Conference Presentation, Panel
Women Challenging the Status Quo: Building Businesses Their Way
Milken InstituteJoyce Chang, Maha Dahil, Minka Kelly, Maladi McCluskey, Puna Mohajer, Robin Ward, Tina
- The Milken Institute aims to increase female representation from 10 percent to 30 percent within one year, driven by current momentum despite challenges such as the wage gap and specific industry setbacks.
- Women are anticipated to advance into more substantial leadership and creative roles, moving away from stereotypical parts like the "girlfriend" character, while board and public representation is expected to shift focus toward documented accomplishments.
- Significant investment opportunities are projected in the $80 billion beauty industry and other female-centric sectors, where women are expected to launch capital-efficient companies generating 35% greater return on equity.
- Venture capital dynamics are shifting due to mainstream pressure, with female angel investing anticipated to grow significantly from current levels, while VC partners face increased scrutiny to evaluate female-led deals they might previously have overlooked.
- Future funding rounds for female entrepreneurs are expected to scale from approximately $700,000 seed checks to $10 million rounds, requiring a shift in pitching strategy from conceptual "hope" to concrete financial data.
- Women are expected to continue facing a "confidence gap" and systemic biases, including the perception that the same assertive behaviors acceptable in men are viewed negatively in women, necessitating that they work twice as hard at 77% of male pay to achieve promotions.
- A transition from corporate to entrepreneurial roles is forecasted, alongside a rise in "friend-torship" and cooperative mentoring, as women are expected to prioritize kindness and support systems over individual accolades.
- Technology and the ease of entrepreneurship are predicted to accelerate gender equality progress more rapidly than the cumulative gains made from the 1970s to the present, creating a unique window for transformative change.
- Young women are expected to develop greater assertiveness through classroom competition with men, while existing leaders are urged to model behavior and engage in reverse mentorship to guide the next generation.
- Immigrant women are anticipated to drive structural changes by challenging barriers that push them away from the business world, fueled by a sense of justice and human rights.
- Agents and industry stakeholders are expected to leverage salary transparency to raise awareness regarding gender pay gaps and influence studios to effect change.
- Success for women is increasingly expected to be defined by creating meaningful, sustainable impact and reinvesting 90% of income into families and communities to address poverty, rather than solely focusing on executive titles or compensation.