Local Keynote Presentation: Women leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution – South African insights

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming leadership through rapid technological innovation, digitalisation, and increasing global complexity. Drawing on the interdisciplinary work, this keynote examines women’s leadership in the 4IR from the perspectives of industrial and organisational psychology, leadership, intercultural psychology, positive psychology, and salutogenesis. Mayer’s research highlights that while the 4IR creates new opportunities for participation, flexibility, and innovation, it also reproduces and amplifies gendered inequalities related to power, wellbeing, visibility, and access to digital resources.

This keynote argues that women leaders bring critical capabilities to 4IR contexts, including relational and ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and meaning-centred decision-making. Building on human-centred leadership approaches, the address emphasises that sustainable success in digitally driven organisations requires more than technological competence; it requires attention to mental health, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership practices. Women’s leadership is positioned as particularly relevant for navigating uncertainty, complexity, and intercultural collaboration in globalised digital workplaces.
Further, this keynote explores how women leaders can enhance resilience, psychological safety, and meaningful work in environments characterised by constant change. It also addresses intersectionality and cultural context, acknowledging that women’s leadership experiences in the 4IR are shaped by diverse social, organisational, and cultural realities.
The keynote concludes by advocating for systemic and organisational transformation that supports women leaders through inclusive policies, ethical digital practices, and intentional leadership development. Women’s leadership is framed not as complementary, but as essential to creating humane, sustainable, and future-oriented organisations in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.