After the global financial crisis of 2008, Roger Steare, a.k.a. “The Corporate Philosopher,” posited that one of the primary contributing factors to the crisis was the makeup of corporate boardrooms. His observation was they were “male, pale, and stale.” So what has changed? Have we witnessed the rise of the female; the elevation of the black man/woman; and what about youth?
There is no escaping the facts. Largely, we continue to be ruled by older, white, alpha males who dominate politics, boardrooms, and even courtrooms. As a consequence, in many countries, the equality gaps have widened in all areas of society, and we are now facing a crisis. Perversely, the crisis is predominantly being managed by the same gray-haired old white men. The absence of females, men/women of color, and young people is failing many of us. It is worth noting two of the countries that have had high levels of success in confronting the coronavirus pandemic, Germany and New Zealand, are led by women.
