The 25 best CEOs at small and midsize companies, rated by women employees

Industry: Tech

Employee quote: "Very business outcome-focused, but equally culture-focused. Humble and committed to making (and keeping) Forma a place that people are excited to work."

Industry: Fintech

Employee quote: "Supportive and flexible when it comes to work/life balance."

Industry: IT engineering and services

Employee quote: "The guys are extremely respectful/professional and I'm always amazed how my skills are so greatly appreciated."

Industry: Business travel

Employee quote: "I greatly appreciate the inclusive and supportive environment that has been created here."

Industry: SaaS

Employee quote: "The CEO is a cheerful idealistic dreamer and those vibes spread through the rest of the company."

Industry: Recruiting

Employee quote: "Our CEO Kip is arguably the nicest and most caring person I've met. She cares about everyone at the company from our day 1's to our 20+ year employees."

Industry: Accounting software

Employee quote: "Not only encourages work-life balance, but practices it themselves and encourages others to do the same."

Industry: Software

Employee quote: "Our leadership team lead with empathy above all else, and value feedback from all levels. There is no bureaucracy, and you feel heard as an employee."

Industry: Computer software

Employee quote: "Fosters open communication, equality among peers, and responsiveness from coworkers."

Industry: Financial services

Employee quote: "We're a very inclusive company — constantly providing opportunities to get together for team bonding opportunities."

Industry: Real estate

Employee quote: "Leadership approaches changes with transparency and empathy."

Industry: Banking

Employee quote: "Does a tremendous job of being direct while still practicing empathy."

Industry: Tech

Employee quote: "Inclusivity and oneness among the team leads to the greatest experiences imagined."

Industry: Private equity

Employee quote: "Leadership really cares about their employees. Even as high up as the CEO, they interact with you as much as possible while also keeping a great business running."

Industry: Biotech and pharmaceuticals

Employee quote: "Leadership has a great level of respect for work/life balance, so it makes for a very respectful, sustainable culture."

Industry: HR software

Employee quote: "Understanding of your personal life and encourages work-life balance."

Industry: Medical devices

Employee quote: "Prizes equality and acceptance and is family-oriented."

Industry: IT engineering and services

Employee quote: "Understanding and empathy make a great environment to work in."

Industry: SaaS

Employee quote: "High empathy, balance of short and long-term focus, strong operator."

Industry: Content delivery network

Employee quote: "The company and the CEO recognize the importance of work-life balance."

Industry: Marketing and advertising

Employee quote: "I feel like our CEO truly cares about cultivating an environment that is inclusive, positive, and friendly."

Industry: Healthcare staffing agency

Employee quote: "Love that we get paid time off, retirement plan, and real work/life balance."

Industry: Financial services

Employee quote: "Pie has been a huge blessing for this single mom. Thank you!"

Industry: Pharmaceutical healthcare

Employee quote: "Alexis, Melanie and Robert are fabulously experienced, and complimentary to each other. Rare to get three CEO caliber folks on one leadership team."

Industry: Financial services

Employee quote: "I love that leadership gives me the opportunity of letting me work from home and having a more balanced life with my child."