McKinsey Partner's LinkedIn Comments on Glass Cliff Spark Debate
A McKinsey partner publicly questioned on LinkedIn whether the 'glass cliff' phenomenon—where women are more likely to be appointed CEO during a company crisis—actually exists. The exchange occurred under a post by author Julia Carreon, who was promoting her new book addressing this and related issues facing female leaders.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The comments, coming from a senior figure at a top consultancy, illustrate the kind of skepticism toward women's leadership challenges that Carreon's book reportedly aims to address. The episode could be seen as reinforcing the very dynamics Carreon describes, since public pushback from an influential corporate voice may shape how seriously such concerns are taken in business circles.
- A McKinsey partner questioned the existence of the glass cliff phenomenon in a LinkedIn exchange.
- The debate occurred in response to a promotional post for Julia Carreon's new book on women in leadership.
- The exchange is being framed as evidence supporting the very arguments Carreon's book makes.
The Glass Cliff by Julia Carreon — This book directly explores the phenomenon discussed in the article—why women are often promoted to leadership during crises and face disproportionate scrutiny. It's a timely read for understanding workplace dynamics and the challenges women leaders face, especially in light of the McKinsey LinkedIn exchange.
See The Glass Cliff by Julia Carreon on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-10-02
Published there as: “What a McKinsey partner’s commentary on women CEOs reveals”
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