Calendar
Join Us
Chapters
Login
Calendar
Join Us
Chapters
Login
Calendar
Join Us
Chapters
Login
Calendar
Join Us
Chapters
Login
Calendar
Join Us
Chapters
Login
Calendar
Join Us
Chapters
Login
Get Involved
Leadership Programs
Events & Awards
GBH News Interview – Originally Aired October 23, 2025
On the eve of our annual Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts gala, The Women’s Edge took center stage on GBH’s Boston Public Radio. Our CEO Elizabeth Hailer and Board Member Colette Phillips joined hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan – alongside our 2025 keynote speaker, Deesha Dyer – to discuss how women’s leadership is driving the Commonwealth’s economy.
Driving a $141 Billion Impact
The conversation kicked off with a look at the staggering data behind our annual rankings. While the Top 100 is a celebration, it is also a data-driven look at economic powerhouse women-led businesses.
“The women-led businesses in Massachusetts contribute over $141 billion to the economy,” Colette Phillips shared, noting that firms like Takeda and Vertex (both led by women) are global leaders in innovation and employment.
Elizabeth Hailer emphasized that the growth isn’t just at the top; it’s across the entire pipeline. “Our membership has evolved from the C-Suite to the rising generation,” Elizabeth noted, regarding the overall TWE community. She also pointed out that “this year alone, we have 23 new companies on the Top 100 list, representing every industry from healthcare to tech to nonprofit.”
Leading with “Disruptive” Authenticity
Keynote speaker Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary and author of Undiplomatic, brought a powerful perspective on the “imposter syndrome” many women face in leadership roles.
Reflecting on her journey to the East Wing, Dyer challenged the idea that women need to “fix” themselves to fit into corporate structures. “There is nothing wrong with us; the system is wrong,” Dyer said. She encouraged the audience to embrace being “disruptors” – using their voices to create “the best kind of trouble” for the sake of progress.
A Unified Front for the Commonwealth
The interview highlighted a landmark era for the Commonwealth. With women at the helm of state and local government, the collaboration between government and private enterprise has never been more effective.
“This is the time when we can’t give up. We have to keep pressing ahead and making sure that we are paving the way for all the rising women leaders.” – Elizabeth Hailer, CEO of The Women’s Edge
Celebrate the 2025 Top 100 Women-Led Businesses
Whether you joined us at the Marriott Copley Place for the sold-out breakfast or are just now diving into the rankings, this interview captures the spirit of what we do at The Women’s Edge: Mentor. Partner. Lead.
