Ceos Must Address Challenges Faced by Senior Women at Work

WHO:

Fast Company - Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures

Fast Company - Shalene Gupta, colleague of Stephanie Mehta

Fast Company - Anica John, former product leader at Amazon and current owner of DiggyPOD

WHAT:

Fast Company - 60% of senior-level women report burning out, compared to 50% of men and 40% of employees overall, according to McKinsey and LeanIn’s Women in the Workplace report.

Fast Company - 25% of senior-level women are not seeking promotions due to "personal obligations," while only 15% of male respondents feel the same pressure.

Fast Company - 42% of women who voluntarily left the workforce in 2025 cited childcare responsibilities and costs as the primary reason for quitting, according to a January 2026 study from Catalyst.

Fast Company - Many accomplished women have left corporate jobs for entrepreneurship, acquiring small companies or launching new businesses in record numbers.

Fast Company - Companies on Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces List, led by women, often implement workplace policies that women value, such as remote work and extended family leave.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The tech industry, as referenced by Anica John regarding her experience at Amazon.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The study from Catalyst was conducted in January 2026.

Fast Company - Anica John bought DiggyPOD in 2025.

Fast Company - The McKinsey and LeanIn research indicates that women who worked remotely were less likely to receive promotions in the past two years.

WHY:

Fast Company - Senior-level women are struggling to manage the pressures of home life and workplace complexity, with bias still affecting their careers.

Fast Company - Women are leaving corporate ranks for entrepreneurship due to the inability to balance work and family commitments in traditional corporate settings.

HOW:

Fast Company - Companies can retain talent by offering hybrid and remote work options and ensuring that women are not penalized for choosing flexible work arrangements.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 12:07 UTC)

A recent report from McKinsey and LeanIn reveals that 60% of senior-level women are experiencing burnout, a figure that surpasses the 50% of men and 40% of employees overall. The study highlights that many women are stepping away from corporate roles, with 42% of those who left in 2025 citing childcare responsibilities as a primary reason, while companies that prioritize flexible work arrangements are better positioned to retain talent. Anica John, a former product leader at Amazon and now the owner of DiggyPOD, reflects this trend as accomplished women increasingly turn to entrepreneurship to balance their professional and personal lives.