Why Women in Leadership Matters: Driving Change in Recruitment

Leadership is about creating opportunities, championing diversity, and shaping an environment where everyone can thrive. Across industries, including recruitment, women remain underrepresented in senior roles. Breaking these barriers is essential for progress and innovation.

At LHi Group and its global brands, Piper Maddox (clean energy), Harper Harrison (built environment), Lawrence Harvey (technology and data), and SciPro (life sciences), we are committed to empowering women at all levels of our business. We work with industries where women continue to make strides in leadership, and we’re dedicated to fostering a culture where they can succeed.

For International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women leading the way across LHi’s brands. We spoke with consultants and leaders across our business to hear their perspectives on leadership, inclusivity, and advice for the next generation of women in recruitment and STEM.

Spotlight on Female Consultants Across LHi’s Brands

Across industries like engineering, technology, and clean energy, women continue to push boundaries, bringing new perspectives, expertise, and leadership to traditionally male-dominated fields. The path to gender parity is still in progress, but with each success story, the industry moves closer to a more inclusive future.

For Vanessa Eatz, Principal Consultant at Harper Harrison in New York, progress is visible within architecture, where she has seen a steady rise in female graduates over the past five years, increasing from "38% to 40%." While a small shift, she believes it reflects a "growing commitment to inclusivity" and a sign that more women are stepping into roles that were once overwhelmingly male-dominated. However, she emphasises that companies must continue investing in meaningful policies that support women in leadership.

The tech industry, however, remains a challenging space for women. Amber Forrest, Recruitment Consultant at Lawrence Harvey in Berlin, notes that many still perceive it as "an unwelcome environment" where they will be in the minority. This perception, she argues, can deter women from entering the industry altogether. "Visible role models are essential in changing this mindset," she says, stressing that women in senior tech roles need to be championed to inspire and encourage future talent.

Beyond recruitment, fostering an inclusive workplace culture is equally important. Ellis Ward, Head of Digital Health at SciPro, London, believes that creating workplaces where "women can thrive, have their voices heard, and see a clear path to leadership" is key to lasting change. She highlights the role of mentorship, flexible working policies, and, most crucially, "visible female role models" in making progress that extends beyond simply hiring more women.

For Caitlin McCarley, Divisional Manager at Piper Maddox in Bristol, the support of a company that values diversity has been instrumental in overcoming industry barriers. She was drawn to clean energy because of its "impact and opportunity" and is proud to be part of a sector that is actively shaping the future. "It’s an industry that affects everyone, and having more diverse voices at the table will only accelerate innovation," she shares.

Networking, adaptability, and confidence are critical skills for women navigating male-dominated spaces. Kylie Leberman, Team Lead of Piper Maddox in Miami, encourages women to "never hesitate to take up space and voice their ideas," reinforcing the importance of self-belief in career progression.

Meanwhile, Lucy Henry, Divisional Manager at Piper Maddox in London, highlights the significance of resilience, sharing a key lesson from her own experience: "Stay focused on what you can control," she says, adding that every challenge should be seen as "an opportunity to learn and grow."

Driving Gender Equality in Recruitment and STEM

By highlighting the voices of women at LHi, we aim to inspire future generations and reaffirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion. True progress is achieved by taking action, sharing experiences, and ensuring that all women have the support and opportunities needed to thrive.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women at LHi who are shaping the future of recruitment and the industries we serve. By accelerating action, fostering inclusivity, and championing diverse talent, we are helping to build an industry where women not only succeed but lead the way.