Open Chair: Stepping beyond the isolation of women in leadership

Women hold 70% of junior to mid-level positions in advertising but only 37.5% at the C-suite level, indicating a sharp decline in representation at senior leadership levels. This highlights the isolation of women in leadership roles at the top, underscoring the need for supportive networks.
In Women’s Month, South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Open Chair, proudly hosted The Unspoken Alliance, which brought together senior women in the advertising and marketing industry (Image supplied)
In Women’s Month, South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Open Chair, proudly hosted The Unspoken Alliance, which brought together senior women in the advertising and marketing industry (Image supplied)

“At Open Chair, we believe that leadership doesn’t have to be lonely,” says Suhana Gordhan, founder of Open Chair.

In Women’s Month, South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Open Chair, proudly hosted The Unspoken Alliance, designed to bring senior women in the advertising and marketing industry together for connection, collaboration, and collective strength.

Beyond the isolation of leadership

“We want you to walk into any room that challenges you, feeling like you have five other women behind you.

“If your voice ever shakes, we want you to amplify it with the echoes of your senior counsel.

“When a problem feels insurmountable, we want you to level up through collective wisdom, experience and empathy.

“And when you’re winning, we want to celebrate too. Ultimately, it means we go together. This is what The Unspoken Alliance is about, not always literal, not always physical, but always felt,” explains Gordhan.

Taking place at 'The Pot Luck Club' in Johannesburg, the special gathering provided women leaders with a rare opportunity to step beyond the isolation of their leadership roles and engage in an authentic exchange of wisdom, support, and celebration.

The event featured Dr Roze Phillips as the keynote speaker, a respected thought leader and strategist who shared her insights on resilience, leadership, and the power of women supporting women.

A powerful platform reshaping the leadership landscape

For SAB, the partnership with Open Chair reflects a shared vision to uplift and empower women in South Africa.

“Supporting The Unspoken Alliance is about more than sponsorship,” says Marsha Kumire, SAB corporate brand manager.

“For 130 years, SAB has been part of South Africa’s story-a story that is incomplete without the women who lead, create, and build within it.

“Our partnership reflects our belief that progress happens when we invest not just in business, but in the people behind it.

"The Unspoken Alliance is a powerful platform reshaping the leadership landscape, where women are not only present, but heard, supported and empowered to thrive.”

The partnership underscores SAB's commitment to women's empowerment and Open Chair's mission to create spaces for authentic leadership connections.

Together, they are working to ensure that every woman in leadership knows she is never walking alone.

(*Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership (WACL) Association)


 
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