A study by executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles shows that women account for less than five percent of the chief executive positions in the US and Europe. Across 13 countries, women accounted for an astounding 4.9 percent of top roles. This number has historically remained low, but the rate in some countries has even decreased in the past year. Other recent studies have communicated that although gender representation in the workplace is a hot topic right now, little change has actually come to fruition. Hoping for lasting change, Heidrick & Struggles has set a goal to have women and people of color account for at least 50 percent of candidates vying for board appointments.