6 women CEOs redefining workplace culture

As we celebrate the achievements of women on International Women’s Day and throughout Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting a few of the standout women CEOs heading companies on Glassdoor’s Best Places To Work (BPTW) 2024 list. Whether it’s their authenticity or strong sense of curiosity, these women leaders help make their companies places where employees are proud to work. 

The current state of women in the C-suite 

At the end of 2021, women held nearly 22% of board seats and “chief” titles. In 2023, 10.6% of Fortune 500 companies had women CEOs. And there’s a good chance that growth will continue. S&P Global predicts that gender parity in executive leadership could happen as early as 2030. 

But in order to get there within the next decade, it’s important that companies lean heavily on development opportunities and programs that retain women in mid-level and senior management positions. That has been particularly challenging over the last three years as more director-level women are leaving companies. Compensation, benefits, and work-life balance are important for engaging women employees at all levels, but it’s also critical that companies champion these leaders as key players and experts. 

How these women are leading the way

Research shows that diversity in corporate leadership is good for business. Organizations with more women in senior positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and provide safer, higher-quality customer experiences. Companies thrive when employees feel valued, and women leaders like the ones leading BPTWs have a strong track record of supporting their workers. 

Here’s how they’re showing up for their employees. 

1. Dr. Lisa Su, AMD (97% approval rating)

AMD’s Dr. Lisa Su is credited with turning the company around since taking the reins in 2014 by diversifying its product portfolio. Ten years into her tenure at the top, AMD’s stock is performing so well that Wu — who negotiated a compensation package that prioritizes stock over base pay — is a newly minted billionaire.  Employees applaud her transparency and support her vision: Su has a staggering 97% CEO approval rating on Glassdoor. 

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2. Abby Johnson, Fidelity Investments (93% approval rating) 

At Fidelity Investments, employees say the inclusive culture and career development opportunities set the company apart. That supportive culture has earned Abby Johnson a 93% CEO approval rating on Glassdoor, and her inspiring leadership trickles down to the management level, too. One employee shared “The CEO is exceptional and my direct manager was the best and most caring manager I have ever had in my life.”

Johnson is popular with Fidelity employees, and revered in the finance world: In 2023, American Banker ranked Johnson #2 on its most powerful women in finance list.

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3. Priscilla Almodovar, Fannie Mae (93% approval rating) 

CEO Priscilla Almodovar describes her leadership style as energetic, curious, and authentic. “I believe in moving with focused and informed purpose,” she said, “When I have a question, I don’t hesitate to reach into the organization for the answer. I believe in building relationships in good times, so you have a foundation to draw upon in tough times.” 

Her approach clearly resonates with the employees at Fannie Mae, who give her a 93% approval rating.  Highlights of working at the company include excellent pay and benefits, a flexible workweek (including flexibility on Friday afternoons), and 4-day weekends for some federal holidays. 

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4. Lynsi Snyder, In-N-Out Burger (91% approval rating) 

CEO Lynsi Snyder has been the highest-rated women  CEO in the United States for years, with a 91% approval rating on Glassdoor. She has run In-N-Out, founded by her grandparents in 1948, since becoming the CEO in 2017 at the age of 35. Employees rave that Snyder’s a “down to earth and badass person” who “really cares about her workers and gives us some of the best benefits… not just in the food industry but really across the board.” 

According to employee reviews, it’s her genuineness and empathy that make Snyder stand out from the pack as a leader. 

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5. Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins (89% approval rating)

CEO Jennifer Rumsey says one of her top focus areas is “creating inclusive and equitable environments where all employees thrive.” In 2023, the company used its Cummins Cafes program to facilitate meaningful cross-functional discussions and feedback with 38,000 employees worldwide. In addition, 4,000 leaders graduated from its Building Success in You leadership development program. 

Rumsey, whose background is in mechanical engineering, has an 89% Glassdoor CEO approval rating, with employees citing that leaders model and champion the company values.

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6. Colleen Wegman, Wegmans Food Markets (86% approval rating)

Wegmans has a reputation as a company that cares about its employees, so much so that it serves as a literal textbook case in organizational behavior courses. Employees say the grocery store chain has great pay, good people, and flexible schedules. CEO Colleen Wegman, who has an 86% CEO approval rating on Glassdoor, keeps the feel-good energy levels high by staying connected with employees. Workers note that the CEO and senior leaders visit every Wegmans location annually.

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The case for increasing women in leadership

Diverse perspectives are critical in an inclusive, sustainable workplace. For example, women are often great listeners and empathetic — characteristics that pay off in the C-suite.

“Our employees are driven by our shared mission to create housing opportunities that are affordable and sustainable; they are collaborative; and there is a real sense of belonging,” Fannie Mae’s Almodovar explained. “My job is to be both an advocate and steward of these values.”

As work priorities and employee demographics shift, leaders who can foster a culture that boosts productivity while minimizing burnout are critical. These six CEOs demonstrate that women excel in leading companies where workers want to build long-term careers.

Want to land a job you’ll love? Check out openings at the Best Places to Work.