Episode 402 — Factors of Success: Women in Executive Leadership
On this episode of Business and Society, Aparna Joshi, professor of management and organizations, makes her podcast debut. She discusses her research about women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and what factors have impacted their success in those roles.
Between 1989 and 2009, fewer than 100 women became CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
In 2014, Joshi and her co-authors embarked on a deep dive into every one of these rare events. While the barriers to women’s success in senior roles and the negative industry reactions to their ascension have been long documented, Joshi felt these focuses failed to provide actionable knowledge. Her research thus highlights the “recipes” for women’s post-succession success, and points organizations towards a clearer path forward.
On this episode of Business and Society, Professor Aparna Joshi, Michigan Ross Professor of Management and Organizations and recent recipient of the 2025 Academy of Management’s Impact Award, sits down with host JT Godfrey to discuss her research, the factors of success for women in senior leadership, and ways of creating more supportive and thriving environments.
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Business Beyond Usual: Full-time MBA students at Michigan Ross tackle burning issues on campus and the world beyond. In every episode, the student hosts discuss a topic of importance for current and prospective students through interviews with current students, alumni, faculty, and administrators.
Working for the Weekend: A deep dive into the daily life of part-time MBAs at Michigan Ross. Weekend and online MBA students discuss their experiences and advice for prospective and current students.
Down to Business: Join Dean Sharon Matusik as she interviews Michigan Ross alums in the C-Suite to learn how Ross set them on a path to organizational leadership.
About the participants
- Host: JT Godfrey
- Producers: JT Godfrey and Jeff Karoub
- Guests: Professor Aparna Joshi
- Audio Engineer: Jonah Brockman
- Editorial Production: Mads Henke
