NAIC Perspectives

The first step in bringing about the changes necessary to recruit, retain and promote talented women in the private equity industry, is having an honest conversation about life’s pain points, says Alisa Amarosa Wood, Member, Client and Partner Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. Discussing the challenges with caring for sick parents, dealing with business school or raising a family could lead to productive policies at industry firms that could not only help attract talented women but also lead to greater productivity.

Bronwyn D. Bailey, Vice President – Research & Investor Relations, American Investment Council, says private equity firms can take steps to ensure gender diversity, including formal leadership training for men and women, family leave policies, more formalized pathways to promotion and compensation. She also points out the need to track data and statistics on recruitment and retention of women to determine whether these steps are having the proper impact.