As a noun, an executive is a person who has a high-level job in a company or organization and makes important decisions. As an adjective, it relates to carrying out plans, laws, or business operations.
It comes from Latin 'executivus', from 'exsequi' meaning 'to carry out, follow through', from 'ex-' (out) and 'sequi' (to follow). The word focused on doing or enforcing decisions, not just making them.
An executive isn’t just a thinker; the root idea is 'the one who makes things actually happen.' That’s why governments have an 'executive branch'—it’s the part that turns laws on paper into actions in real life.
“Executive” roles were historically dominated by men, and the default mental image of an executive has often been male, reinforced by phrases like “businessman” and “chairman.” Women in executive positions have faced stereotypes and biased expectations around leadership style and competence.
Use “executive” as a gender-neutral role term and avoid assuming executives are male in examples, imagery, or pronouns. When discussing leadership pipelines, explicitly acknowledge underrepresentation of women and gender-diverse people where relevant.
["senior leader","C-level leader","management","executive officer"]
Women executives, entrepreneurs, and organizers have expanded what leadership looks like in many sectors, challenging the assumption that executive authority is inherently male and driving more inclusive organizational cultures.
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