Own It

Introduction to Women in the Modern Workplace

Progress for women in the workplace has often felt like a slow climb toward a plateau. For decades, the professional world operated under a specific set of rules, and women were frequently coached to adapt by mimicking traditional male behaviors. However, the modern business landscape is shifting in ways that favor unique strengths often associated with women. Rather than waiting for power to be granted, there is a more effective path: recognizing and using the power that is already present.

Sallie Krawcheck experienced the friction of the old system firsthand during her career on Wall Street. As a high-ranking executive at firms like Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch, she was often the only woman in the room and the only person willing to challenge the status quo. This tension reached a breaking point during the 2008 financial crisis when she argued that her company should reimburse clients for internal miscalculations. Her male superiors disagreed, prioritizing short-term profits, and she was fired shortly after taking the issue to the board of directors.

Reflecting on this experience, Krawcheck realized she was fired for being different in an environment fueled by groupthink. Groupthink occurs when a group of similar people, who share the same backgrounds and educations, reach a consensus without challenging one another. This false comfort of agreement creates massive blind spots that can lead to disastrous business decisions. The antidote to this dangerous conformity is true diversity, which means having people in the room who bring unique perspectives and temperaments to the decision-making process.

Today, the business world is shifting in ways that make traditional female strengths more valuable than ever. Technology is a primary catalyst for this shift, moving success away from hoarding information toward synthesizing data and building deep customer relationships. Furthermore, technology has lowered the barriers to starting a business, giving women more career options and the leverage to leave toxic corporate environments. By embracing their natural strengths and refusing to conform to outdated models of success, women can take control of their careers and build a more stable economy.