A scientist by training with a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Barbara Morgan is responsible for the CDMO division of Lubrizol Life Science Health. She is passionate about women in leadership and science and is the co-chair for Women in Lubrizol Leadership (WILL). In this series, Barbara discusses key themes around women in the pharma industry and offers advice for aspiring female leaders and their wider teams.
Focus from the first rung of the ladder
When discussing the progress of female talent in any industry, it is tempting to focus solely on women who have already made their way to the top. These leaders offer insights into their own journeys and the strategies that helped them get there. But what about the women just starting out and looking to lay the groundwork for a successful career?
A recent survey for McKinsey and Lean found that obstacles facing women can start long before the leadership level and in fact, at the very first promotion, in what they call ‘the broken rung’. In their survey of 600 companies, they found that for every 100 men getting their first promotion, just 72 women are promoted.