Beyond good intentions: Why investing in women is a business imperative for professional services firms
By Mary Cloonan; Marketing Clever
Every year, International Women’s Day presents an opportunity to reflect on progress, acknowledge challenges, and—most importantly—transition from conversation to action. While diversity and inclusion are frequently framed as moral imperatives, they are also commercial. Ensuring women thrive in the workplace is not only the right course of action—it’s a strategic and commercial necessity.
The business case for inclusion is even more compelling for professional services firms, where expertise is the product, and people are the most valuable asset. Firms that attract, retain, and develop top talent—regardless of gender—will outperform those that do not fully harness their workforce's potential.
The business case for women’s success in professional services
Recent research from HLB’s report on women in the workplace underscores what leading firms already recognise: diverse leadership teams drive better business outcomes. Studies consistently show that firms with more women in leadership experience:
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Higher profitability
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Stronger client relationships
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Greater innovation and adaptability
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Improved talent retention
Yet, despite these advantages, the professional services sector remains one of the slowest in achieving gender parity at senior levels. Many firms invest heavily in recruiting top female graduates, but the challenge is ensuring that those women stay, progress, and lead.
Your people are your greatest asset—but only if they are advocated for
Unlike product-based industries, professional services firms do not sell goods; they sell trust, expertise, and insight. Their competitive advantage relies entirely on their team's calibre, performance, and engagement.
In a market where talent is scarce and recruitment costs are high, firms cannot afford to lose skilled professionals due to outdated structures, unconscious bias, or a lack of appropriate leadership pathways. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer findings highlight an urgent need for businesses to foster genuine inclusion in practice, not just in principle. In a world where division is rising, collaboration isn’t just a virtue; it’s a strategic necessity for long-term success.
Blaire Palmer has noted that, at the current rate of progress, gender pay parity may not be achieved until 2158. If this projection holds, discrimination and structural inequities will persist for generations—meaning today’s professional services firms must take action now to create real change. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about securing long-term success in a world where clients and talent demand more from their firms.
We have the teams we have. The question is: Are we enabling them to perform to their full potential?
When women feel supported, valued, and able to progress, they, similar to men:
✔ Deliver better client outcomes
✔ Strengthen firm culture and reputation
✔ Remain longer, reducing costly turnover
✔ Help attract the next generation of talent
However, mentorship alone is insufficient. Women do not merely require advice; they need advocates—leaders who actively champion their work, endorse their candidacy for opportunities, and ensure they are seen, heard, and valued.
Leadership is a responsibility, not just a title
The path to success is rarely traversed alone. Behind every thriving professional is a network of mentors, sponsors, and leaders who have actively created opportunities for them to grow. The same principle applies to organisations. The firms that will lead the future are those that invest in sponsorship, leadership pipelines, and cultures where women do not just survive but thrive.
Arianna Huffington has spoken extensively about the relationship between well-being and sustainable high performance. For professional services firms, those that foster environments where people can excel without burning out will retain top talent, enhance client service, and drive long-term success.
Beyond symbolism: What professional services firms can do now
Acknowledging the importance of women in leadership isn’t enough. Firms need actionable strategies that drive real results:
The competitive advantage of inclusion
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating progress; it’s about building a business case for what comes next. In professional services, where talent is everything, the firms that advocate for, invest in, and empower their people will lead the future.
The question isn’t whether investing in women is worthwhile, but whether firms can afford not to.
With extensive experience advising ambitious professional services firms on strategy, leadership, and growth, Mary Cloonan, Marketing Clever, helps them navigate change, develop their talent, and position themselves for sustainable, long-term success.
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