Division
2021 research report

The way
we are

Australian Women in Business

In August 2021, Pinstripe Media and Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) commissioned independent research to set the record straight about what it’s like to be an Australian woman in business right now. We heard from over 350 business leaders and entrepreneurs about everything from work/life balance and paths to leadership to the value of mentors and networks in building and maintaining a career – and the results highlight the opportunities and challenges ahead.

WHO WE ARE

All survey participants were business owners/founder, entrepreneurs, C-suite or decision makers.

THE PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS

Women entrepreneurs overwhelmingly see their path to leadership as a rollercoaster with a few bumps to get over

“It's been 20 years in the making and there have been plenty of bumps and highs and lows but you just keep rolling and coasting along. Onwards and upwards.”

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Is achieving work/life balance an impossible dream? 2 out of 3 surveyed women think so.

"Balance is an illusion... an outdated concept. Harmony is the goal-being connected to, and in the flow of, your deepest inspiration, joy and pleasure, in both work and life."

THE STATE OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The outlook for female entrepreneurship is positive - but there is room for improvement.

MENTORING

There is a virtuous loop to the mentoring experience: Women with mentors are much more likely to mentor others.

What makes a good mentor? “Someone who has ‘been there’ ahead of you, can communicate well and problem solve with you. An advocate and cheerleader. Someone who is willing to connect you with others to help you grow – personally and professionally.”

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS

Women know that professional networks are important - and yet not all belong to a network.

 

WHAT WE KNOW: 5 KEY INSIGHTS

1
Attitude is everything and a key reason why women succeed in their careers. Overcoming the #1 barrier, a lack of confidence, is key to more success.
2
Although additional barriers exist for women, they also have unique advantages. Creativity can be a secret weapon and leveraged into a competitive advantage.
3
The state of female entrepreneurship is strong in Australia but there are biases that only women face in the workplace.
4
Women know how to leverage mentors for success. Although more women are mentors than men, there is a need to encourage more women to seek mentors or become one.
5
Women know the value of professional networks, especially for learning and development. Encouraging women to join professional networking groups will help them experience the benefits.
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