Kemp Listens: The Best Podcasts for Women’s History Month (and Beyond!)

Our CFO and in-house podcast aficionado, Kemp Steib, is back with another edition of Kemp Listens, sharing must-hear podcasts for our community. Whether you’re looking for inspiration from extraordinary women, insight into motherhood, or strategies to thrive in the workplace, these shows have you covered.

Extraordinary Women: Stories of Resilience, Wisdom & Impact

Wiser Than Me – Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews accomplished older women about life, work, and lessons learned.

The History Chicks –  Deep dive into the lives of fascinating women throughout history, both well-known and overlooked.

Black History Bootcamp – A powerful podcast that’s meant to be a walking meditation by GirlTrek, blending history, self-care, and activism by honoring the stories of Black women trailblazers.

Motherhood – Navigating career, identity, and parenting

Mother Unlimited – The woman who redefined the idea of the career pause, Neha Ruch,  reframes ambition for modern mothers.

Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books – Hosted by Zibby Owens, this podcast features conversations with authors, offering busy moms a way to stay engaged with literature, parenting, and personal growth.

The Longest Shortest Time – After a 5 year hiatus this groundbreaking show is back! Beautifully crafted stories about the surprises and struggles of motherhood.

Women at Work – Career advice and leadership insights

Women at Work – This podcast provides expert-backed career advice for women navigating workplace challenges including leadership, negotiation, confidence, and how to thrive in male-dominated industries.

Second Life – Hosted by Hillary Kerr, this podcast features women who have made bold career pivots, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.

Takin’ Care of Lady Business –Jennifer Justice spotlights women executives, founders, and investors who are breaking barriers in business with an emphasis on women making and investing their own money.

These podcasts highlight the incredible impact of women throughout history. Which stories inspire you the most? Share your favorite women-centered podcasts below!

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The State of Women at Work in 2025: Keeping the Momentum

March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate progress, recognize challenges, and recommit to advancing women in the workforce. As we look at the state of women at work in 2025, one thing is clear: while there has been progress, the fight for equity is far from over. The gains we’ve made in recruitment, leadership representation, and awareness of workplace inequities must be reinforced, or we risk losing critical momentum.

 

A key issue we continue to see is the “broken rung”—the first step on the corporate ladder where women fall behind in promotions to manager-level roles. According to the latest McKinsey & Lean In Women in the Workplace Report, for every 100 men promoted, only 81 women receive the same opportunity. This disparity compounds over time, making it harder for women to reach leadership positions. Without intervention, the pipeline of women in leadership remains stagnant.

 

At The Second Shift, we are committed to keeping women in the talent pipeline by providing access to flexible, high-level job opportunities that match their skills and career goals. We work to ensure that companies recognize the business case for retaining mid-career women by offering real pathways to leadership rather than allowing them to be sidelined by outdated systems.

 

Yet, at a time when corporate focus on DEI is waning, it is critical to stay vigilant. The push for diverse hiring, gender equity, and inclusive leadership is not just a trend—it’s a business imperative. Studies consistently show that diverse teams drive better innovation, stronger performance, and long-term success. Companies must resist the temptation to deprioritize these efforts and instead double down on making workplaces more equitable. Progress doesn’t happen by accident; it requires commitment, action, and accountability.

 

Stay engaged, stay ambitious, and let’s keep the momentum going.

Jenny and Gina and The Second Shift Team

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The “Broken Rung” is Holding Women Back—Here’s How We Change That

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize both our progress and the barriers that persist in advancing women’s careers.

 

 

The biggest challenge isn’t just the glass ceiling—it’s the first step up. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women move up. That gap compounds over time, limiting the leadership pipeline and leaving fewer women in executive roles.

 

 

The Broken Rung, a new book by McKinsey senior partners, illuminates this critical issue, emphasizing that career growth isn’t just about promotions—it’s about experience capital. Women often miss out on on-the-job learning and leadership opportunities that accelerate careers and impact long-term earnings.

 

 

At The Second Shift, we see this play out every day. Talented, mid-career women—many with advanced degrees and executive experience—face systemic challenges that force them out of leadership tracks. That’s why we’re committed to connecting experienced women with high-impact job opportunities that match their expertise and ambitions.

 

 

Let’s celebrate progress this month: In 2000, only two Fortune 500 companies had female CEOs. Today, nearly 12% do. But we must do more.

  • Advocate for fair promotion practices.
  • Mentor women at the start of their leadership journeys.
  • Ensure women get access to career-defining opportunities.
  • Provide flexible job tracks at different points of the life/ career journey and robust parental leave support.

 

 

We have the momentum to keep. Let’s ensure that the ladder to leadership isn’t broken for the next generation.

 

 

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The Impact of DEI Budget Cuts on Women in the Workplace

In recent years, women’s representation in corporate America has seen modest gains. According to McKinsey & Company’s “Women in the Workplace 2024” report, women’s representation at the entry level rose from 45% in 2015 to 48% in 2024, and in manager roles, from 37% to 39% over the same period. However, despite these improvements, women—particularly women of color—remain underrepresented in leadership positions, with only about 30% of C-suite leaders being women.

Lately,  a notable shift has occurred in corporate commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As recent headlines and surveys reveal – while 65% of companies plan to maintain their DEI budgets in 2025, 8% intend to reduce funding, and 5% have already eliminated their programs. These decisions are influenced by factors such as political climate changes, economic pressures, and challenges in measuring return on investment.

Unfortunately, the reduction in DEI initiatives poses a risk to the progress made in advancing women’s roles in the workplace. Without sustained support, the modest gains achieved over the past decade could stagnate or even reverse, underscoring the need for continued investment in DEI efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity.

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Representation Matters: The Key to Inclusion and Advancement

Have you ever been the only one in the room? The only woman, the only person of color, the only working parent? If you have, you know how isolating it can feel.

For underrepresented employees, seeing someone who looks like them in leadership isn’t just inspiring—it’s essential. Representation signals possibility. It shows that advancement isn’t just for a select few but is truly accessible to all.

Here’s why this matters for businesses:
Higher Retention: Employees who see diverse leadership are more likely to stay and grow within the company.
Better Performance: Inclusive companies benefit from diverse perspectives, leading to stronger decision-making and innovation.
Stronger Pipeline for Talent: Sponsorship and mentorship ensure that high-potential individuals from all backgrounds get the opportunities they deserve.

At The Second Shift, we believe workplaces should be designed for inclusion, not exception. Leaders must be intentional about mentorship, sponsorship, and equitable opportunities—because when employees see a path forward, they stay, thrive, and contribute at their highest level.

 

 

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Hiring Trends to Watch: The 2025 Playbook


Hiring in 2025 is brimming with exciting opportunities for both members and clients. Here’s what we’re seeing:

  • Seasoned Professionals Are In Demand: Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of seasoned, experienced workers. Research shows that teams with a mix of ages and experience levels are more innovative and productive. For members with years of expertise under their belts, this is your time to shine. And for clients, tapping into this talent pool can bring unmatched value and insight to your organization.
  • Retention Over Recruitment: With turnover rates stabilizing, companies are doubling down on keeping their best employees happy. Think mentorship programs, upskilling opportunities, and internal mobility—it’s all about investing in people. For members, this means more chances to grow and thrive within your current roles. And for clients, it’s a reminder that building a culture of growth and loyalty can pay off big time.
  • Flexibility is the Future: Flexible hiring practices—offering remote, hybrid, or part-time roles—are becoming the gold standard for attracting top talent. This isn’t just about accommodating life’s curveballs; it’s about empowering people to bring their best selves to work. Members, keep an eye out for companies embracing these practices, and clients, don’t miss the chance to stand out by leading with flexibility.

By leaning into these trends, 2025 is shaping up to be a win-win for everyone in the workplace. Let’s make it a year to remember!

Looking for high-level talent to fuel your business growth this year? Let’s connect to discuss how The Second Shift can support your goals.

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Women in the Workforce: The 2025 Outlook

The workforce landscape continues to evolve, with women playing an increasingly pivotal role. Here are three key trends shaping 2025:

  • Flexibility Remains a Priority: According to recent studies, 76% of women prioritize flexibility over pay increases when evaluating job opportunities. In fact, companies that offer hybrid or fully remote roles see a 35% increase in applications from women. For members, this means a wider array of job options that fit their unique life stage needs. For clients, it’s a reminder that offering flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s essential to attract and retain top talent.
  • Leadership Potential Untapped: Women hold just 29% of senior leadership positions globally, despite consistently outperforming men in key leadership competencies such as emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Companies with women in executive roles are 25% more profitable on average, making this an opportunity for organizations to reassess promotion pipelines and mentorship programs to nurture leadership-ready talent.
  • The Freelance Surge: The number of women entering freelance and contract work has grown by 18% in the last year, reflecting a shift toward autonomy and balance. This trend is particularly strong among mid-career professionals seeking greater control over their schedules and career paths. For members, this is a great time to explore freelance opportunities through The Second Shift. For clients, the growing freelance pool provides access to experienced professionals for short-term or project-based needs.

The data is clear: businesses that prioritize diversity, flexibility, and equitable opportunities will lead the way in 2025.

Looking for high-level talent to fuel your business growth this year? Let’s connect to discuss how The Second Shift can support your goals.

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Wishing You Happiest Holidays!

Happy holidays to everyone in our community of members and clients and friends! We are grateful for your trust and support as we continue to make work work for women! Enjoy the holiday season!!

 

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December Survival Guide

December is the month that demands it all—end-of-year deadlines, holiday cheer, family time, school breaks, social events, and often, our sanity. Balancing work, kids, finances, and endless obligations can make this “most wonderful time of the year” feel more like the most overwhelming. If you’re feeling stretched too thin, you’re not alone.

Here’s how to ease the overwhelm:

5 Ways to Manage December Stress

1. Simplify Your To-Do List: Prioritize what matters most and let go of nonessentials.
2. Set Work Boundaries: Block focused work time and say no to last-minute projects.
3. Plan & Delegate: Use a shared family calendar and outsource tasks where you can.
4. Make Time for You: Schedule even 10 minutes daily to unwind and reset.
5. Embrace Imperfection: It doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to lighten the load.
If your work to-do list is threatening to spill into the new year, consider hiring expert help through The Second Shift. Our highly skilled professionals can step in to take some of those projects off your plate. Why do it all alone when you can lean on vetted talent who are ready to help?

This December, give yourself permission to delegate and take a breath. Your sanity is worth it, and we’re here to help.

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Empowering Working Mothers: The Impact of Giving Back

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past year. For many working mothers, these challenges include balancing career ambitions, family responsibilities, and financial stability. At The Second Shift, we understand that the ability to work and support a family often depends on access to critical resources that enable women to show up for their families and jobs.

This year, we’re highlighting organizations that address essential needs for working mothers and their families. From childcare essentials to body autonomy, these nonprofits help ensure that women have the tools to build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.

Every Mother Counts

For many working mothers, access to healthcare is fundamental to their ability to work and care for their families. Every Mother Counts is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for all mothers, helping ensure that women are healthy enough to return to work and provide for their children. By supporting maternal health globally, this organization empowers women to thrive as parents and professionals.

Donate to Every Mother Counts

Baby2Baby

Necessities like diapers, clothing, and hygiene items can make or break a working mother’s ability to stay in the workforce. Baby2Baby ensures that low-income families have what they need to care for their children, allowing mothers to focus on maintaining jobs without the constant worry of providing essentials. When families have access to resources, working moms can better balance their roles at home and work.

Donate to Baby2Baby

Dress for Success

Confidence and professional attire are crucial for women reentering the workforce or advancing their careers. Dress for Success provides working mothers with professional clothing, career coaching, and a support network, ensuring they have the tools to secure better opportunities. Economic independence starts with showing up—and Dress for Success ensures women can do so with confidence.

Donate to Dress for Success

Coalition for the Homeless

A stable home is essential for working mothers to succeed. The Coalition for the Homeless provides housing support, job training, and advocacy for families experiencing homelessness. By helping families secure stable housing, this organization enables working mothers to focus on their jobs and provide financial security for their children.

Donate to Coalition for the Homeless

National Network of Abortion Funds

Access to reproductive healthcare is a cornerstone of economic stability for women. The National Network of Abortion Funds ensures that women have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and futures. Working mothers’ ability to plan and make choices that align with their life circumstances is critical to maintaining their careers and their families’ well-being.

Donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds

When we invest in women—whether through healthcare, housing, clothing, or family essentials—we empower them to stay in the workforce and provide for their families. This holiday season, let’s show our support for working mothers by giving to these incredible organizations that make it possible for women to succeed at home and work.

Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for working families everywhere.

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