Karyn Brinkley’s Post

Gender bias in the workplace is real—and it shows up in ways we might not even realize. From being asked to take notes in meetings to having our ideas dismissed or misattributed, women often face subtle yet pervasive challenges at work. 👩💼💼 In our latest blog post, AdaMarie Expert Ruha Tacey digs into the everyday scenarios where gender bias plays a role and shares practical strategies for addressing these scenarios—whether it's correcting misinterpretations of assertiveness or advocating for fair pay. 💪🏽 Read the full post here and share your own experiences below: https://lnkd.in/gg9HP9NS #GenderBias #WorkplaceEquality #Leadership #WomenInTheWorkplace #CareerDevelopment

**Women's Role in Perpetuating Male Supremacy: We Also Need to Change** The male supremacy myth is as often driven by women as it is by men! Let's also look in the mirror and see what we, as women, empower! If we can't be honest with ourselves, who can we expect to respect us? ✴️ Here's how how you can check in with yourself and keep yourself honest: 1. **Subconscious Bias**: Many women, often unknowingly, believe that men are naturally better at their jobs, more eloquent, or more assertive leaders. ✔️What if, before we judge someone's behaviour as good, eloquent, assertive (vs. subpar, pushy, aggressive), we imagine the object of our judgment to be the opposite gender? What would that judgment be then? 2. **Undermining Other Women**: Behaviors such as interrupting, dismissing ideas, or failing to support female colleagues can perpetuate the notion that men are more competent. ✔️Stop and think: would I dismiss if this was John, not Jane? Be honest with yourself! 3. **Seeking Validation from Men**: The need for approval from male colleagues or leaders can lead to prioritizing their opinions over those of other women. ✔️Remove the gender association from any validation and you will be surprised by how much your female leaders also have to give! 4. **Downplaying Achievements**: Women may downplay other women's accomplishments, attributing success to luck or... other factors. ✔️ Before having an opinion on the journey of a fellow woman's success, what if we stop making gender related assumptions? 5. **Conflict Avoidance**: Women may avoid conflict to maintain harmony, but this can prevent them from advocating for themselves and other women. ✔️What if next time we see a man or woman being pushed into fitting the gender stereotypes, we speak up? Or, at least, quietly follow up and encourage that person to speak up for themselves, because they deserve fairness? __________________ Let's take a moment to reflect with honesty and courage. Recognizing these subconscious behaviors and beliefs within ourselves is the first step towards meaningful change. Acknowledge if you have ever undervalued a female colleague, sought validation from male counterparts, or upheld the stereotype of the 'classic manly man' as the ideal. And, by all means, it's time to also support male vulnerability and redefine what strength truly means. 💪🏻 Let's start loving the men who are manly by being self aware, nurturing and present! Let's stop dissing them as weak or softies! 🧚🏼 Far from me to claim I could ever lift a bag as heavy as a man can lift, I won't fight against biology! But let's all start expecting the same emotional and social values for both men and women for a change! 🥊 I'll leave you with the strongest manly stance I've seen in a long time, let me know what you think. **Are You Ready to Be Honest?** https://lnkd.in/eCegxuBx #Empowerment #GenderEquality #BreakTheBias #SupportEachOther

Bit of a rant today, #sorrynotsorry I heard a story yesterday about a woman leader being pushed out of a job she'd performed brilliantly in for quite some time. This story was different from others I've heard recently only in the very public nature of this woman's struggle. I'm utterly fed up with this. I'm fed up with great women having to bust their hearts and guts against all manner of patriarchal social, cultural and structural constraints to achieve leadership positions of influence, authority and responsibility — and to perform exceptionally well in these positions — only to be taken down by sustained campaigns of undermining and gaslighting, often by other women. Misogyny does not only exist in men. Internalised sexism is just as present in women. How can it be otherwise, given the culture most of us have been raised in? But decades of robust social and scientific research tells us we don’t have to keep questioning whether women make great leaders, trustworthy leaders, strategic and compassionate and collaborative leaders. They do. WE do. All the research indicates women wield power in distinctly different ways to men. Women are more collaborative. We’re more prone to exercising power "with", less prone to power "over". We seek wiser, more emotional and also more rational solutions to conflict. The trouble is, many women insist on holding other women to much higher standards than they hold men (or indeed, often, themselves). This is where the internalised sexism cuts the rug from under all of us. It starts in the playground and continues into the boardroom, and god knows great women have enough opposition from threatened men without having to take the same from jealous or threatened or I-don't-even-know-what women. Of course we’d love all women leaders to instantly replace the dominating, competitive, individualistic, invulnerable, hyper-masculine workplace culture with strength and strategy grounded in feminine authenticity, compassion and kindness. But I think we can admit that decades on, it’s still hard challenging those norms, even with more of us trying. I'm convinced we CAN change that culture. We can do it together. We NEED to do it together. But we won't do it by mobbing and undermining other women, by expecting standards of them it wouldn't occur to us to expect of anybody else. It's ridiculous to hear women on the one hand complaining about the lack of opportunities and rewards for women in the collective, and on the other to watch them help take down so many individual women working with purpose and integrity. So enough already. While we can wring our hands about the glacial pace of change in the world, this much we can do. We can support other women. We can stop bitching and gossiping and undermining; we can stop forcing other women to play small. We can stop forcing other women to feel small. Who’s with me today? #womeninleadership #executivewomen #strongertogether #patriarchyhurtsusall

It’s not about women vs. men ❌ After I shared a post reflecting on a male executive struggling with the idea of a "girly" colleague as a leader, I received this message from a woman:  "I really dig your content but this one rubbed me the wrong way. Can we please stop handling men with kid gloves and call them out for their unacceptable behaviors?" I’m embracing the critique and want to unpack it.  For too long, the burden of change has fallen on those facing underrepresentation and marginalization. Harmful behaviors are often dismissed or tolerated, leaving little room for true inclusion.  And that SUCKS BIG TIME. But when we take a closer look at sexist attitudes and actions, it gets complicated. Because bias is deeply ingrained in all of us: Men, women, non-binary folks, everyone.  And here’s where I believe dialogue becomes a powerful tool. It's where we can plant the seeds of change most effectively.  This doesn’t mean excusing or coddling problematic behavior. It means recognizing that change often requires nuance.  My goal is to create spaces where unconscious dynamics can be uncovered and challenged. Sometimes that means having tough conversations, sometimes that means activating our compassion, and most of the times that means BOTH. This isn’t about women being right and men being wrong! It’s about breaking down the systems and biases that shape ALL OF US, so we can work toward something better.  I hear the frustration in this woman's message and I don’t take it lightly. It’s a valid critique and a reminder of the challenges we face in this work. What’s your experience? Would you prioritize accountability or compassion when working towards change?

Women Empowerment ≠ Men Bashing. This post is driven by several events I’ve attended over the year where I’ve witnessed this behavior, and I'd like to address one specific group: If you're a woman still trying to find your way, figuring out your voice, and looking to others for guidance, and you suddenly find yourself in a space where this behavior is exhibited and it makes you uncomfortable - it’s not you. Follow your instincts. Don’t participate or adopt the language just to fit in. To me, feminism means women can do whatever, whenever, however, and with whomever they want. There’s no one way to fight the lasting legacy of the patriarchy. Do these problems exist? For sure. But man-bashing and bullying others into recognition is not the way to go. I’m here to say there are other options. I’m not saying don’t share your experiences - they are absolutely valid - but save the bitter, angry venting for therapy sessions. ✅: “This is what happened to me, and this is how I felt…” ❎: “They did this to me. How dare they! Men are all horrible and pathetic.” Do you see the difference? Everyone else jumps on the bandwagon because they think this is the only way to "become a strong woman," especially when the conversation is led and encouraged by women with strong personalities who dominate the vibe in a room. Some men jump on this too, thinking it’s the only way to be an ally - otherwise, they’re deemed misogynistic or sexist. I don't believe this is correct. I personally do not subscribe to these tactics, nor do I indulge them. Extremism is never a good characteristic on any topic or platform and I’d rather focus on positive thought and action. 🔸 Some of the best people I know are men. 🔸 Some of the worst I’ve ever met are women. 🔸 I’ve had awful bosses and managers of both genders. Not all men are bad, and not all women are great, and vice versa. It’s fully dependent on the individual and their personality. That’s my approach. It’s not trendy or polarizing, but I prefer moderation. I’m boring - what can I say? Please don’t bother throwing stats at me because unless it’s 100%, there’s still a percentage that matters, and you’re choosing to ignore it. If you like extremism, by all means, indulge. But if you don’t, don’t be afraid to move on and explore other groups. There are numerous organizations supporting women now, each with its own micro-ecosystem. Find your tribe. It’s out there! _____ 💠At Morpho Corporation, our goal is to empower you with the support needed to streamline operations, reduce overwhelm, and accelerate growth.   Let us handle the details so you can reclaim the time and energy to focus on what truly drives your business.   Ready to experience the freedom of a thriving partnership? Contact us today! 💠

I got evaluated as disrespectful, so I started to think why? I consider myself a very respectful person; this was a big shock! It filled my mind with multiple thoughts, so I started investigating why this may have happened, therefore; the words started floating and ended up writing this. To all the Women out there: When a woman boldly expresses her thoughts, she often faces the label of being disrespectful. This phenomenon is deeply ingrained in societal norms and perceptions. Some of the reasons behind this unfortunate tendency are:   Fear of Independent Voices: People, both men and women, sometimes feel threatened by individuals who confidently voice their opinions. When a woman speaks her mind, it challenges the status quo and disrupts established power dynamics. Fear of change and the unknown can lead to labeling assertive women as aggressive or disrespectful. Gender Stereotypes: Traditional gender roles have perpetuated the idea that women should be passive, nurturing, and accommodating. When a woman deviates from these expectations, she may be seen as stepping out of her prescribed role. Assertiveness is often associated with masculinity, while femininity is linked to compliance and agreeability. Double Standards: Men who express strong opinions are often praised for their confidence and leadership. However, when women do the same, they are sometimes met with resistance. Society tends to judge women more harshly for being outspoken, reinforcing the double standard. Misunderstanding Confidence for Arrogance: Confidence can be mistaken for arrogance. When a woman speaks assertively, some perceive it as overconfidence or arrogance. It’s essential to recognize that confidence doesn’t equate to lack of empathy or emotional depth. Fear of Emotionally Charged Conversations: Speaking up often involves discussing sensitive topics or challenging existing beliefs. Some people avoid such conversations because they fear emotional discomfort. When a woman engages in these discussions, she may be labeled as disrespectful simply because she refuses to remain silent. Internalized Misogyny: Sadly, women themselves sometimes perpetuate these stereotypes. Internalized misogyny leads some women to criticize their peers for being outspoken. Breaking free from these harmful patterns requires collective effort. I am really convinced that the second reason is the one that applies to my "grading".  Having an opinion doesn’t negate feelings; it’s precisely because women feel deeply that we express our thoughts. So, instead of punishing us b/c of this ability, let’s celebrate and encourage those who dare to speak their minds, for they contribute to positive change and progress in our world.

Unpopular opinion: I am passionate about empowering women but am not a feminist. Traditionally, the Chinese favored sons over daughters. We even have a term, 重男轻女 (Zhong Nan Qing Nu) - valuing men while belittling women. As a child, I felt the sting of this bias. My mother seemed to prefer my brothers over me. I would be met with a slap when I questioned why I had to do housework while they didn’t. 🤣 As you might imagine, I grew up resentfully with suppressed and unfair feelings. I had a hard time connecting with male friends for a few reasons: → Inferiority complex. → Resentment towards them. → Absence male role model. All my feelings towards injustice and unfairness played out in my life. I would withhold, criticize, and make them wrong to gain power over them. But nothing they did could heal lack of joy in me and the biases I carried. As I moved into the business world, I encountered other challenges as a woman: → My competence was often overshadowed by how I looked. → Being aggressive as a woman is not as receptive. → I get comments that as a woman, I shouldn't be working too hard. → Professional boundaries were sometimes crossed by men who expected more than business. Despite the challenges, I learned some powerful lessons: → I don't have to make anyone wrong to feel powerful. → I don't have to behave or look like a man to succeed. → If I want men to understand me, I must also understand them. → There's a difference between being assertive and being bitchy. → Women aren’t always right, and men aren’t always wrong, and vice versa. → I developed the courage to speak up more so I don't add to the resentful feeling. → I always have a choice to work with who I choose to - without compromising myself. → We can live and work more harmoniously by seeing our similarities beyond gender differences. → Yes, husbands and wives can live and work together without personal issues getting in the way. Open communication is necessary to talk things through without avoiding the real issues. We don't have to fight for our rights; we need more learning, unlearning, and relearning about each other. With understanding, comes the power. How about you? Do you believe that we can work more harmoniously together? --------------------- Thanks for reading! 📌 I am Victoria, CEO of the Goldzone Group. I help leaders with the knowledge, tools, and solutions they need to redefine, reshape, and reinvent their lives. Connect with me for non-cookie-cutter leadership tips and advice that produce real results. #Goldzone #GoldzoneLeaders #WorkplaceHarmony

It's 100% about leadership Gender equity will only be achieved when c-suite leaders are laser focused on addressing both macro and micro challenges 👉🏼Nearly half of women scientists leave work when they have a baby - it isn't a choice made with joy 👉🏼Career paths are much longer for women than men due to bias that hurts along the way 👉🏼75% of women receive negative comments about their personalities (only 2% of men do) 👉🏼70% of women lawyers of color leave the profession 👉🏼Female surgeons receive fewer referrals than men after successful surgeries Inclusive Leadership requires: 1️⃣ Accountability - commit to identify and address bias every time it shows up at a systems level and in small acts 2️⃣ Advocacy - active sponsorship programs so women (including women of color) can choose to stay and thrive 3️⃣ Curiosity - women face different challenges based on their racial/ethnic identities so solutions have to be customized based on the resistance each group faces 4️⃣ Courage - Naming that your systems and culture are part of the problem is both hard and necessary. Have the courage to identify and address what needs to change. 👉🏼Choose to be an inclusive leader. You don't have to do it alone. 👉🏼Share a challenge you've faced 👉🏼Follow for inclusive leadership tips 👉🏼DM if you seek a loving DEI strategist to support your leadership. You can also find me at https://lnkd.in/eMjZjGyE #SundayRead

How Authentic Empowerment Fights Gender Bias at Work Have you ever felt nervous walking into a meeting, afraid that no one will listen to your ideas? This is what gender bias feels like, and it often holds women back at work. But what if you could break free from this and be confident? That's where authentic empowerment comes in. Real empowerment helps you fight gender bias. Here's how: ✅ Owning Your Voice: When you understand your value and skills, you feel braver about speaking up and sharing your ideas. ✅ Leading with Authenticity: Being true to yourself as a leader helps you earn respect and breaks down stereotypes about women leaders. ✅ Building Your Network: Find people who appreciate your strengths and support your career growth. Real empowerment isn't about trying to be someone else. It's about embracing who you are and not letting bias keep you quiet. Ever felt the sting of gender bias? Share your story in the comments. Let's support each other and break through these barriers together. #authenticempowerment #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #motivation #midlife #genderbias #career #corporatewomen