The Future of Commerce Podcast

Invest in women before we divest from you

Episode Summary

On today's episode, we dive into the urgent call for gender equity in business, politics, and society: Invest in Women Before We Divest from You. With International Women’s Day in the rearview mirror, we examine how corporations, policymakers, and individuals can move beyond surface-level gestures to make meaningful change. From the persistent gender pay gap to legislative rollbacks threatening women’s rights, we explore the challenges—and the growing push for accountability. Tune in as we discuss how businesses and leaders can step up, why investing in women is a necessity, not a choice, and what actions we can all take to create a more equitable future.

Episode Notes

Invest in Women Before We Divest from You. International Women’s Day often comes with a wave of marketing campaigns, but what about real action? This episode unpacks the call to invest in women—or risk losing their support. We explore the ways businesses, governments, and society at large are failing to create true equity and what needs to change. Topics include:

• The gap between corporate marketing and real gender equity initiatives
• Stark statistics on the gender pay gap, leadership representation, and economic disparity
• The political landscape: How new policies like the SAVE-E Act threaten women’s rights
• The mental load—the invisible labor that holds women back in the workplace and beyond
• How women in leadership can shift from asking for equality to demanding it

This is more than a discussion—it’s a call to action. Join us as we break down the realities, challenges, and the steps we all need to take to build a future where women don’t just participate—they lead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How performative activism in business is hurting progress toward gender equality
• Why the mental load disproportionately impacts women’s career advancement
• The political shifts that could roll back decades of progress on women’s rights
• How to support women in leadership—whether you’re in a position of power or not
• Actionable ways to advocate for gender equity in the workplace and beyond

Key Takeaways:

• Marketing campaigns aren’t enough. Businesses need to make tangible investments in pay equity, leadership, and workplace policies.
• Gender disparities persist. Only 8% of S&P 500 CEOs are women, and full gender equality in legal protections could take 286 years at the current rate.
• Political shifts matter. Policies like the SAVE-E Act and DEI funding cuts could impact women’s rights, voter access, and economic participation.
• The mental load is real. Women bear disproportionate invisible labor, limiting their ability to advance professionally.
• Change requires action. From supporting women-led businesses to mentoring and policy advocacy, everyone has a role to play.

Subscribe to our podcast for critical conversations on gender equity, leadership, and business transformation. Visit The Future of Commerce for expert insights on how companies and policymakers are shaping our future. Share this episode with business leaders, advocates, and anyone committed to building a world where women don’t just participate—they thrive.