The Golden State Valkyries have made history.
Again.
Today, they became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season.
But they are not new to firsts.
First expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season.
First WNBA team to reach the postseason in their first year.
Set the WNBA record for most wins by an expansion team during their inaugural season.
Achieved the highest average attendance in WNBA history by selling out all 21 of their home games.
Yes, this conversation is about women’s basketball.
But the statistics of the positive impact when women are in charge transcends all industries:
Financial & Performance Results:
Higher Profitability: Companies with more women in executive roles outperform their peers financially.
Top Performance: Organizations with 30% or more women in leadership are 12 times more likely to rank in the top 20% for financial performance.
Stronger Returns: Companies with strong female leadership generate higher returns on equity and overall shareholder returns.
Innovation & Revenue: Companies with higher diversity in management have seen significantly more revenue from innovative products and services, boosting profitability.
Operational & Cultural Benefits:
Improved Innovation & Creativity: Inclusive leadership is linked to a 59.1% increase in creativity and innovation.
Better EQ: Diverse leadership teams are better equipped to understand and respond to consumers.
Lower Employee Turnover: Gender-diverse and inclusive cultures lead to higher job satisfaction and commitment from employees, reducing turnover rates.
Better Assessment of Risks: Diversity in leadership helps organizations assess risks more effectively, contributing to resilience during economic downturns.
But back the Valkyries.
The women playing on the court, coaching from the sideline and running the team in the front office are changing the game. Literally.
On the court:
Kayla Thornton earned her first All-Star nod.
Veronica Burton, the team’s captain and point guard, started every single game for the team in their inaugural season.
French international rookies Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite have stepped up.
Kate Martin is a success story from the expansion draft.
Kaitlyn Chen became the first Taiwanese American player to be drafted by the WNBA
Coaching:
Coach Natalie Nakase is breaking records and glass ceilings:
First Asian American WNBA head coach
First Asian American to win a WNBA title as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces
First Asian American player in the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Front Office:
Jess Smith: President
Ohemaa Nyanin: General Manager (and the only Black female GM in the WNBA)
I had my amazing friend Jess on the Hype Women Podcast over a year ago—before the team had any coaches OR players.
What Jess says during our conversation stands the test of time. I’m re-listening today and in SO MUCH DAMN AWE of Jess.
Here’s a quick preview of our conversation and some of the quotes that rose to the top for me:
I hope you’ll listen, and help me hype Jess, too.
Let’s go VALKS!
xoxo,
Erin