Women at Work

In this engaging discussion, Caitlin Amarin, a dedicated HBR Swiftie, shares her journey to fandom influenced by her mother. The conversation dives into Taylor Swift's strategic brilliance in brand management and music release, her empowering role across generations, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. They explore how Swift’s unique approach redefined success in the music industry and created deep connections among fans, all while highlighting valuable leadership lessons that resonate in both personal and professional spheres.

Katherine Phillips, a late professor at Columbia Business School, specialized in leadership and ethics, focusing on diversity and authentic relationships. Joined by Tracy Dumas from Ohio State University, they discuss the delicate balance of self-disclosure in the workplace. They explore how sharing personal information can build trust but also poses risks, particularly for women and minority groups. The conversation examines evolving expectations, the impact of cultural narratives, and the tensions between authenticity and professionalism in navigating workplace interactions.

Aimee Laun, Director of the Career Connections Center at Texas Woman’s University, and Neda Norouzi, an architecture professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, share vital insights for empowering recent grads. They address the critical gap between academic knowledge and workplace expectations, tackling essential interpersonal skills like negotiation and communication. The duo emphasizes mentorship and networking's importance, sharing personal anecdotes while advocating for women to advocate for themselves in their careers. Their engaging discussion inspires ways to bridge the transition from school to professional life.

The hosts tackle the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave, shedding light on biases women face. They share strategies for new managers leading large teams without experience, emphasizing clear communication. The conversation explores ways to navigate unsupportive management and push for career advancement. Listeners get insights on building relationships in complex workplace dynamics, managing emotional reactions from team members, and setting boundaries to foster trust and empowerment.

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of TALK, shares insights on the power of purposeful questioning in the workplace. She emphasizes that strategic questions can enhance your executive presence and showcase leadership potential. The discussion also touches on the nuances of communication, especially for women and introverts, and how open-ended inquiries promote engagement. Additionally, Brooks provides tips on navigating virtual dialogue, making the art of questioning a vital tool for professional advancement.

Navigating a deteriorating relationship with a former mentor can be tough. Maria shares her experience with a boss whose insecurity turned him into a tormentor. They discuss strategies to maintain professionalism and protect one's reputation in toxic environments. The conversation highlights the difference between effective management and poor leadership, underscoring the need for empathy. Resources and insights aim to empower listeners to manage difficult workplace dynamics while prioritizing their well-being.

After 10 seasons, Women at Work is changing things up for the better. We’re shifting to a new, year-round schedule, releasing a new episode every other Monday, starting March 10. That means more episodes that inspire reflection and growth, more practical advice, and more insights and stories that make you feel seen and supported in your career. We’ll continue The Essentials and Amy B’s How to Manage series. We’re relaunching Getting Along, where Amy G teaches us how to deal with different types of difficult people. Plus, every few months, we’ll dedicate an “Ask the Amys” episode to questions from you. So, follow the show now, and we’ll be back in your feed next Monday! Sign up for the Women at Work newsletter. Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Kumuthini Raman, a learning professional at KPMG specializing in leadership development, joins the discussion to unveil her insights on workplace requests. She shares her experience participating in a challenge that involved asking colleagues for resources, salary raises, and even deadline extensions. The conversation highlights how overcoming the fear of rejection can lead to personal growth and successful negotiations. The importance of communication styles, gender dynamics in responses, and balancing assertiveness with warmth also take center stage.

Nina Bowman, an executive coach and managing partner at Paravis Partners, discusses the daunting yet rewarding journey of mid-career transitions. She shares insights on identifying new paths, leveraging transferable skills, and the importance of personal storytelling in job searches. Two listeners also share their experiences of shifting from academia to tech and government to consulting, emphasizing resilience and the need for a supportive network. The conversation highlights the emotional complexities of these changes, encouraging listeners to embrace risks and pursue fulfillment in their careers.

Marti Bledsoe, executive director of the Kids Mental Health Foundation, shares her eye-opening journey of burnout and the relentless responsibilities of caregiving. Sociologist Jessica Calarco adds insights into the societal expectations that position women as primary caregivers, often at the expense of their professional aspirations. They discuss the burden of managing health crises, navigating job searches, and the systemic inequalities that persist in caregiving roles. Together, they emphasize the need for collective support and policy changes to better support women caregivers.