Learn to thrive in a male-dominated business strategy field with confidence and assertiveness.

You don't need to act like a man in a male dominated industry, use your own uniqueness and emphatic thinking to the play. In this ever-changing and VUCA world,: diversity and different strategies are to add variety and newer way of business. Tough leaders speak out and accept differences nit based on gender bias, so any leader needs to embrace this.

What do you do if you want to assert yourself in a male-dominated business strategy industry?

Navigating a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can assert yourself and thrive in the business strategy field. It requires a blend of confidence, competence, and the ability to communicate your value effectively. Understanding the dynamics at play and leveraging your unique perspective and skills are crucial to making your mark. In this article, you'll discover actionable steps to help you stand out and succeed in a competitive environment.

1 Build Confidence

Building confidence is fundamental to asserting yourself in any industry. Start by mastering your craft; deep knowledge and expertise command respect. Attend workshops, earn certifications, and stay abreast of industry trends. Next, practice public speaking and assertive communication to articulate your ideas clearly. Confidence also comes from achievements, so set small goals and celebrate when you meet them. This positive reinforcement will bolster your self-assurance over time.

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Philippe Desrochers, M.A. OD/Leadership

Learning and Talent Development Leader | 3X Award Winner | Performance Consultant | Coach | Mental Strength Promoter
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Whether or not you self identify as a male you must keep the following in mind to have influence - 1. Share an interest with this group to connect outside of work 2. Understand that companies are built to make profit (above all else) and whatever your gender, you must find purpose in the pursuit of this profit.

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Dzenana Mandal Matovic

Founder at Financial Company MMCHANGE | Financial Coach | Elevating SMEs
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Cultivate confidence in your abilities and ideas, and advocate for yourself assertively. Asserting your value and expertise is vital in earning respect and recognition within a male-dominated industry.

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YENIFER MILAGROS RINCON GOMEZ

|Lean Systems | 5´s | Process Improvement and Quality Management
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En mi rubro industrial siempre ha dominado la presencia masculina, creo que en la actualidad han evolucionado estas diferencias y cada vez esta siendo marcada el hecho de que las mujeres podemos y tenemos la capacidad generar confianza. Cada uno tiene características (hombre y mujer) que necesita un puesto de trabajo y se esta dejando de lado los prejuicios de género. Para afirmarme en la industria tuve que demostrar de que estoy en la capacidad de cumplir las exigencias del puesto, generando seguridad y confianza con mis conocimientos, experiencia y liderazgo.

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2 Cultivate Networks

Cultivating a robust professional network is invaluable. Seek mentors who can provide guidance and support your growth. Don't limit connections to just women; inclusive networks often yield diverse opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in forums to meet peers and leaders. Networking isn't just about collecting contacts; it's about building relationships that can lead to collaborations, job offers, and valuable insights.

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Dzenana Mandal Matovic

Founder at Financial Company MMCHANGE | Financial Coach | Elevating SMEs
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Build a strong professional network and seek out both male and female mentors and allies who can offer guidance, support, and advocacy. Establishing connections with influential figures within the industry can help elevate your visibility and credibility.

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3 Show Expertise

Demonstrating expertise helps you gain recognition. Contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, or lead workshops to showcase your knowledge. This positions you as a thought leader and helps to break down stereotypes. When you share your insights, do so with authority and evidence to back up your claims. Your expertise will not only earn you respect but also inspire other women in the industry.

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4 Leverage Uniqueness

Your unique perspective is an asset. Embrace it and use it to approach problems differently. Diversity in thought leads to innovation, which is highly prized in business strategy. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo with fresh ideas. Your distinct approach can lead to breakthroughs that might not occur in a homogenous group, thereby solidifying your value within the industry.

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Valerie Chow

Helping brands with 360° Marketing Strategies | Transformed 10+ Brands | Keynote Speaker | Fusing Creativity with Data | Growth & Business Leader | Sustainability Focus
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You don't need to act like a man in a male dominated industry, use your own uniqueness and emphatic thinking to the play. In this ever-changing and VUCA world,: diversity and different strategies are to add variety and newer way of business. Tough leaders speak out and accept differences nit based on gender bias, so any leader needs to embrace this.

Like
Dzenana Mandal Matovic

Founder at Financial Company MMCHANGE | Financial Coach | Elevating SMEs
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Position yourself as a thought leader by leveraging your expertise and insights. Publish articles, presentations, and thought leadership pieces that showcase your industry knowledge and strategic acumen.

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5 Assert Boundaries

Asserting boundaries is crucial for maintaining respect and work-life balance. Be clear about your limits and communicate them professionally. Saying no to unreasonable demands demonstrates self-respect and may lead to increased respect from colleagues. Balance assertiveness with diplomacy to ensure that your boundaries are maintained without alienating others. Remember, asserting boundaries is not just about saying no; it's about setting the terms for how you engage professionally.

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6 Embrace Resilience

Lastly, resilience is key in a male-dominated industry. You may face setbacks or biases, but it's important to persevere. Learn from failures and critiques, and use them to strengthen your approach. Resilience also involves advocating for yourself and others when faced with inequality. By fostering an environment of fairness, you contribute to a culture that values diversity and paves the way for others to succeed.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Mouna Lekchiri

Senior Manager | Business Operations Leader | Executive Doctorate Candidate | Business Strategy | Business Process Improvement
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Raise awareness about unconscious bias & lead by example: raising awareness about unconscious bias can lead to positive changes and foster an inclusive environment. Be a role model and lead by example by demonstrating inclusive behavior in your interactions. Your example can influence others and promote a culture of awareness.

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Tania Biswas

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions: Climate Finance Advocate Integrating Innovative Policies with Measurable Impact for a Net-Zero Future
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Regardless of gender, the most crucial aspect in a professional set-up is the consistent effort and contribute positively to create meaningful impacts. This approach builds a foundation of trust in your capabilities among coworkers and superiors, paving the way for sustained professional success and fostering a culture of trust and respect.

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R Raj Kumar

Director (DAI)| Program Manager| Data Analytics| Banking| Loan| AML| AI/ML |Python| SQL| I help organizations with strategic and analytical skills to ensure project delivery and create business value
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Project Expertise: Become an undeniable expert in your field. Deep knowledge and strong analytical skills command respect. Speak with Conviction: Deliver your ideas with clarity, confidence, and data-driven evidence. Frame Your Voice:Craft your message persuasively. Use strong verbs, highlight the value you bring, and tailor your communication style. Find Allies:Identify supportive colleagues, both male and female. Network within and outside your company. Mentorship Matters:Seek guidance from experienced professionals, male or female, who can offer valuable insights. Success Takes Time: Building a strong reputation takes consistent effort. Don't get discouraged by setbacks, keep pushing forward.

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What do you do if you want to assert yourself in a male-dominated business strategy industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Confidence

2 Cultivate Networks

3 Show Expertise

4 Leverage Uniqueness

5 Assert Boundaries

6 Embrace Resilience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Strategy

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What do you do if you want to assert yourself in a male-dominated business strategy industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Confidence

2 Cultivate Networks

3 Show Expertise

4 Leverage Uniqueness

5 Assert Boundaries

6 Embrace Resilience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Strategy

Rate this article

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