Kim Elsesser
@kimelsesser.bsky.social
Forbes senior contributor and ex-Wall Streeter investigating why women earn only 82¢ for every $1 earned by men. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/
When women reach top leadership, it’s a sign of progress, but it can also make people think gender equality has been achieved. New research shows how that perception can actually slow real change - and what can be done about it. @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
How Seeing Women In Power Can Slow Real Change, And What To Do About It
New research suggests the visibility of a few successful women may make people believe that sufficient equality has already been achieved, even when it hasn’t.
www.forbes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
When women reach top leadership, it’s a sign of progress, but it can also make people think gender equality has been achieved. New research shows how that perception can actually slow real change - and what can be done about it. @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Why are so few women in the top jobs?
A new study finds women tend to wait for more experience before going for leadership roles—while men go for it sooner.
Here’s how to close that confidence gap- via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
A new study finds women tend to wait for more experience before going for leadership roles—while men go for it sooner.
Here’s how to close that confidence gap- via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Research Shows Women Need Confidence To Advance—Here’s How To Get It
Women’s representation at the top of business and politics remains stubbornly low. New research may help explain why and what women and organizations can do about it.
www.forbes.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Why are so few women in the top jobs?
A new study finds women tend to wait for more experience before going for leadership roles—while men go for it sooner.
Here’s how to close that confidence gap- via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
A new study finds women tend to wait for more experience before going for leadership roles—while men go for it sooner.
Here’s how to close that confidence gap- via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Japan just elected their first female PM—Now, only 4 G20 countries never had a female leader (The U.S., China, Russia and Saudi Arabia) @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Japan Just Elected A Woman Leader—Here’s Why The U.S. Still Hasn’t
Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister today. That leaves the U.S. as one of only four G20 countries that have never been led by a woman.
www.forbes.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Japan just elected their first female PM—Now, only 4 G20 countries never had a female leader (The U.S., China, Russia and Saudi Arabia) @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Historic first: Sarah Mullally becomes the 1st female Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England’s 1400-year history.
Breaking the “stained-glass ceiling,” her appointment signals to women & girls that the pulpit is a place they belong. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Breaking the “stained-glass ceiling,” her appointment signals to women & girls that the pulpit is a place they belong. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
A Woman Will Lead The Church Of England Breaking Stained-Glass Ceiling
For the first time in its 1400-year history, the Church of England will be led by a woman. Here's why it's so hard for women to obtain leadership roles in religion.
www.forbes.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Historic first: Sarah Mullally becomes the 1st female Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England’s 1400-year history.
Breaking the “stained-glass ceiling,” her appointment signals to women & girls that the pulpit is a place they belong. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Breaking the “stained-glass ceiling,” her appointment signals to women & girls that the pulpit is a place they belong. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Women comprised only 15% of the board members in CA-based private AI companies, and 43% of these companies had all-male boards. For the smaller private AI companies (between $50 and $100 million in funding), a whopping 62% had all-male boards! www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Nearly Half Of California’s AI Startups Still Have All-Male Boards
A new study indicates that the power to steer the future of AI still remains predominantly in the hands of men.
www.forbes.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Women comprised only 15% of the board members in CA-based private AI companies, and 43% of these companies had all-male boards. For the smaller private AI companies (between $50 and $100 million in funding), a whopping 62% had all-male boards! www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
At the Emmys, women over 50 stole the spotlight.
But a new study shows they’re the outliers: roles for women over 40 are still scarce, while men thrive well into their 60s.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
But a new study shows they’re the outliers: roles for women over 40 are still scarce, while men thrive well into their 60s.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Despite Emmy Wins, New Study Reveals Age Bias Against Women Persists
At this week’s Emmys, women over 50 dominated. But a new study reveals that these actors are exceptions and that roles for women over 40 years old remain scarce.
www.forbes.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM
At the Emmys, women over 50 stole the spotlight.
But a new study shows they’re the outliers: roles for women over 40 are still scarce, while men thrive well into their 60s.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
But a new study shows they’re the outliers: roles for women over 40 are still scarce, while men thrive well into their 60s.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Is it time to rethink how we deal with office romance? @Forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Nestlé CEO Joins Growing List Of Executives Ousted Over Office Affairs
Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe joins a long list of CEOs who have been fired due to workplace relationships. Is it time for a new approach to workplace romance?
www.forbes.com
September 2, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Is it time to rethink how we deal with office romance? @Forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Research says finding the right partner can boost your career - here's why: @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce And The Career Perks Of The Right Partner
Taylor Swift appeared on Travis Kelce’s podcast, offering a glimpse into this career-driven couple. Here's how their relationship may impact their careers.
www.forbes.com
August 15, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Research says finding the right partner can boost your career - here's why: @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
It's 2025 and we're not even ready for a female umpire? "RIP Baseball" one fan wrote on X. Others said Pawol was a DEI hire and predicted a big screwup on her part. @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
MLB’s First Female Umpire Faces Skepticism Before She Even Steps On The Field
Umpire Jen Pawol is breaking a gender barrier, but critics are speaking out before she’s even stepped on the field. Here's what she can expect going forward.
www.forbes.com
August 8, 2025 at 9:12 PM
It's 2025 and we're not even ready for a female umpire? "RIP Baseball" one fan wrote on X. Others said Pawol was a DEI hire and predicted a big screwup on her part. @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Facing litigation from riders who claim they were sexually assaulted, Uber is allowing female drivers and passengers to choose to ride with other women.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Uber To Let Female Passengers And Drivers Opt For Women-Only Rides
Facing litigation from riders who claim they were sexually assaulted, Uber is allowing female drivers and passengers to choose to ride with other women.
www.forbes.com
July 24, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Facing litigation from riders who claim they were sexually assaulted, Uber is allowing female drivers and passengers to choose to ride with other women.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Office romances are incredibly common, and the workplace is one of the most frequent settings for extramarital affairs—here's why.
via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
‘Coldplaygate’ And Why Romance Thrives At Work, Despite Policies
Despite the interest in Coldplaygate, office relationships are incredibly common, and the workplace is one of the most frequent settings for extramarital affairs.
www.forbes.com
July 21, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Office romances are incredibly common, and the workplace is one of the most frequent settings for extramarital affairs—here's why.
via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
via @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
New study looked at kids' programs from 1960-2018. Found:
1) Boys were "doers", girls were passive -no change since '60
2) Boys were associated more than girls with agency (striving to act and reach goals) and this has gotten stronger over time.
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
1) Boys were "doers", girls were passive -no change since '60
2) Boys were associated more than girls with agency (striving to act and reach goals) and this has gotten stronger over time.
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Study: For 60 Years, Kids' TV Cast Boys As Doers And Girls As Passive
New research reveals that the language in kid’s TV is reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes, and that little has changed in 60 years. In some cases, it’s getting worse.
www.forbes.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:39 AM
New study looked at kids' programs from 1960-2018. Found:
1) Boys were "doers", girls were passive -no change since '60
2) Boys were associated more than girls with agency (striving to act and reach goals) and this has gotten stronger over time.
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
1) Boys were "doers", girls were passive -no change since '60
2) Boys were associated more than girls with agency (striving to act and reach goals) and this has gotten stronger over time.
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Linda Yaccarino stepped down as CEO of X today. Many thought she was on a glass cliff, but is there really a glass cliff for female CEOs? Here's what research says...
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
X CEO Steps Down: Did Yaccarino Fall Off The Glass Cliff?
Linda Yaccarino stepped down as CEO of X today. Many thought she was on a glass cliff, but is there really a glass cliff for female CEOs?
www.forbes.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Linda Yaccarino stepped down as CEO of X today. Many thought she was on a glass cliff, but is there really a glass cliff for female CEOs? Here's what research says...
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Women are twice as likely as men to volunteer for "undesirable tasks." The problem is that it leaves less time for their primary jobs, potentially hurting their careers. Here's how to say no: @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Being Too Helpful At Work Can Hurt Your Career—Here’s How To Say No
Women are more likely to take on behind-the-scenes duties at work—extra tasks like onboarding or event planning—and it's hurting their careers. Here's how to say no.
www.forbes.com
July 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Women are twice as likely as men to volunteer for "undesirable tasks." The problem is that it leaves less time for their primary jobs, potentially hurting their careers. Here's how to say no: @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Finally, baseball for women. Professional women’s leagues already exist in soccer (NWSL), basketball (WNBA), tackle football (WFA), ice hockey (PWHL), and rugby (WER), all sports arguably more physically aggressive than baseball.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
First Women’s Professional Baseball League In 70 Years Announces Tryouts
For the first time in decades, women will have the chance to try out for a professional baseball team—in the new Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL).
www.forbes.com
July 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Finally, baseball for women. Professional women’s leagues already exist in soccer (NWSL), basketball (WNBA), tackle football (WFA), ice hockey (PWHL), and rugby (WER), all sports arguably more physically aggressive than baseball.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
A new study of recommendations on LinkedIn profiles finds women are seen as detail-driven, while men are more big-picture thinkers—even after controlling for occupation and industry. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
We Need To Rethink How We Recommend Women On LinkedIn, Study Says
A new study of recommendations on LinkedIn profiles finds women are seen as detail-driven, while men are more big-picture thinkers.
www.forbes.com
June 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
A new study of recommendations on LinkedIn profiles finds women are seen as detail-driven, while men are more big-picture thinkers—even after controlling for occupation and industry. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Ever thought about why virtual AI assistants like Siri and Alexa default to female voices? @forbes.com www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Fixing AI’s Gender Bias Isn’t Just Ethical—It’s Good Business
AI tools are amplifying gender biases from the real world. The consequences have implications, not just for gender equity, but also for companies’ bottom lines.
www.forbes.com
June 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Ever thought about why virtual AI assistants like Siri and Alexa default to female voices? @forbes.com www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Katherine Legge holds the fastest female qualifying time for Indy500. Now she's getting death threats for returning to NASCAR. Here's how she deals with that and being a woman in racing @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
How NASCAR Driver Katherine Legge Manages Death Threats And Competing In A Man’s World
Katherine Legge will be the only woman in her NASCAR race this weekend—and she's getting death threats. Here's her advice for thriving in a male-dominated environment.
www.forbes.com
May 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Katherine Legge holds the fastest female qualifying time for Indy500. Now she's getting death threats for returning to NASCAR. Here's how she deals with that and being a woman in racing @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
The Take It Down Act was signed Monday to force platforms to take down deepfake nudes, revenge porn, etc. Building on momentum, the DEFIANCE Act was reintroduced today to allow victims to sue those who created/shared the explicit images. @aoc.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com
May 22, 2025 at 4:44 AM
The Take It Down Act was signed Monday to force platforms to take down deepfake nudes, revenge porn, etc. Building on momentum, the DEFIANCE Act was reintroduced today to allow victims to sue those who created/shared the explicit images. @aoc.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
This new report refutes the idea that women who are promoted to CEO got there because of DEI preference and not merit. They found that female CEOs have more senior leadership experience than their male peers. @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Few Women Reach CEO, But Those Who Do May Be More Qualified, Report Says
A new analysis reveals that women who become CEOs are not only qualified but may be more experienced than their male peers.
www.forbes.com
May 20, 2025 at 4:59 AM
This new report refutes the idea that women who are promoted to CEO got there because of DEI preference and not merit. They found that female CEOs have more senior leadership experience than their male peers. @forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
The new bill, signed today, forces platforms to take down deepfake nudes within 48 hours and creates punishments for those who share them. Women professionals have increasingly become targets—hopefully, this will help
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
New ‘Take It Down’ Law Will Protect Against Deepfake Nudes
While the focus of the new bill has centered on protecting young people, the law will also protect professional women who are increasingly being targeted.
www.forbes.com
May 19, 2025 at 7:51 PM
The new bill, signed today, forces platforms to take down deepfake nudes within 48 hours and creates punishments for those who share them. Women professionals have increasingly become targets—hopefully, this will help
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
@forbes www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
New research shows marriages can suffer when women outearn husbands— sadly, the results show outdated beliefs about who should be the provider (in straight marriages) are still going strong. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Women Who Outearn Husbands Face Higher Marital Strain, Study Says
New research shows marriages can suffer when women outearn husbands, indicating that outdated beliefs about who should be the provider remain deeply rooted.
www.forbes.com
May 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
New research shows marriages can suffer when women outearn husbands— sadly, the results show outdated beliefs about who should be the provider (in straight marriages) are still going strong. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Reposted by Kim Elsesser
On being called DEI and why it isn’t the burn they think it is
April 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
On being called DEI and why it isn’t the burn they think it is
Two new studies—one focused on bonobos, and one on women at work—underscore how female alliances can be game-changers. The takeaway: Whether in the rainforest or the boardroom, when females band together, they are better equipped to challenge dominance.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Bonobos And Women Benefit From Female Alliances, New Studies Say
Two new studies—one focused on bonobos, the other on professional women—underscore how female alliances can be game-changers.
www.forbes.com
April 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Two new studies—one focused on bonobos, and one on women at work—underscore how female alliances can be game-changers. The takeaway: Whether in the rainforest or the boardroom, when females band together, they are better equipped to challenge dominance.
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Papers by women are cited less in patents. To explore why, researchers had participants read a research abstract, telling half it was by a man and half by a woman. Those who thought the author was male rated the science as more important and read longer www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Men Get More Patent Credit Than Women, Even For The Same Idea
A new study finds that scientific papers authored by women are cited less often in patented inventions than those by men. Here's the reason and why it matters.
www.forbes.com
April 24, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Papers by women are cited less in patents. To explore why, researchers had participants read a research abstract, telling half it was by a man and half by a woman. Those who thought the author was male rated the science as more important and read longer www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...