Eve is head of communications for a multinational organization. She called me for help in preparing a talk on trade law changes and their impact in her industry. I asked, "Where do you want my help? Content? Delivery? Something else?" Her response: "None of those. I have anxiety about this talk." Anxiety? Isn't that a medical problem? I suggested we meet and talk. I asked, "What is causing the...
It's 22 September 2019, at 8.15 a.m., and I'm on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) travelling from Fukuoka to Hiroshima. I receive a message from my husband. The message contained the google doodle for the day that linked to an article about the first woman, a Japanese, to climb the Mount Everest. The newspaper's article heading read, "Junko Tabei: Google Doodle celebrates first woman to...
I am watching videos of corporate leaders such as Indra Nooyi, Meg Whitman, Ginni Rometty and Sheryl Sandberg to learn how successful women communicate? There is a clear link between these women's online success and the vulnerability they demonstrate. Their vulnerability creates connection. So, it's tempting for one to think, "I am also going to be vulnerable because that is what leads to...
Recently, Sarah (not her real name) told me that she had received feedback from her boss that she needed to demonstrate more empathy. She was perplexed because she considered herself to be someone, who was not only professional but had strong social intelligence. Feedback on personality traits and workplace demeanor can be a double-edged sword —women have been known to be penalized for...
This blog is part 4 of 5 of blog series Storytelling: Women in Boardrooms. In this blog I share strategies to overcome Manterruption. If you want to know what is Manterupption please read our previous blog. It is important to start with an understanding of why is a man interrupting? Men often perceive women to take things personally and overreact as per Barbara Annis mentioned in her book Same...
YEARS ago, while producing the hit TV series "The Shield" Glen Mazzara noticed that two young female writers were quiet during story meetings. He pulled them aside and encouraged them to speak up more. Watch what happens when we do, they replied. Almost every time they started to speak, they were interrupted or shot down before finishing their pitch. When one had a good idea, a male writer would...