Breaking Barriers: How Women Are Reshaping Leadership in Recruiting

Part One of this Three-Part Series on Women in Leadership explores the evolving landscape of leadership and the pivotal role women play in this transformation. In executive search and recruiting—an industry long dominated by men—women are not just stepping into leadership positions; they are reshaping the very definition of leadership.

At Relate Search, we know firsthand the impact of diverse, inclusive leadership in shaping high-performing businesses. In this three-part series, we’ll explore the barriers women have broken, the power of women supporting women, and the ways women are redefining leadership in the workplace.

This first installment highlights how the recruiting industry has changed for women, the progress we’ve seen, and the work that still needs to be done.

A Changing Industry: The Evolution of Women in Recruiting

Recruiting has historically been a male-dominated field, particularly in senior leadership roles. Women entering the industry often faced limited mentorship, fewer opportunities for advancement, and outdated leadership models that didn’t always make space for diverse perspectives.

That’s why women like Sara Luther, Founding Partner of Relate Search, knew that breaking into leadership meant paving the way for others.

"When I started my career in recruiting, there were very few women in senior leadership roles at my firm," Sara recalls. "I advanced steadily in my career and was eventually given a leadership position—but I was still the only woman in my peer group, which was pointed out to me by several of my female colleagues at the time. Now, we’re seeing more intentional efforts to elevate women into leadership roles, and that’s a game-changer."

The shift isn’t just happening in recruiting—it’s happening across industries.

"There’s been a major push for gender diversity," says Chantel Johnson, Partner and executive recruiter at Relate Search. "Organizations are actively recruiting women into leadership roles, particularly in fields like technology, finance, and engineering—industries that historically lacked female representation."

Lindsey Webb, Technology Practice Manager, has also witnessed the shift.

"There’s more representation now, but it’s not just about the number of women in leadership—it’s about the shift in leadership styles we’re seeing. Companies are moving away from the traditional ‘command and control’ leadership model, which often didn’t leave room for collaboration. Women bring a fresh, people-first approach to leadership that is driving real results."

Challenges Still Remain: The Work Isn’t Over

While progress has been made, barriers still exist for women in leadership.

Many women still face self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or biases that question their leadership abilities. Others feel pressure to “prove themselves” in ways their male counterparts do not.

Sara understands this challenge well.

"Early in my career, I thought I had to be tough and direct to be taken seriously. I believed I had to prove myself to justify my seat at the table. Over time, I realized that authenticity is what makes a great leader. You don’t have to conform to outdated expectations—you can lead with empathy, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose."

For Hannah Barrier, a recruiter in the technology space, the biggest challenge is representation at the highest levels.

"Women in tech recruiting are gaining visibility, but we still need to be at the decision-making table. It’s not just about getting hired—it’s about being part of the leadership conversations that shape the industry."

The Future: Building a More Inclusive Industry

Despite the challenges, the future is bright for women in leadership.

As more women step into executive roles, the definition of leadership is evolving. Companies are realizing that diverse teams drive better business outcomes, and many are taking proactive steps to ensure women aren’t just part of the workforce—they’re leading it.

"The more we advocate for women in leadership," Lindsey says, "the more we challenge the status quo. Representation matters. When women lead, they open the door for more women to step up and succeed."

This is just the beginning of the conversation.

In Part Two of our series, we’ll explore why women supporting women is the key to long-term success—and how mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration are reshaping the workplace.

Join the conversation! What changes have you seen for women in leadership? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!