Stereotypes and biases have long been used to paint a negative picture of women in business. The myths overlook women’s many contributions and successes as leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Here’s what five Lioness Premium members had to say about common myths about women in business—and why it’s time to retire these misconceptions about women for good.
Lioness leaders debunk myths about women in business
Cheri Mason: women are amazing
We’ve all heard it: women are too emotional, too indecisive, too serious (or not serious enough). They’re not made to be leaders; they’re too bossy, too manipulative, too helpless. These insults can go on and on and on.
“Successful women are too . . . pick any word, they’ve all been used!” said Cheryl (Cheri) Mason, founder of Catalyst Leadership Management. “These words represent boxes that attempt to prevent women from being who they are meant to be – amazing, phenomenal leaders. We are not defined by boxes.”
Mason has tackled these stereotypes as an accomplished chief executive, attorney, government official, best-selling author and speaker. She advises individuals and organizations on leadership personal development and believes strongly in the leadership skills of women.
Noreen Brahman: women are positive
Noreen Brahman, founder of Living on the Smile Side of Life, said, “My pet peeve is that there is still a dismissive attitude toward women in tech. For me, it’s the hydra of sexism, ageism and elitism, to the point that some of us have moved on to other sectors.”
Often, women are expected to be overly serious at their jobs just to be seen as competent. Brahman knows this first-hand: she’s heard from plenty of women who say they can not use humor, laugh or even smile in the workplace. As a Laughter Wellness Instructor, you can imagine how she feels about that.
“Studies show that teams that laugh together, succeed together. This is true especially if they learn the difference between harmful humor and helpful humor,” she said.
Precious Williams: women are bold
Bold becomes aggressive when you’re a woman; even more so when you’re a Black woman. All this, despite the fact that Black women are the fastest-growing segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. No need to play a supporting role when you should be center stage – like Precious Williams.
“I do not shrink, I rise to the occasion and don’t defer. I am direct, answer questions, can speak in sound bites and yet can debate with the best of them,” said Williams, CEO of Perfect Pitch Group in New York City.
She advises other women, “You can be successful, create your own rules, say no when disrespect is on the table and go where you are celebrated and not tolerated. It isn’t an easy road by far, yet I am admired for not giving up and having a clear vision.”
Maartje van Krieken: women are decision-makers
“From my experience in male-dominated industries, emotions are always present when things get tough. Yet, it’s women who frequently demonstrate the calm, resilience, and clarity needed to push through and make the right calls,” said Maartje van Krieken founder of The Chaos Games and host of the Business Emergency Room podcast.
With over 20 years of experience facilitating decision-making and strategic risk management—first in global multinationals, then in disaster and crisis management, and now through her consulting business—van Krieken has seen firsthand how women can make the tough decisions “based on a deeper ability to assess risks and manage priorities efficiently, without ego. This is especially evident when decisions involve other people or the business at large, where women often exhibit less bias and stronger judgment.”
Kim Groshek: women are strong and collaborative
“Women consistently bring strong, thoughtful decision-making to the table,” said Kim Groshek, Chief “Pause” Executive and non-profit founder. “There’s a misconception that women can’t balance family and career successfully. Countless women lead thriving businesses while nurturing strong family bonds,” she said.
The research on the invisible labor women perform in the family is clear. However, that does not mean women can’t balance and achieve in business, especially when they support one another professionally.
Groshek also spoke to the myth that women don’t support each other in business. “In truth, women are some of the most collaborative and uplifting allies in the professional world.”
Women are who they want to be: strong leaders
All of these myths about women in business–and more–have no basis in reality. Every day, we see women entrepreneurs growing their businesses, succeeding on the stage, and supporting each other in the Lioness Community, at our sister company Innovation Women and wherever our team travels.
Amazing article! These women are amazing!!!!