At Publicis Sapient, we understand that digital transformation is fundamentally about people. Our commitment to gender equity and inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all initiative—it is a dynamic, industry-tailored strategy that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities for women in financial services, technology, and retail. Through programs like RISE (Redefine, Inspire, Strengthen, Elevate), robust sponsorship and mentorship networks, and a relentless focus on intersectionality, we are driving measurable progress for women in digital transformation roles across these sectors.
The financial services sector is a cornerstone of the global economy, yet it has long faced persistent challenges in achieving gender diversity at senior levels. Advancing women in this sector is not just a matter of equity—it’s a business imperative. Diverse teams bring a breadth of perspectives that drive strategic investment decisions, foster innovation, and build trust with clients.
Our RISE program is central to this effort. Women in financial services are intentionally matched with executive sponsors and mentors, providing advocacy and guidance to navigate complex career paths and break through traditional barriers. We integrate diversity metrics into leadership performance reviews and ensure diverse representation in digital transformation and client-facing project teams. These efforts are delivering tangible results: improved female representation in senior roles and a growing culture of inclusion that benefits both employees and clients.
Industry leaders are increasingly focused on empowering female investors, increasing access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs, and ensuring new voices are represented on boards. Empathy and a consumer-first mindset are emphasized, with women leaders championing approaches that align digital transformation with the evolving needs of clients and communities.
The technology sector is synonymous with rapid change and disruption, but it continues to grapple with representation gaps, particularly in technical and leadership roles. At Publicis Sapient, we take a holistic, data-driven approach to closing the gender gap in technology. Our RISE program provides 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, we have:
These initiatives are making a measurable impact. 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. Our 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. In the most recent period, 53% of promotions at Publicis Sapient were awarded to women, with a focus on improving representation at senior levels and in specialized technical roles where women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ women have historically been underrepresented. Employees consistently share how inclusive policies and supportive networks have enabled them to grow and succeed. One participant shared, “Being part of PS Balance and the RISE program has given me the confidence and mentorship to pursue leadership opportunities I once thought were out of reach.” Another noted, “The flexibility and support I’ve received as a working parent and as someone with a disability have been transformative—not just for my career, but for my family.”
For organizations seeking to replicate these successes, the path forward is clear:
By integrating gender equity into every stage of the employee lifecycle and adapting our strategies to the unique cultures of each industry, Publicis Sapient is 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.