The KPMG Women's Leadership Study surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. women ages 18-64 (2,410 professional working women and 604 college women). Ipsos conducted the survey on behalf of KPMG.

“Every organization is stronger when its leadership has diverse perspectives and experiences to draw from. It is critically important for the business community to look at the challenges women often face in the workplace, and take action to clear the path for talented and dynamic leaders to rise and inspire new generations,” said KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer.“

The insights from female professionals across the American business landscape, as well as women on the cusp of entering the workforce in our study, offer valuable lessons about moving more women into leadership roles. We’re looking forward to discussing many of the most critical issues from the study when we gather together with current and future women leaders at the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit,” added Veihmeyer.

According to the study, six in 10 women said they aspire to be a senior leader of a company or organization, and more than half aspire to serve on a board. But six in 10 also said that they find it hard to see themselves as a leader when sharing how they perceive themselves, and 56 percent of working women said they were more cautious, as women, about taking steps toward leadership roles.

“It’s vital that leadership teams reflect the diversity of the modern world. In a business landscape of continuous change, success is often going to depend on having a range of experiences and perspectives around the boardroom table,” said Lynne Doughtie, KPMG U.S. Chairman and CEO-elect. “We are seeing in these responses a number of opportunities to strengthen connections with high-performing women at the critical points on their career paths, so they are prepared and encouraged to step into leadership roles.”

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