Industry Spotlights: Women’s Advancement in Digital Transformation Across Financial Services, Technology, and Retail

At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital transformation is fundamentally about people. Our commitment to gender equity is not a standalone initiative—it is woven into the fabric of our business and tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of each industry we serve. Through programs like RISE (Redefine, Inspire, Strengthen, Elevate) and robust sponsorship and mentorship networks, we are driving measurable progress for women in digital transformation roles across financial services, technology, and retail.

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:

• Enhanced outreach to female candidates, especially in early careers and returnship programs
• Analyzed promotion data to identify and address barriers to advancement
• Supported women through business resource groups like PS Balance and the Women’s Developers Group
• Introduced family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements, and well-being programs

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:

• Use customer data to inform leadership development and succession planning
• Foster cross-functional teams that reflect the diversity of the customer base
• Prioritize diversity in marketing and customer experience leadership roles

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:

• Sponsorship: Intentional matching of women with leadership sponsors to prepare them for future opportunities
• Mentoring: Technology-enabled platforms that facilitate seamless mentoring experiences, helping women set and achieve career goals
• Skills Development: Targeted learning and development opportunities that address barriers such as limited access to networks, gender stereotypes, and underrepresentation in male-dominated roles

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.

Relevant Links

• Uk Gender Pay Gap Report 2023
• L’équité salariale entre les genres dans la tech européenne : enjeux, défis et solutions (Europe)
• Uk Gender Pay Gap Report 2023
• Intersectionality and the Gender Pay Gap: Supporting Women of Diverse Backgrounds at Publicis Sapient
• Supporting Working Parents: Publicis Sapient’s Programs, Policies, and Impact
• Impulsando el Avance de las Mujeres en la Transformación Digital en América Latina (LATAM)