Why women land top jobs in struggling organisations

Women often bring leadership styles that help organisations facing difficulties. Increasingly, women hold top roles in companies, political parties, and even countries. While this shift appears clearly positive, many women take leadership in challenging situations that may deter men.

Examples of Women Leading in Crisis

Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, leads the Church of England amid scandal.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister in recent decades, manages a stagnant economy, record inflation, and population decline.
Carly Fiorina became CEO of Hewlett-Packard during the tech bubble burst.
Mary Barra assumed the role of General Motors CEO just before a major car recall.
In the UK, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch took on a high-risk leadership role during turbulent times.

The "Glass Cliff" Phenomenon

About 20 years ago, this trend was called the “glass cliff.” It highlights how women are more often appointed to leadership during crises or unstable periods.

Our study conducted in-depth interviews with 33 women in senior leadership positions in 2023 and 2024.

Underexplored Perspectives

Despite this, the experiences of women leading in precarious situations and their views on organisational challenges are rarely analyzed.

Summary

Women frequently take charge during crises, showing resilience and leadership that supports organisations through instability, a dynamic not often fully studied or understood.

The Conversation — 2025-11-07