💌 Weekly: Women are just after rings

Olympic rings

The Female Quotient
December 30, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes

Happy New Year from The FQ!

2025 was one for the books: setting records, making history, boosting the economy, having the conversations that matter, and creating real impact. You’re part of the largest global community of women in business, and with The FQ, it’s never just about showing up; it’s about leading, influencing, and changing the game.

In 2026, we’re going bigger: more summits, more cultural events, more original content (yes, the video podcast is coming 👀 ). As we head into the new year, let’s keep showing up for each other, celebrating our wins, and pushing what’s possible.

And before we dive in, we want to hear from you: what do you want to see from The FQ next year? Let’s build it together. Tell us here.

WHAT’S ON DECK

Tell Me More: Women’s participation in the Olympics would be “impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic.”
Troubler Spotlight: Shivani Berry, CEO and Founder, Career Mama
Inside Track: Leaders on the move
Dear FQ: What do I do if I’ve lost the passion for my job?
Poll the Pack: Mind over money

TELL ME MORE

The 100 year sprint to 50.7%

Women around the world are just after rings. Olympic rings. Powerhouses like Simone Biles, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Ireen Wüst have made history at the Games, and now the Olympics themselves are making history. For the first time in 129 years, the 2028 Games in Los Angeles will have more female than male participants at 50.7%. When women first entered the games, they made up just 2.2% of participants so you better believe we’re celebrating that > 50%.

But in 1896 at the first modern Olympic Games? Women weren’t allowed to compete. The goal of the Olympics, according to founder Pierre de Coubertin, was to spotlight men’s athleticism, claiming women’s participation would be “impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic.” If there were female events, he believed they should be without spectators in order to preserve a woman’s dignity, while also avoiding the male gaze. He said, “Women have but one task…crowning the winner with garlands.” Despite his stance, he left female participation up to the host city.

Four years later during the Paris Games of 1900, 22 women were admitted as participants alongside 975 men. But there was a catch: They were only allowed to compete in equestrianism, golf, sailing, tennis, and croquet. Why? These sports were deemed "acceptable" because they were considered genteel and were played by upper-class women in modest attire. The disparities continued into the awards ceremony. Margaret Abbott, the first American woman to win gold, didn’t even receive a medal, but a porcelain bowl.

The 1908 games in London were historic because they were the first time women’s participation was sanctioned. 37 women competed in tennis, archery, and figure skating.

And since then, progress has been made slowly but surely:

1928: Women’s gymnastics debuts
1976: Rowing and basketball are added
1996: Women’s softball and soccer join the roster. Yay, Mia Hamm!
2000: Taekwondo, triathlon, water polo, weightlifting (104 years after men), and modern pentathlon are added
2004: Women’s wrestling debuts (108 years after men)
2024: For the first time ever, the same number of male and female athletes competed in Paris. Now, 96% of national teams have a male and female athlete simultaneously carrying the Olympic torch.

Women’s boxing is a story all its own. Women were banned from Olympic boxing until one woman changed everything. Meet Katie Taylor, a powerhouse from Ireland and 5-time world champion boxer with Olympic-sized dreams. Born to a boxing judge mother and a national light heavyweight champion father, you could say it was in her blood. But Ireland had outlawed boxing for women. So she did what she does best: fought.

Katie kept training…and winning. She started sparring in disguise, posing as a boy when she was younger just to get matches. It was only when she took her headgear off that spectators would have to reconcile the fact that not only did they just see a girl boxing and boxing well, but they saw a girl beat a boy. Fans rallied and Katie became the face of the fight for inclusion. Women were finally allowed to box in Ireland in 1997 and Katie began racking up championships. Finally, in 2012, women’s boxing made its Olympic debut. Katie won Ireland’s only gold medal that year. It wasn’t just a win for her, but for every woman who’s been told, “no.”

But disparities still exist. At Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, only 13% of Olympic coaches were women. And leadership in the International Olympic Committee has long been dominated by men. Until now. For the first time in history, the IOC will be led by a woman, Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry. This marked a groundbreaking moment, because representation in decision-making positions isn’t symbolic, it’s strategic. When women help set the agenda, more inclusive choices follow.

That brings us to Milano Cortina 2026. With four new women’s events, ski mountaineering, skeleton, luge, and freestyle skiing, plus expanded mixed-gender competition, these Games mark a new era. When women have equal footing on the world’s biggest stage, the ripple effects go far beyond the finish line. It rewrites what’s possible, and reminds every girl watching that she belongs.

TROUBLEMAKER SPOTLIGHT

Shivani Berry, CEO and Founder, Career Mama

Shivani Berry is changing the game for working moms. As the CEO and founder of Career Mama, she’s helping women lead at work while balancing presence at home. Her leadership programs support moms from powerhouse companies like Google, Uber, and Salesforce. A first-generation Indian-American and Harvard MBA, Shivani has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Nasdaq because she's not just talking about balance, she's building it.

What’s the worst career advice you’ve gotten?

“You can do it all.” That’s what I believed after becoming a mom. Success meant excelling at everything: career, motherhood, marriage, health, friendships. But when I was pregnant with my second child, I kept pushing at the same pace, afraid to slow down. Like many women, I was trained to sacrifice myself and it wasn’t sustainable. Eventually, I gave myself permission to pause, let go, and focus on my top three priorities. It taught me it’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters.

What’s the best piece of non-obvious career advice you’ve gotten?

Being right isn’t enough, you have to know how to influence. Early in my career, being smart got me far. But in leadership, communication is everything. I learned to walk people through my thinking, listen deeply, and show I valued their expertise. That opened the door to new perspectives and built trust. It’s a muscle I’ve worked hard to strengthen, because influence isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about bringing people with you.

What was a heartbeat moment for you in your career?

I knew that becoming a mom was going to be physically hard, but I underestimated the emotional toll it takes and how it can be an isolating journey. I began questioning myself and wondering if I was as capable as I used to be. I felt like I was failing because no matter how much I did, I always had an endless to-do list.

It wasn't until I opened up to some of my mom friends, who were as ambitious as I was, that I realized I wasn't alone. I discovered I wanted to support moms in this transformative, beautiful experience. It led me to create Career Mama. We provide tools and support to help high-performing moms get promoted, feel more bonded with their kids, and create the life that they want, all while advancing at work.

Who is one person you’d love to give flowers to from your career that influenced your journey? What advice or lesson did you learn from them?

My former manager at PayPal, Jeremy Jonker, is my North Star for leadership. He pushed me really hard, and also believed in me. When I was only 25 years old, he had me give a presentation to the president of PayPal. It was a huge growth opportunity for me, and despite his heavy workload, he prepped with me for hours to ensure it went smoothly. His mentorship influenced the way I lead.

Where have you caused some good trouble in your career?

I caused good trouble when I was very junior in my career in investment banking. I was at an important executive meeting and, typically, I would wait for all of the leaders to take their seats and then I would take a seat in the back. One day I just sat in the middle of the main table. It was uncomfortable for me, but taking that seat allowed me to have an active part of the conversation. It showed me that in order to get the opportunities I want, I need to take up space.

Want to nominate a “Troublemaker” you admire? You can do so here.

INSIDE TRACK

Leaders on the move

Monica Khan joins McKinsey & Company as Creator Economy Senior Advisor. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for the industry, proof that the creator economy is a transformative force shaping the future culture, commerce, and community. Monica's experience across YouTube, Facebook, Spotter, and on-the-ground creator strategy brings powerful insight to McKinsey’s clients.
Adrienne O’Hara has been appointed Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer for Discovery Global at Warner Bros. Discovery. After two decades shaping iconic retail brands, including helping lead Gap Inc. through one of the most inspiring comebacks in recent history, Adrienne now brings her storytelling and strategic communications expertise to entertainment. As Discovery Global prepares to stand as an independent public company, her leadership arrives at a defining moment for the brand’s future.
Cristina Reina has been appointed Chief Creative Experience Officer of Droga5 New York and the Americas, a newly created role. With a dynamic portfolio spanning Skittles’ Broadway musical to Microsoft’s ADLaM project, Reina brings her hallmark blend of craft, heart, and innovation to deepen how brands connect with consumers across platforms. Reina’s vision centers on building ideas that live beyond a single channel, anchored in purpose, experience, and cultural relevance.

DEAR FQ

Your burning career questions answered

Carly Davidson of The Female Quotient weighs in:

You’re only human! Even if you’re thriving in your role, it’s natural for the spark to fade at times. Reigniting might be difficult because you’re burning the candle at both ends. Think about the last time you took time off to truly reset. How long ago was it? We’re trained to see taking a break as optional, but it’s essential! Rest and reflection can create space for inspiration to return.

If that’s not the issue, reflect on what first excited you about the job. Are those elements still part of your day-to-day life? If so, reconnect with them. And if they’re not? Be intentional and talk with your manager about re-incorporating them back into your daily work.

If your responsibilities have shifted in a way that your job is no longer bringing you joy, that is not a sign of failure, it’s a sign of growth. As passion evolves, so can your career. You have more transferable skills than you realize. A pivot is not only possible, but it can be truly fulfilling.

Have conversations with mentors, friends, and former colleagues who inspire you. You may find that reigniting passion isn’t about starting over, but about discovering what energizes you, and allowing yourself the grace to grow into what’s next.

P.S. Got a burning career question? Serve it up here to Dear FQ to score advice from a powerhouse leader in our network.

POLL THE PACK

Mind over money: What employees are focused on right now

We spend half our lives working. In the U.S. life expectancy is 78.4 years, so that’s 40+ years on the clock. It’s no surprise that nearly half of professionals today are prioritizing their mental and emotional wellbeing.

This points to a widespread recognition of the importance of inner stability, stress management, and personal resilience. When employees feel grounded, workplaces benefit: engagement rises, creativity flows, and productivity follows. A win-win.

On the financial front, wellness goes beyond the paycheck. It’s about feeling in control of debt, savings, and the future. When employees are stressed about money, productivity drops, turnover rises, and performance suffers. But when they feel secure? It boosts focus, loyalty, and the bottom line.

When it comes to your life and career as we head into 2026, go for the gold 🏅

Xo,

The FQ

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