The Path to Professional Growth: Claim Your Leadership Role
When I joined the executive team at my previous job, I was excited about working closely with the board of directors. However, as I entered the boardroom for my first board meeting, I noticed something striking. While the board members and male executives were seated at the large conference table, my two female peers were sitting on chairs along the wall. Without hesitation, I went straight to the table and sat down. This wasn’t just about claiming any physical space; it was my declaration of belonging, of my right to participate at the highest level.
As a first-generation American who grew up in a Muslim family years before the world was connected as it is today, my journey to that boardroom was anything but typical. Unfortunately, my mother was my antagonist in life – she often told me that I wouldn’t, couldn’t, or shouldn’t try to be like my white peers and then, as I got older and worked hard throughout my career, that I would never be as good as a man. Her misogynistic views, cultivated through the lens of her patriarchal society and religion, pushed me harder to prove I could do anything I set my mind to.
Having grown up through that lens, I see clearly how the corporate world is a construct built by white men. Therefore, as women, we often feel we must tiptoe around, apologizing for our presence. This ingrained behavior – apologizing or doubting our abilities —hinders our collective progress. To break this cycle, we must stop waiting for invitations and start claiming our own seat at the table.
Understanding the Barriers: The Corporate Construct
‘Belonging’ in a corporate setting is challenging for women because these environments were historically designed with a different mindset. We’re often socialized to be polite, apologize, and question our worth. These tendencies can sometimes clash with the assertive, typically “male” behaviors commonly rewarded in many corporate cultures. This mismatch can create an environment in which women feel the need to constantly prove themselves, often at the expense of their confidence and mental well-being.
Moreover, these traditional corporate structures can unintentionally overlook the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to the table. Collaborative approaches, empathy, and inclusive decision-making often are undervalued in environments that prioritize individual achievements and competitiveness. Recognizing and integrating these strengths can lead to a more balanced and effective leadership style, benefiting organizations.
Why It Matters: The Impact on Leadership
Addressing this issue is crucial because it affects not only our individual careers but also the broader landscape of corporate leadership. When women are sidelined, our talents are undervalued and underappreciated, resulting in less innovative decision-making processes. Furthermore, the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles perpetuates a cycle of inequality that is hard to break.
The Bigger Picture: Benefits of Diverse Thought Leadership
Gaining a seat at the table isn’t just about personal success—it’s about paving the way for future generations. By challenging the status quo and asserting our right to contribute, we can create more inclusive environments that value varied perspectives.
Diverse leadership teams bring a wealth of experiences and viewpoints that lead to more innovative problem-solving and decision-making. Studies have shown that companies with leadership who provide dissimilar views are more likely to outperform their peers. They experience higher profitability, increased employee satisfaction, and better overall performance.
When women are given a voice at the highest levels, it drives cultural change throughout the organization, fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Happy, satisfied, and motivated employees, we know, also are key to successful business results.
Strategies for Success: Practical Steps to Empowerment
- Claim Your Seat: Don’t wait for an invitation. Proactively engage in meetings and discussions. By doing so, you claim you’re your space and build relationships with key decision-makers.
- Find Male Allies: Identify those men who can provide access and support; build strong relationships with them. They can help open doors and offer valuable perspectives.
- Channel Your Inner Strength: Believe in yourself and push back against societal expectations or personal detractors. Your confidence and resilience will pave the way for your success.
- Stop Apologizing: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to eliminate unnecessary apologies from my vocabulary. Apologizing diminishes our authority and shifts the power dynamic.
- Develop a Thick Skin: Throughout my career, I have encountered criticism and harsh feedback. Instead of taking it personally, stay calm, listen and respond logically. This disarms the critic and allows for a productive discussion.
- Celebrate Your Successes: Women often downplay their achievements for fear of appearing to brag. Instead, take pride in your accomplishments and share them to boost your confidence and inspire others to do the same.
- Practice Small Wins: Confidence is built over time through small victories. Start with manageable goals and gradually take on bigger challenges. Each success, no matter how small, reinforces your ability to succeed.
Our journey to leadership is fraught with challenges, but by adopting these strategies, we can claim more seats at the table. It’s time to break free from traditional constraints and confidently assert our presence in the corporate world. Transforming corporate landscapes starts with each of us taking action and making our voices heard.
About the Author
Name: Samina Bari
Professional Title: Biotech Executive
Bio: Samina Bari is a trailblazing leader, advocate, and storyteller with over 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. As a first-generation American and mother, she has shattered barriers in male-dominated fields, led transformative deals valued at over $40 billion, and paved the way for future generations of women leaders
