We haven't always been aware of it, but the 'locker-room bro talk' has long been going on not just in locker rooms but in some corporate conference rooms. Of course, not by all men. But by some - including some who hold positions of power. And that matters in holding women back.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the harmful impact of informal, derogatory conversations that can occur in male-dominated spaces, which can hinder women's progress.
Sallie Krawcheck's quote brings attention to the traditional 'locker-room talk', not only as a phenomenon present in sports but also in corporate environments, where men in positions of power may engage in discussions that undermine women. This type of discourse reflects and perpetuates a culture that can impede women's advancement in the workplace, signaling that the issue of gender equality is complex and often rooted in socialization patterns among men.
In practice
During a panel discussion on gender equality in the workplace.
What you hear and what the research shows is that gentlemen negotiate for their first job. Women do not negotiate from their first job and on. And I tell women there is no H.R. fairy godmother. There might be, but you better not count on it.
The research indicates that when we women invest, we women do tend to be more patient, take a longer-term perspective and as a result of it, tend to be better investors than men. But the messages we get are that investing is sort of 'the guys' world.'
As an entrepreneur, I've learned how crucial it is to be able to call a spade a spade and avoid falling in love with a particular strategy or product. Instead, you need to let the customer tell you what she needs - and to change her as she changes.
Somehow, there is this feeling that women require remedial financial education, and so everything must be dumbed down. The reality is that we all need a lot more education, but guys just go ahead and invest anyway.
If you aren't committed to diversity of thought, you have no business launching a startup.
In the old world of business, there was often just one seat at the leadership table for women, two at best. That meant that only so many women could advance. But in a world where women recognize the power that they own - and where technology can upend the traditional rules of engagement - one woman winning doesn't mean another loses.
Most discussions of decision making assume that only senior executives make decisions or that only senior executives' decisions matter. This is a dangerous mistake.
Building product is not about having a large team to manage. It is about having a small team with the right people on it.
The three most important ways to lead people are:... by example... by example... by example.
When you're female working in a male-dominated industry, there are unfortunately extra things you need to do - for example, couch opinions in a way that sounds palatable and not threatening. That's a skill I developed.
A coach should never be afraid to ask questions of anyone he could learn from.
I say women exhibit the most exalted virtue when they depart from the domestic circle and enter on the concerns of their country, of humanity, and of their G-d!
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