Becoming a boss is a step up and should feel like one, but for so many women it doesn’t, at least initially. Too often, the people we’re newly responsible for ignore our direction and question our judgment. We end up deflated and puzzled. Why won’t anyone follow my lead? Am I not cut out for this? Did my boss make a mistake in promoting me? There are still a lot of biases in society against women’s leadership abilities, and it’s maddening how they can cause us to question ourselves. As difficult as defiance is to face—especially when you’re settling in yourself—we have ideas for making it clear that you’re in charge. McKinsey’s Lareina Yee recounts the actions that senior leaders took that affirmed her position. Kelsey reflects on the disrespect she felt as a first-time manager, as well as her discomfort with power, and Amy B helps her make sense of those experiences and feelings. If you manage a woman who’s a new manager, this episode is for you too! Guest expert: Lareina Yee is a senior partner at McKinsey and the co-founder of the Women in the Workplace report. Resources: “‘Lean In’ Messages and the Illusion of Control,” by Grainne Fitzsimons et al. “How Women Manage the Gendered Norms of Leadership,” by Wei Zheng et al. “Ask an Expert: How Do I Deal with Upward Bullying as a New Manager?” by LeRon L. Barton “When People Assume You’re Not In Charge Because You’re a Woman,” by Amy Diehl and Leanne M. Dzubinski HBR’s 10 Must Reads for New Managers, by Michael D. Watkins Sign up for the Women at Work newsletter. Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Lareina Yee, a McKinsey tech expert focused on innovation trends, and Roger Roberts, a market analysis pro, dive into the booming areas of generative AI and robotics. They discuss how specific sectors continue to thrive amid investment dips while emphasizing the need for digital trust and cybersecurity. Additionally, Blair Epstein, a McKinsey partner, shares insights on CEO communication strategies, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement and crisis management in today's complex business landscape.

"Women leaders are voting with their feet," says McKinsey senior partner Alexis Krivkovich on this week’s episode of The McKinsey Podcast. She and senior partner Lareina Yee speak with global editorial director Lucia Rahilly to dig into the latest Women in the Workplace research. They break down the reasons behind “the great breakup” and what organizations must do to materially value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—and what’s at stake if they don’t. After, everyone's talking about generative AI. If you’re unclear about what it is, we’ll fill you in with an excerpt from our McKinsey Explainer series. Theme music produced, composed, and performed by Joy NgiawSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Alexander Sukharevsky, a senior partner at McKinsey focused on AI in the workplace, joins Lareina Yee, an expert in organizational dynamics, along with editorial director Roberta Fusaro, to explore the transformative impact of generative AI on business. They discuss the importance of balancing custom solutions with existing models while addressing talent needs and ethical governance. Additionally, Sherina Ebrahim shares essential tips on speaking up at work, emphasizing the power of effective self-advocacy and positive communication.

Join Alexis Krivkovich and Lareina Yee, senior partners at McKinsey and experts on women in the workplace, as they delve into a decade of research illuminating the progress and setbacks women face in their careers. They discuss troubling trends in diversity commitments and the unique challenges faced by women of color. The conversation includes practical allyship strategies for leaders and innovative solutions to advance women's roles in corporate America, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change and equity in the workplace.