Women’s Leadership Advancement Forum
A Membership Resource for Women
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Together, We Can Rewrite Herstory.
So, it wasn’t just me… I designed and led a large study of leadership advancement and found that there are different paths to success for men and women.
Across industries, women need more - and different - competencies than men to succeed.
Based on this research, the Women’s Leadership Advancement Forum provides confidential assessment (the Leadership Advancement Predictor), group discussion, and a self-directed guide.
On completion, optional guidance and training may be purchased to further help women rise in leadership.
— Marilyn Gist, PhD
“The Leadership Advancement Predictor is an excellent tool for women looking to grow professionally. It provides personalized, concrete, and actionable information to improve a women’s career trajectory.”
— Naomi Diggs, MD, MBA (physician executive)
“A practical and powerful tool that you need to include in your toolkit if you are serious about your leadership advancement.”
— Saori Choulis (insurance/financial services)
“An amazing tool to provide a wholistic view of the probability of advancement. The assessment was quick and simple to complete but provided a large amount of insight on things I need to act on. The explanations were spot on and it educated me on leadership behaviors required for future success.
— Tamela Mitchenor (military)
Membership Fee of $500/year includes:
Leadership Advancement Predictor
Based on a robust study of men’s vs. women’s advancement, we now have clear evidence that the pathways to success are different. Critical competencies are required for women to break through glass ceilings. This confidential, online test is available in the member area. It takes just 12-15 minutes to complete, is scored instantly, and generates a 22-page report with your results. It will support leadership advancement in women who wish self-development, as well as those who lack representation and role models above them.
One Hour Zoom Debrief
No woman is an island. The test is paired with a group session on Zoom to explain the research behind it and answer your questions. Group sessions are offered every two weeks and you should schedule yours no later than 6 weeks after taking the test. The scheduling link for this is available in the member area.
Self-Directed Learning Guide
In addition to the test and group debrief, there is a 10-page Self-Directed Learning Guide that is a companion to the test. You can download this from the member area, review your results and improve your chances of advancement.
Periodic Leadership Talks and Mailings with Tips and News
Don’t miss “The Confidence Catalyst: Leveraging Self-doubt to Advance as Women Leadesr” - Executive Talk by Marilyn Gist on May 16th at 10 am PST on Zoom. Free to members, login required for sign up.
Access to Premium Member-Only Offerings (fee-based options)
Is Membership Right for You?
Are you experienced in leadership and interested in advancement?
The Forum is designed for women who have attained mid- to senior levels of organizational management though not yet President or Chief Executive Officer. Typically, they have several years of leadership experience and oversee other managers. Jobs in business at this level are often titled: Sr. Manager, Director, Assistant VP, VP, SVP, or CXO. Comparable positions in government, professional service firms, and other sectors are very appropriate for the Forum. If this fits and you would like to move up, joining the Forum gives you knowledge and skills to advance most efficiently.
Do you feel you were passed over for promotion?
Many women complain of being ‘left behind’ when they see men who have less time on the job or weaker qualifications get promoted first. It’s not just you - and the Forum provides tools that can help you break through.
Have you had limited leadership training or coaching?
Membership includes the Leadership Advancement Predictor, a one-hour Group debrief about the assessment. This discusses the research behind it, answers some questions you have, and provides a Self-Directed Learning Guide - a companion to the test. These tools significantly close the gap for you.
Are there very few women role models or mentors above you?
All materials, discussion, and training offered in the Forum have been developed by experienced women - specifically to help close the gap in men and women’s advancement in leadership. We serve a mentoring role that many women need.
Membership is not right for you if:
You are in an early stage of organizational leadership (have not yet advanced to middle management / managing managers)
You sense there may be organizational biases that limit women’s advancement - yet believe strongly that it’s not your responsibility to adapt in ways that can improve your chance of success
You feel that investing personal time and money in professional development is too big an ask.
Design Your Winning Leadership Style
This half-day program is live and remote. It covers Success Behaviors centered on the important leadership skills of Strategic Judgment and Leader Humility, plus understanding the impact of personal choices in Goal Emphasis, Learning Orientation, and Self-Investment
Stand Up Your Success
This half-day program (live and remote) covers Success Behaviors often critical to advancement, including Power Aptitude, Professional Appearance, Candid Conversation, and Self-Agency
Under Marilyn's leadership, as Professor of Management and Executive Director of the Center for Leadership Formation at Seattle U, I grew in ways that were unexpected and profound. She has brought this passion and heart to her work for all who are or aspire to be leaders, and now to help women write their own narrative of leadership power and success in this world.
It is with profound honor that I am able to remain engaged with Marilyn as I continue to grow and develop and to witness her taking her passion for leadership formation into this deeply important area to guide us to be the change we want to experience for ourselves and those we lead.
—— Teresa Noonan
CEO, Lot No. 68
Consulting and Strategic Advisory
After completing the Predictor test:
Forum members are eligible to purchase member-only programs for women’s leadership advancement, such as —>
Group Coaching Sessions
Mastermind sessions on specific topics with a tactical focus
1:1 Advising
Work with Marilyn Gist on targeted needs (limited availability, application required)
