Women Who Lead: Navigating Corporate Norms
Episode Overview
Discussion on Huffpost's article about Ernst & Young. Insights into gender norms in the workplace. Reflections on the #MeToo movement's impact. Strategies for women in leadership roles. Emphasis on mental health and workplace culture.
There's times that you need to fight. There really are. But as you get older, you realize that you don't need to show up to every fight.
In this episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristen Sunanta-Walker and guest Catherine Greer Lumpo delve into the controversial article published by Huffpost in 2019 about the instructions given to women at Ernst & Young regarding how to dress and behave around men. This conversation occurs in the context of the ongoing cultural shifts initiated by the #MeToo movement, highlighting both progress and the persistent challenges faced by women in corporate environments.
Kristen and Catherine discuss the initial reactions to the article, with Catherine humorously recounting her assumption that it might have been an Onion headline due to its seemingly outdated advice. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on how corporate gender norms are still catching up to the values of directness and equality that are being promoted in modern workplaces.
The podcast delves into the broader implications of these issues, such as the impact on mental health and the psychological strain that outdated gender norms can impose on women striving for leadership positions. Kristen and Catherine discuss the importance of being able to express one's needs and opinions openly, which is often stifled by traditional corporate cultures. The conversation also touches on notable figures like Demi Moore, who challenged societal expectations and faced criticism often reserved for powerful women.
They draw parallels between Moore's experiences and the struggles contemporary women face in leadership roles, noting the persistent barriers that limit women to just 15-16 percent of top-level corporate positions. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of mental health support and the value of strategic wisdom, recognizing when to engage in battles and when to let go.
Kristen and Catherine emphasize the power of self-awareness and authenticity in overcoming these challenges, underscoring their belief in ongoing cultural change and the potential for future improvements.