In the rapidly changing landscape of post-Covid workplaces, Alison Moore has taken the reins as the new CEO of Chief a community platform dedicated to supporting women in senior leadership roles. With a background that includes executive positions at HBONBCUniversal and Condé Nast as well as her tenure as CEO of Comic Relief US Moore brings a wealth of experience to her new role. The transition also saw founders Carolyn Childers and Lindsay Kaplan move into strategic positions on the board, with Childers assuming the role of chairman and Kaplan serving as a board director.
Moore’s leadership comes at a pivotal time, as women in senior roles are reassessing their career paths amidst widespread AI adoption and its potential impact on the workforce. To better understand these dynamics, Chief collaborated with The Harris Poll to produce a comprehensive report on women and AI. The findings reveal that 80% of women surveyed are actively involved in their organizations’ AI strategies, primarily in areas such as AI governance, ethics, and the integration of AI with human workflows.
AI and the Future of Women’s Leadership
The report also highlights concerns about the risks associated with AI and its potential impact on workers. Notably, 83% of respondents agreed that caution in AI adoption is a sign of good leadership, rather than resistance to technology. Additionally, 73% expressed concern that the critical thinking gap in workforces could worsen over the next three years. Moore emphasizes the importance of intentionality in building alongside technology, stating, “The companies that will win aren’t just the ones moving fastest. They’re the ones being most intentional about what they’re building alongside the technology. Judgmentinstitutional knowledge and the leadership pipeline—those things don’t scale automatically; they must be invested in.”
In an interview with TIME Moore delved into the future of work, the rollback of DEI initiatives, and the changing career paths of women. She highlighted Chief’s mission to amplify a thriving community of business leaders and support women throughout their executive career journeys. Moore acknowledged the evolving nature of women’s careers, influenced by factors such as parenthood, caregiving responsibilities, and the desire for flexibility and autonomy.
The Career Lattice: Redefining Professional Growth
Moore introduced the concept of the career lattice as a more accurate metaphor for women’s professional journeys, replacing the traditional career ladder. This lattice acknowledges the zigs and zags, pauses, and accelerations that characterize women’s careers. Moore explained, “Women are stepping off the ladder. This is why our new metaphor for this is the lattice. If you think about a career having zigs and zags, having pauses and then accelerations, this doesn’t allow for just a vertical climb in one direction.”
She also discussed the rise of multi-hyphenate women leaders, who embrace diverse roles and experiences. These women are not only pursuing C-suite positions but also exploring entrepreneurship, investing, mentorship, and other avenues. Moore emphasized the need to support and grow this multi-hyphenate identity, stating, “They’re embracing that identity, they’re finding value, they’re finding success. They’re finding great experiences. They’re finding what they want in their roles.”
Disruption and Opportunity
Moore highlighted how disruptions, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis have driven opportunities for women to rethink their career paths with more intention. She noted that the changing economy has made career progression less reliable, prompting women to take more direct control of their professional journeys. Moore also addressed the impact of menopause on women’s workloads and the need for more flexible work arrangements.
Regarding rollbacks in DEI initiatives Moore observed that companies still value professional development and leadership support. She noted that Chief’s enterprise partnerships continue to thrive, with companies seeking strategic support and networking opportunities for their senior women leaders. Moore also addressed criticisms of Chief’s inclusivity, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to reflecting the diversity of women leaders today.
By fostering a community of diverse and resilient women leaders, Chief aims to shape the future of work and drive better business outcomes.
