Women and ethnic minority professionals are disproportionately appointed to senior roles during times of crisis, volatility or reputational risk. This phenomenon, known as "The Glass Cliff", sees women and ethnic minority professionals in positions of heightened exposure, where the margin for error is slim, the scrutiny intense and the risk of failure and blame are high.
Following on from an in-person event in February 2026, Partner Jennifer Millins joined the Glass Cliff Podcast with Emma Sangeelee (Partner, CM Murray LLP), Sophie Williams (Author of The Glass Cliff and former global executive at Netflix), and Kevin Hogarth (Partner, PSFI LLP and Board Adviser, Executive Coach and NED) to discuss:
- What the glass cliff is - and how societal and often unconscious discrimination shapes leadership outcomes
- Why underrepresented leaders are more likely to be appointed into roles during periods of organisational crisis
- The structural and cultural dynamics behind these appointments, including unequal access to progression, sponsorship and high-profile opportunities
- How unconscious bias shapes decision-making
- The risks for individuals, including scrutiny, limited support and the potential for disproportionate blame when things go wrong
- Practical signs to look out for when considering a senior role
- The role of sponsorship, organisational support and active leadership in improving outcomes
Watch or listen to the full discussion.