The smart thing

When I met Dr. Don Barden this past summer, he offered me a bold claim as a behavioral economist: by 2028, women will hold most global leadership roles − not just in firms but in governments and small businesses. What’s more, according to his research, organizations led by women will outperform male-led counterparts via higher revenues, profits, better retention, and stronger culture.  

That claim has significant implications. It means the conversation in the C-suite is no longer about simply “getting more women” in leadership as a fairness or representation issue − it’s about a fundamental shift in how leadership is defined, how organizations operate, and how value is created. 

The shift matters on several levels. Leaders shape norms, cultures, and institutions. When leadership becomes more inclusive of women − and when women’s leadership traits like collaboration, empathy, and empowerment become more visible − institutions tend to shift accordingly. Barden argues this will have ripple effects: increased productivity, better innovation, and stronger societies. At an organizational level, firms that adopt what Barden calls “human-centered leadership” are better aligned with the modern economy than those with hierarchical, command-and-control models. And financial advisors must shift from transactional models to relational − from “pitching product” to “partnering in vision” − when working with female business leaders. These are not soft skills in the sense of optional extras; they are increasingly core to how competitive organizations succeed. In a world of knowledge workers, networks, rapid change, and flat structures, leadership that can engage rather than just direct becomes a differentiator. 

Here’s the catch. According to Barden, this evolution isn’t simply “nice to have” − it is the antidote to what he calls an “extinction event” for those who cling to outdated models of leadership and advisor−client relationships. Organizations and individuals who build inclusive cultures, adopt relational leadership models, and invest in training for emotional intelligence and collaboration will have a major advantage. For many female leaders and women executives, the rising leadership tide also means greater ability to shape culture, mentor others, and shift the business ecosystem. 

The November issue of InvestmentNews is our annual “women in leadership” edition, and in the aftermath of our Women’s Advisor Summit and Women to Watch Awards, it’s clear that the transformative effects described by Barden are underway. The increasing ascendancy of women in leadership, especially in firms they have started themselves, is a signal of a broader shift in how value is generated. Not only is investing in and aligning with women-led leadership the right thing − it’s the smart thing as well.