Retail has also had a lot of change. [Some companies might be looking to bring in someone] from the outside, with different spirits. Women tend to be socialized to have more empathy, and more collaboration—interpersonal skills that are really important characteristics.

Lorraine Hariton, chief executive of Catalyst, a firm that promotes women in the workplace, commenting to CNBC for its recent report, “The Retail Industry Is Leading the Way as Women Take Over CEO Roles.” The report notes that a record 41 female CEOs are set to lead Fortune 500 companies in 2021, and 10 will be in charge of retailers.