People in general should understand that differences in leadership styles and backgrounds make for a well-rounded team. Leaders must understand how to fill their own gaps. Often this means stepping out of their comfort zone to hire and develop people with different experiences and perspectives.
—Eleanor Hong, Director of Marketing and Strategy, Smart &Final
Men can better support women by advocating for flexible company practices that provide more opportunities to work remotely. There also needs to be a cultural shift beyond the workplace for men to take on more responsibility at home. When the obligations of family life are shared more equally, women can have a balanced work/family lifestyle that men can take for granted.
—Rachel Lipson, Founder, CEO, Blue Balloon Songwriting for Small People
Hire more female executives:Every meeting room I'm in is usually 95% male, and it's always like walking into a party where everyone knows each other, and you're the underdog who has to prove itself over and over again. It's exhausting!
—Jessica Kogan, Co-Founder, Chief Digital Officer, Cameron Hughes Wine
One of the most important things men can do to support women in leadership positions is to treat them as equals in business. It may sound easy, but there are a lot of unconscious biases in the business world and it takes a concerted effort to overcome them. They can also help mentor and mentor women as they would male leaders.
—Stephanie Cartin, Co-Founder; Socialfly, co-host, the Entreprenista podcast
When women talk, let them talk. Don't talk or interrupt them. Likewise, if you see a client who constantly asks you questions that should be directed to the woman you're with, don't answer. Redirect this customer to ask them instead.
—Erica Douglass, Co-Owner, VP Marketing, 1Up Repairs
I think it's the same thing you can do to support anyone who might not have reason to feel like an outsider or a minority within a group– pay particular attention to creating opportunities for them to participate in and contribute to important decisions.
—Harj Taggar, CEO, Triplebyte
Related: How men can help women fight gender inequality
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
