We'll answer questions such as:
"Leaders create leaders."
You can either follow the grain or step out onto your own path. When it comes to being a woman in the workplace, we need to take on leadership roles. It was because Ginnette wasn't afraid to be different and stand out that she was able to be a leader and mentor to many women so they could do the same.
Being a leader doesn't mean you have to lose your feminine energy (empathy, kindness, etc.). Leadership and feminine energy actually go hand in hand. You can have it all as a leader!
"Be a voice of authority."
Typically, women don't make up the majority of employees at a workplace. It's easy to feel outnumbered or less than. Sometimes hiding in the shadows of our male coworkers feels safe and is how we cope with being one of few. But no more! You aren't benefitting from staying in the shadows. You may be staying stagnant or you might actually be declining but either way, neither is ideal.
Instead of looking at the gender numbers and feeling like "the only," think about what opportunity that presents to you. You are a scarcity who brings unique and one of a kind ideas and skills to the table! Use being the only female or one of the only females to your advantage, not your disadvantage.
"Don't feel like you need to tick all the boxes."
Generally speaking, women wait to apply for a job or ask for a raise/promotion until they have checked all the boxes or become over qualified for a job. Whereas men don't wait. Men will go for jobs knowing they are underqualified. And guess what? Much of the time they get those positions. We have highly competent women working for average men! It's time to ditch the perfectionist attitude and dive right into getting after what you want. You don't need to wait until you're the "perfect person" for the job.
Action step: we are all responsible for change, regardless of your vantage point. Play your part and take steps towards making a change!
Don't forget to check out the wonderful resources!
Ginnette Harvey has spent 15 years in the Recruitment industry, co-founded the North American business of one of the largest specialist staffing players globally, and was named by SIA as one of the Top 100 Influential leaders in the field. In 2021, she founded Harper and Gray which has a mission to drive equality through Talent Management.
Connect with Ginnette on LinkedIn @ginnetteharvey or on her website: Harper and Gray