At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about people. Central to this belief is our commitment to gender equity, embodied in our global RISE program (Redefine, Inspire, Strengthen, Elevate), which is designed to support the growth and elevation of women at every stage of their careers. But the journey toward gender equity is not uniform across industries. Each sector—whether financial services, technology, or retail—presents unique challenges and opportunities for women’s advancement. Here, we spotlight how RISE and our broader gender equity initiatives are being tailored to drive measurable outcomes for women in digital transformation roles across these key industries.
The financial services sector has long been recognized for its influence on global economies, but it has also faced persistent challenges in achieving gender diversity at senior levels. Publicis Sapient’s work with leading financial institutions highlights the critical role of intentional recruitment, mentorship, and sponsorship in elevating women into leadership roles. Through RISE, women in financial services are matched with executive sponsors and mentors, providing them with the advocacy and guidance needed to navigate complex career paths and break through traditional barriers.
Industry leaders agree that diversity is not just a matter of equity—it’s a performance imperative. Diverse teams bring a breadth of perspectives that drive strategic investment decisions and foster innovation. For example, initiatives at major financial institutions have focused on empowering female investors, increasing access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs, and ensuring that new voices are represented on boards. Empathy and a consumer-first mindset are also emphasized, with women leaders championing approaches that align digital transformation with the evolving needs of clients and communities.
Publicis Sapient’s gender equity strategies in financial services include:
These efforts are delivering tangible results, with improved female representation in senior roles and a growing culture of inclusion that benefits both employees and clients.
The technology sector is synonymous with rapid change and disruption, yet it continues to grapple with representation gaps, particularly in technical and leadership roles. At Publicis Sapient, we recognize that closing the gender gap in technology requires a holistic, data-driven approach. Our RISE program is central to this effort, providing women with access to leadership sponsors, mentoring opportunities, and targeted skills development tailored to the unique challenges of the tech industry.
Key barriers in technology include pipeline challenges, slower progression to leadership, and cultural factors that can discourage women from pursuing or remaining in technical roles. To address these, Publicis Sapient has:
These initiatives are making a measurable impact. For instance, in recent years, 53% of promotions at Publicis Sapient were awarded to women, reflecting our commitment to equitable progression. By fostering an inclusive culture and holding leadership accountable, we are helping to build a more balanced and innovative technology workforce.
Retail is an industry where understanding and reflecting the customer is paramount. As consumer expectations evolve, so too must the leadership teams that guide retail organizations. Publicis Sapient’s work with retail clients underscores the value of data-driven personalization and the need for leadership teams that mirror the diversity of their customer base.
Through RISE and related initiatives, we:
Our approach has been recognized by industry analysts, with Publicis Sapient named a leader in retail commerce and professional services. By leveraging our SPEED (Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, Data & AI) capabilities, we help retailers transform their business models and create inclusive environments where women can thrive in digital transformation roles. The result is not only stronger business performance but also greater brand loyalty among diverse consumer segments.
Across all industries, the RISE program is built on three pillars:
RISE is an ongoing, multi-year commitment, continually assessed and scaled to meet the evolving needs of women across our organization and client industries. By taking an intersectional approach—considering gender identity, race/ethnicity, and disability—we ensure that our strategies are inclusive and impactful.
The impact of these tailored approaches is clear: higher levels of engagement, improved retention, and greater innovation. Our clients and industry partners recognize Publicis Sapient as a leader in advancing women in digital transformation, and our own workforce reflects the progress we are making. By integrating gender equity into every stage of the employee lifecycle and adapting our strategies to the unique cultures of each industry, we are helping to build a digital future that is innovative, equitable, and inclusive for all.
Ready to drive meaningful change in your organization? Connect with Publicis Sapient to learn how our industry-specific, people-first approach can help you advance women’s leadership and unlock the full potential of digital transformation.