The Many Roles of Women in Leadership: Reflections and Challenges Throughout Women’s Professional Journeys

In March, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we hosted a special edition of our “Coffee with the Experts” series dedicated to women: the many roles women play in leadership and the challenges that shape their careers in the corporate environment.

The event brought together Isabela Xavier, Partner in Corporate and M&A, and Paola Macedo, Litigation and Arbitration Coordinator, alongside Ana Carolina Scarcello, Maria Paula Carreteiro, and Priscyla Barbosa, for a discussion that combined practical experiences, strategic reflections, and perspectives on the advancement of women into leadership positions, while also addressing personal-life factors such as motherhood.

This initiative is particularly relevant in a context where, despite meaningful progress, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles. According to data published by the International Labour Organization in 2023, women hold fewer than one-third of executive positions globally, and the gap becomes even more pronounced at higher levels of the corporate hierarchy. In Brazil, the challenge is similarly reflected in indicators showing low female representation on boards of directors and in strategic decision-making positions.

Against this backdrop, the event sought to go beyond identifying the problem by fostering a meaningful discussion on the factors that influence women’s professional trajectories. Topics such as time management, decision-making in high-pressure environments, career development, and the impact of different life stages—particularly motherhood—were explored from both practical and strategic perspectives.

The participants also reflected on the role of corporate structures in advancing women leaders, highlighting the importance of consistent institutional policies, inclusive workplaces, and leadership teams committed to diversity. The discussion underscored that the development of women’s careers also depends on organizational environments that promote equal opportunities and value diverse professional paths.

By creating this space for dialogue and exchange, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing topics that are relevant to the business community and to contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and forward-looking ecosystem aligned with the evolving demands of the market.

A Space for Sharing Experiences

Beyond technical knowledge, the event also provided an opportunity for networking and the exchange of experiences among the leaders, investors, and executives in attendance.

This and other initiatives reinforce our commitment to fostering strategic discussions on business growth, governance, and value creation—topics that are increasingly relevant across the business ecosystem.