What Is the Glass Cliff?

The Term, Coined by University of Exeter Professors Michelle Ryan and Alex Haslam Prior, Is Used to Describe Situations in Which Women Are More Likely to Be Appointed to Leadership Roles During a Decline or Chaotic Moment. It’s Most Often Used to Describe Scenarios in the Business World.

What Leads to the Glass Cliff?

Women and Minorities Are Often Chosen as Leaders in Moments of Transition Because a Company or Country Is Looking for the “Atypical” to Show They Are Headed in a Bold, New Direction to Regain Their Footing, According to Clara Kulich, Who Began Analyzing the Glass Cliff Phenomenon in 2004 with Michelle Ryan at the University of Geneva.

Announcing Her Resignation in Front of 10 Downing Street in London, May Said She Had Done Everything She Could to Convince Uk Lawmakers to Back a Brexit Deal. “Sadly, I Have Not Been Able to Do So, ” She Said.

How Brexit Became a ‘Glass Cliff’ for Theresa May

By James H. Sterling

• Oct 8, 2026 • 8 min read

How Brexit Became a ‘Glass Cliff’ for Theresa May

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

After Two Year's of Negotiations and a Failure to Deliver on a Brexit Deal for Britain, Prime Minister Theresa May Announced Friday That She Would Resign, Effective June 7. May Leaves Office Months Before the Delayed Brexit Vote on October 31.

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

Tags: how brexit became a glass cliff for theresa may