Nat­alie Shefer

I am a researcher and educator passionate about understanding what really drives diverse and inclusive leadership. Even as many companies reach gender balance targets, women often remain excluded from the spaces where the most important decisions are made. My work focuses on uncovering these hidden barriers, showing why diversity on paper doesn’t always translate to genuine inclusion in practice.

At the heart of my research is the concept of social dominance — the way power and influence are structured within leadership. Social dominance affects who rises to the top, who stays there, and whose voices are truly heard once they arrive. Using innovative AI-based tools, I study CEOs and top executives across countries and industries, connecting their traits to how organizations make decisions, handle diversity initiatives, and shape opportunities for others. My findings reveal a striking paradox: dominant behaviors often help men succeed, but when women display the very same behaviors, they are frequently penalized, labeled as aggressive or unlikable. This dynamic silently limits progress toward equality, even in organizations that appear diverse.

My work matters because it helps both companies and societies see the invisible systems that perpetuate inequality. For businesses, this research offers practical insights to redesign leadership pipelines and move beyond headcounts toward truly inclusive cultures. For society, it highlights how deeply power dynamics are woven into workplaces and economies, influencing who gets to lead and whose contributions are valued.

In the classroom, I bring these ideas to life by creating interactive and supportive learning experiences where students debate, share personal perspectives, and co-produce knowledge. My goal is to equip future leaders to recognize and challenge hidden barriers, so they can build workplaces where everyone—not just the most dominant voices—has the opportunity to thrive.