In fact, high-ranking women are leaving their corporate positions in increasing numbers to start their own businesses. The number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has increased at a level twice the national average. Let's look at the employment situation right here in Milwaukee, as cited in a report on the Economic Impact of Workforce Diversity. The total number of unemployed individuals is 29,000. So, even if every unemployed person were put to work, we'd still have a labor shortage.
Businesses are economically rational.
There's nothing more potent than a bottom-line business problem to change business behavior. And, the companies that will be the most competitive and profitable in the next century are likely to be those that embrace diversity. These conditions create a bottom-line problem and incentive for businesses to change their traditional behavior. Even more good news is that this situation exists at a time when our country has a large body of richly experienced women and minority business leaders. These individuals now have 20 to 25 years of experience and are ready to break through to the highest level of corporate responsibility.