WHAT IF WOMEN RAN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

Imagine a world where the majority of senior leaders in music are women.

In the boardroom: ten out of twelve seats are taken by women. One interrupts the agenda to humblebrag about her country house in the South of France. Another’s scanning the room for someone more important to talk to.

The two men are trying desperately to be heard. One suggests an idea, only for a woman to repeat it louder and get the credit. 

At festivals, women solo artists dominate the lineup and headline spots. The male acts go on early in the bill as “They just don’t pull the same numbers.” And of course, the women are paid more for the same billing.

The radio’s playing and men represent less than a third of top selling artists in music, and only 14% are songwriters.

Back at the office, a young male assistant gets called “a great hire… and so easy on the eye.”

At after-work drinks, the executive woman makes a pass at him.

He files a complaint.

He’s let go, not before signing an NDA.

“Not a good culture fit,” they say.

Meanwhile 3 in 5 men in music experience sexual harassment and 1 in 5 is sexually assaulted. (source)

At a leadership offsite, the women sip cocktails in an exclusive countryside retreat and talk mergers.  The men are sent to a confidence workshop to learn how to “speak up more” and “project authority.”

At every internal meeting, women lead the agenda. They feign interest in what the men think, but really they know best.

Then the Billboard Global Power Players list is released and the vast majority are women.

The inaugural Music Week Men In Music Awards celebrates the achievements of men across the industry. Recognising their resilience, amplifying their voices, and honouring their invaluable contribution.

But the men in music are still paid 23% less than women and are bonused 31% less than their female counterparts. (source)

Sounds outrageous, right?

Until you realise, it’s just reality, flipped. This is what women in music tolerate daily.

In today’s music industry, 84% of senior leadership roles are still held by white men.

And I’m on a mission to change that.

I believe the future of music leadership is female, values-driven, and deeply powerful. Let’s build it together.

Equity, equality, and representation at the top are essential for a thriving, inclusive industry.

I coach women in music who are tired of playing the game by the boys’ club rules, and want to lead on their own terms.

Through coaching, I help them step into leadership and shape careers that reflect their values.

Backing yourself shouldn’t feel like a rebellious act.

Real change happens when we show up fully as ourselves and take up space.

Want a coach who backs you and helps you lead on your own terms? Book an exploration session here and let’s talk.

Your music industry coach,

Sarah