Building on previous action plans published by these initiatives, this brief paper is based on the "Leadership Shadow" model and considers how the example set by senior management impacts on the organisation as a whole.

Female chief executives and male business leaders share their experience in effecting change in gender diversity within their organisations. Actions are grouped by four principles: "What I Say" includes promotion of the business case, delivering the message to staff and celebrating progress; "How I Act" includes role modelling, building teams to critical mass of women, and calling out counteractive behaviour; "What I Prioritise" includes engagement of leadership, recruitment and promotion decisions and championing flexible work arrangements for both sexes; and "How I Measure" covers setting targets and accountability, and receiving feedback on one's own leadership shadow.