The corporate sponsor as hero: Advancing women into leadership roles

written by
Katriina Tahka

The business case for women’s advancement has been proven time and time again. Statistical studies show that women deliver positive, quantifiable results in leadership positions.

However, while women currently make up 34% of senior management, they comprise only 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs, according to The Sponsor Effect,
a research report published by the Center for Work-Life Policy (CWLP). The obstacle to senior management, as identified in that study and other recent research, is an absence of proactive support from senior leaders.

This EY report explores the meaning of sponsorship in today’s business environment and the characteristics of those individuals who assume the role
of sponsor. Senior leaders — both male and female — can take concrete steps to minimize gender disparities and help advance women into leadership positions in their organizations.

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About the author

Katriina is a strategic leadership advisor, DEI expert, and culture transformation specialist who has worked with Australia’s largest employers across infrastructure, government, health, and corporate sectors. With over two decades of experience, Katriina founded Cultivate to embed leadership development into everyday business—not as an afterthought, but as a strategic imperative. Her ability to blend systemic change with human insight makes her a trusted partner to executives and HR leaders alike. She believes leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about visibility, belief, and the systems that support both.

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Cultivate Sponsorship spans the sacred, beautiful, and diverse lands of the Australian continent and its neighbouring islands. We acknowledge the past and present Traditional Owners of the lands on which we learn and work.

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