The Leadership Lattice project is a bold PEWIN Foundation research initiative aimed at improving and increasing the leadership pathways for women in private markets. Unlike the metaphorical career “ladder,” the lattice recognizes that professional growth is often non-linear and is shaped by a bespoke mix of individual decisions, career moves, mentors and sponsors, and opportunistic circumstances. The project aims to develop a practical roadmap for individuals, organizations and the ecosystem to catalyze systemic change.
The Reality We Must Acknowledge
Women currently hold less than 15% of senior roles in private equity, venture, and alternatives. Barriers such as unconscious bias, limited access to deals, and unequal sponsorship persist. The Leadership Lattice research acknowledges these challenges but seeks to unlock positive and proven interventions so that the path is more easily navigated and that success is both possible and powerful.
No single stakeholder set is responsible for change. Sustainable progress requires action across three key stakeholder groups:
Individual Mid-level Women
Proactively adopting individual development strategies that best position themselves for success.
Firms and Institutions
Implementing smart policies and fostering inclusive cultures that actively support advancement.
Ecosystem Players
Mission-based organization and women leaders collectively leveraging their experiences, networks and resources to guide, support and sponsor the next generation.
A Phased Approach
01
Phase I
With confirmation that there is little peer-reviewed data on the topic of
positive patterns of leadership ascension for women, we have embarked on identifying such patterns
through targeted focus groups of senior women including general partners, limited partners and firm
founders.
02
Phase II
Engaging with mid-level women professionals through survey and focus
groups to understand their current experiences and how the proven ascension patterns from Phase I
apply to them. What positive factors will keep them on the leadership path today?
03
Phase III
Analyzing the mid-level needs and understanding where there are gaps in
resources will allow PEWIN to create practical, actionable frameworks and playbooks for
individuals, firms and institutions and the ecosystem to come together to effect change and amplify
career advancement for this cohort.
A Call to Action
The Leadership Lattice aims to produce an actionable toolkit of proven strategies, roadmaps, and playbooks that support the unique career paths of mid-level women so that they can ascend to leadership positions with guidance and support, not alone.
The PEWIN Foundation has engaged the Workforce & Organizational Research Center to design and conduct our proprietary research over the coming year. With the first phase of our research fully funded, we are now seeking contributions to complete the data collection and development of the framework through Phases II and III. With our fundraising goal of $100,000, all levels of giving will have an impact!
By funding this research initiative, donors will be advancing the development of a set of tools that seeks to drive systemic change. Every contribution accelerates women’s advancement, strengthens firms, and helps shape a strong future for the private markets. This is not just research - it’s an investment in leadership, equity, and the future of the private markets.
Make your secure and tax deductible contribution today!
