Diversity is a key part of business success, as there is great value in having multiple perspectives at the table during the decision-making process, said Rosalind Brewer, chief operating officer at Starbucks. She advises women who wish to climb the corporate ladder to stay the course as they move up the ranks.

Several women executives are leading the way in the better-for-you food world, embracing an approach that emphasizes responsible business operations. "We believe businesses need to operate with a holistic triple bottom line approach: people, planet, and profit," said Katie Forrest, co-founder and president of EPIC Provisions.

Motherhood can teach valuable lessons about empathy and efficiency that can help leaders excel in the business world, executives say. At the same time, motherhood can help CEOs get better at providing feedback and determine which family-friendly policies actually work, they say.

Black female executives, who are part of two demographic groups that are often underrepresented in the workplace, grapple with the challenge of "intersectional invisibility." Interviews with executives suggest that many counteract this challenge "by taking on visible, high-risk roles that helped them ascend to the upper echelons of their companies," researchers note.

Amazon is expected to choose a location for its second headquarters by the end of the year, which will create an estimated 50,000 local jobs and could help the company address its employee gender imbalance. Currently, 73% of Amazon's professional employees are men, and women make up only 22% of the company's executive and senior management level positions.

Some tech companies have made a commitment to increasing diversity, but women are still underrepresented in the industry. Women can help to differentiate themselves by thinking about where they want their careers to go and demonstrating the skills that set them apart from the competition, writes Nick Ismail.

One in 4 mothers resume work 10 days after birthing a child, according to PL+US: Paid Leave for the United States. Women detail issues they encounter upon return to work, including unsupportive managers, challenges with day care and managing postpartum depression on the job.

Hiring managers should be proactive about sharing thoughts on workplace culture and flexibility so they can help job candidates determine whether an organization is the right fit. "We can't penalize anyone that wants to raise children, intends to pursue a personal passion, care for a loved one or be a single head of household," writes Vidhya Ravi.

The NEW Annual Report 2018, "Pivots & Solutions," reveals how the Network of Executive Women is impacting the lives of its members and helping transform its partner companies. The report features six NEW members who shared their experiences during challenging career-life pivot points, and facts about NEW membership, leaders, regions, advocacy, learning, events and financials. Download the report.

The CEOs of Campbell Soup Company, Crate & Barrel, J.C. Penney and other organizations will share their insights on gender equality at the NEW Executive Forum 2018, July 31 to August 2 at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa outside San Diego. More than 300 senior leaders from the retail, consumer goods, financial services and technology sectors are expected to attend the invitational event. Contact your NEW Ambassador to see if you qualify.