Do you prefer a male or female boss? What are the positive effects of female leaders on business organizations and social development from the perspective of an economist? How does the Bank of Montreal (BMO) do to help women employees promote? A conversational event themed female leadership took place at the Peace Hotel in Shanghai on the International Women's Day, March 8, 2018. It was hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai.

"Almost 70% employees do not care the gender of their boss and only 7% prefer a female direct supervisor", said Lyn Luo, Chief Operating Officer of Lean In Shanghai, quoting the report of the 2017 "Women, Work and Happiness: Impact of Women in the Workplace in a Digital Age" by Lean in China and Deloitte China. Besides, men were 50% more likely than women to want to rise to the most senior leadership position in their organization, according to the report.

Glen Hodgson, economist and author of Conference Board of Canada views that getting more women into the workforce help reduce the impact caused by population aging that is facing both Canada and China. "I agree that women entrepreneurs often have big ideas and they are more socially milder. Engaging female greater power and ideas within cooperation and organization is one way that China can energize its economy and Canada can do as well."

Fang Bourne, COO Asia of BMO Financial Group and Deputy President of BMO China shared how they propose and practice in helping women employees promote and become entrepreneurs, for instance, more incentives and better growth environment. She said that women account for 37% in the top management roles of BMO China.

In addition, Li Rong, Vice Chair of Shanghai Women's Federation noted that more women go in for cultural and creative industry these years, and female entrepreneurs tend to be more steady with slow speed but low risk. She also introduced the women's performance in political participation, education and employment in Shanghai.