CEOs as agents of change and continuity

Purpose Chief executive officers (CEOs) are increasingly seen as change agents for gender equality, which means that CEOs have to lead others achieve equality. Much of this leadership is going happen through talk, raises the question how talk about equality act agents. The purpose paper understand arguments deploy. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on interviews with global CEOs, who publicly supported work, article draws discourse analysis Findings shows deploy three arguments. First, argue women bring special skills workplace, contributes a female advantage. Second, best person job hired. Third, biases and privilege permeate workplace. often invested in essentialised views while holding onto ideals meritocracy. Originality/value suggests leaders leads continuity, rather than regard