodność . Dyskusja dotyczyła również budowania kultury zaufania w firmach – fundamentu, który nie tylko umożliwia rozwój, ale sprawia, że codzienna praca staje się bardziej efektywna i pełna zaangażowania!

Było to spotkanie, które rozbudziło naszą wyobraźnię, dało mnóstwo świeżych pomysłów i zainspirowało do dalszej pracy na rzecz świadomego przywództwa! Dziękujemy wszystkim uczestnikom!

30% Club Malaysia Marks 10th Anniversary with Launch of Men Allies for Parity Movement

Posted on by 30club-Malaysia

 

The 30% Club Malaysia has taken a decisive step toward advancing gender diversity with the launch of its “Men Allies for Parity” initiative. 


This movement is designed to actively engage male leaders in boardrooms, C-suites, and policymaking roles, transforming them from supporters into advocates of systemic change for women’s representation in leadership.


“Our focus is on action. Male allies are making a clear pledge to support and promote women’s representation in top decision-making roles, including boardrooms and senior management,” said Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, Chair of the 30% Club Malaysia and Executive Chair of PwC Malaysia.


Data from the Securities Commission Malaysia (as of April 1, 2025) reveals that women now hold 33.1% of board seats in Malaysia’s top 100 public-listed companies (PLCs) – a substantial increase from 14% in 2015. Across all PLCs, women comprise 28% of board members, reflecting steady progress.

 

A Collective Commitment to Gender Parity
The Men Allies for Parity initiative aims to drive meaningful change by fostering shared responsibility among male leaders. 


The initiative is not merely about advocacy – it is about taking concrete steps. Male allies commit to:

  •  
  • – Advocating for emerging women leaders in      
  •   senior roles.

  • – Ensuring gender diversity in executive and 
  •   board recruitment.

  • – Setting clear targets to elevate women’s  
  •   representation in leadership.

  • – Maintaining transparency in reporting gender 
  •   composition and progress. 
  •  

This pledge is more than a symbolic gesture. 


A light-touch monitoring framework will ensure accountability, tracking progress through case studies and success stories that can inspire other organisations to follow suit.


Celebrating a Decade of Progress
The launch of Men Allies for Parity coincided with the 30% Club Malaysia’s 10th Anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur. 


The event was a moment of reflection, celebrating a decade of efforts to promote gender balance and inclusion at the highest levels of leadership.


“Balanced leadership is a strategic advantage. It is not about tokenism – it is about ensuring that the best talent, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to excel,” Nurul added.


The 30% Club Malaysia remains committed to its vision of a future where gender parity is not just an aspiration, but a reality—one where leadership is defined by diversity, inclusion, and shared success.

30%+ Club Ecuador Strengthens Women’s Leadership Through It’s 1:1 Mentorship Program

Posted on by Admin

The 30%+Club Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment through its 1:1 Mentorship Program. In the program’s second edition, 24 high-potential women were individually guided by outstanding CEOs and executive presidents from multinational and national companies across various sectors. These leaders not only shared their experience but also facilitated new opportunities, helping participants overcome obstacles and advance toward high-level positions, such as senior management roles and board memberships.

 

This program aims to strengthen both the technical and interpersonal skills of participants, enabling them to reach strategic positions within their organizations. In Ecuador, this initiative is pioneering due to its focus on high-level leadership, providing participants with a comprehensive perspective on business management and decision-making, as well as offering a valuable network of contacts and professional development opportunities.

 

In its second edition (2024-2025), the program introduced three new elements designed to enhance the participant experience:

 

  • Comprehensive personal assessment, evaluating not only interpersonal skills but also emotional intelligence.
  • Rigorous selection process, ensuring participants have strong managerial experience and a well-defined purpose for joining the program.
  • Broader mentor diversity, expanding representation not only in terms of gender but also across expertise areas and industry sectors.

 

WOMEN ON BOARDS: TRANSFORMING ECUADOR’S BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

30% Club Women On Boards with photos of lots of women - Ecuador

 

The 30%+Club Ecuador, a pioneer in promoting gender diversity in senior management positions in the country, presented its Women on Boards program in November 2024. This initiative aims to connect outstanding Ecuadorian female executives with opportunities on the boards of directors of the country’s leading companies.

 

Including women onto boards of directors generates multiple benefits for organizations, such as greater diversity of perspectives, more robust decision-making processes, and a boost to innovation. For women, it represents recognition of their career path and the opportunity to contribute significantly to business development.

 

The program features a rigorous selection process, requiring a minimum of five years in senior management positions, training in corporate governance and a proven ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. Candidates must also demonstrate analytical skills to assess the business environment and make strategic decisions.

 

Women on Boards stands out for its broad reach, bringing together 40 executives from diverse industries and sectors. Its community represents more than 10 economic sectors across the private, public, and nonprofit spheres, with expertise in areas such as technology, strategy, risk management, and sustainability.

 

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