Women at Work

In a heartfelt farewell, the hosts reflect on their journey, highlighting the enduring impact of their connections and listener stories. With gratitude, they honor key contributors and celebrate the inspiring community formed over the years. The origins of the show reveal the vital issues women face at work, while anecdotes about personal growth resonate deeply. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences, reminding everyone of the collective strength and support fostered through the years.

Listeners grapple with professional development requests that annoy managers and the struggle for advancement plagued by micromanagement. The hosts provide tips for advocating for oneself while navigating tricky professional relationships. Gender bias and managerial sabotage are tackled, with advice on documenting experiences and escalating concerns. Strategies for fostering effective feedback systems and promoting workplace equity are discussed, encouraging a culture of dialogue and allyship. Shifting from tactical execution to strategic thinking is highlighted as essential for career growth.

Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach and author of Leadership Unblocked, joins the conversation to discuss overcoming limiting beliefs in leadership. She highlights how internal blockers can hinder effectiveness, particularly the need for control and urgency. Muriel emphasizes fostering self-awareness and collaboration to reshape workplace dynamics. The conversation also tackles the necessity of constructive feedback and reimagining meeting cultures to enhance productivity through trust and inclusivity, all vital for significant organizational change.

Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of 'Managing Up', shares her expertise on navigating workplace dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of aligning goals and understanding different management styles to enhance communication. Tune in as she provides strategies for initiating honest conversations without awkwardness, adapting your communication approach, and proactively pursuing career development. The discussion also tackles how to manage feedback from difficult bosses and the significance of patience in nurturing professional relationships.

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.