A few years back, HKICPA’s A Plus magazine reported while women make up 52 % of entry-level positions in Hong Kong’s financial services sector, this falls to 33% at the senior management level and just 21% at the board level. This disparity raises important questions: what barriers prevent women from advancing to top positions at the same rate as their male colleagues? Research by McKinsey and Leanin.org suggests that the primary obstacle is not a glass ceiling but rather the "broken rung" on the corporate ladder. Addressing this issue is crucial for promoting gender equity in leadership roles.
At Moore Hong Kong, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women to ascend to leadership positions. One of our key initiatives is the Moore Leadhership1® programme, designed to support and elevate female leaders within our firm.
Building your own pathway to success and sanity
Siney Choi, Assurance Manager
For Siney, the Moore Leadhership1® programme was a transformative experience that provided a platform for like-minded women to support one another. She was particularly inspired by the real-life experiences shared by coaches, covering topics from work-life balance to personal branding. "It is not always easy being a working woman, as we often wear many hats. However, by carving out time for self-reflection and reassessing our expectations, we can work and live more efficiently," Siney shared.
The programme's exercises, including assessments and weekly journals, aided her in building the confidence and resilience essential for the workplace. "These activities helped me discover my personal brand and strengths, making my career goals feel more achievable," she added. After completing the programme, Siney felt more confident and enthusiastic about embracing workplace challenges and exploring new opportunities.
Enhanced leadership approach and team success
Natalie Suen, Assurance Manager
Natalie found that the Moore Leadhership1® programme significantly enhanced her leadership approach. She learned the importance of empathy and confidence when leading her team. While mentorship plays a crucial role, Natalie discovered that sponsorship could further boost team morale and foster deeper communication and trust. "Mentors provide wise advice and guidance, while sponsors amplify your voice and create opportunities for you to showcase your true self," she explained.
With the new tools acquired from the programme, Natalie is more equipped to lead her team effectively. She values the innate empathy that women often possess, recognising how it contributes to understanding and collaboration. One particular session focused on personality types, which highlighted the importance of recognising individual traits to enhance communication and team dynamics. "I am excited about building a cohesive team and positively tackling challenges together," Natalie remarked.
Conclusion
At Moore Hong Kong, we are committed to breaking the "broken rung" and advancing women into leadership roles. We celebrate our progress, with nearly 50% of our directors and principals being female, while acknowledging that our journey towards equity is ongoing.
We continuously strive to provide development opportunities for our people. If you're interested in exploring a career at Moore Hong Kong, reach out today at
recruit@moore.hk or check our current openings at
https://www.moore.hk/careers.