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The influence of coaching on the career trajectories of African female CEOs in South Africa

  • Angela C. Russell
  • , L. M.M. Hewitt
  • University of Johannesburg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

African women[1], South Africa's largest demographic, remain underrepresented in executive management, facing compounded challenges as black females. This study examines the role of coaching in influencing the career trajectories of African female CEOs. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven participants, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research highlights the pervasive gender and racial biases impeding their leadership journeys. Coaching emerged as an important tool, fostering self-awareness, enhancing leadership skills, and facilitating career transitions. These findings underscore coaching's potential to help African female leaders traverse systemic barriers, supporting their advancement and success within corporate environments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5-20
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
    SDG 5 Gender Equality

Keywords

  • African leaders
  • Coaching
  • executive coaching
  • female CEOs
  • leadership development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • General Business,Management and Accounting

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