Women at Work

Latest Episodes:

Working Through Menopause (at Work) May 25, 2020

Show notes

In most workplaces, menopause is a taboo topic. Every woman’s transition is different, but it’s a shared experience worth talking about. But how do you tell your boss that your mood swings and brain fog are related to perimenopause? What do you say to colleagues when you break into a sweat—or tears—during a meeting? These and other menopause symptoms can cause many women to feel less confident and competent, but being able to talk about your symptoms with colleagues and asking for the support you need can ease that anxiety.

Dr. Heather Hirsch describes common concerns she hears from women she treats at the menopause clinic she leads. Then Jeneva Patterson makes the case for discussing menopause more openly among colleagues. Finally, Tina Opie joins the Amys to share their experiences with managing symptoms at work.

Our HBR reading list:

“It’s Time to Start Talking About Menopause at Work,” by Jeneva Patterson
“Is Menopause a Taboo in Your Organization?” by Megan Reitz et al.
“Aging Up, Not Out,” by Women at Work

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

Advice for Less Than Optimal Circumstances May 18, 2020

Show notes

With half my department furloughed, how can I keep from burning out and losing ground in my career? How can I best lead a large team that’s half remote? We respond to these questions and others from listeners looking for advice on their common workplace quandaries. These are problems and solutions we can all learn from.

Our HBR reading list:

“How Working Parents Can Support One Another,” by Stewart D. Friedman and Alyssa F. Westring
“Global Teams That Work,” by Tsedal Neeley
“If There’s Only One Woman in Your Candidate Pool, There’s Statistically No Chance She’ll Be Hired,” by Stefanie K. Johnson et al.
“Women and Minorities Are Penalized for Promoting Diversity,” by Stefanie K. Johnson and David R. Hekman
“Ideal Worker or Perfect Mom?” by Alison Beard
“The Pandemic Has Exposed the Fallacy of the ‘Ideal Worker,’” by Joan C. Williams

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

When Your Career Is Suddenly on Hold May 11, 2020

Show notes

The coronavirus crisis immediately disrupted day-to-day work. And it’s increasingly disrupting women’s careers, with layoffs, hiring freezes, and promotions on hold, as well as entrepreneurial endeavors possibly lost forever. These setbacks raise a lot of questions: Why was I in the first round of layoffs? How realistic are my aspirations now? What conversations should I be having to help myself recover and set myself up for the future?

We hear from two women whose professional advancement has been interrupted by the crisis. Then sociologist Alexandra Kalev explains why organizations tend to lay off more women than men and what managers can do to avoid disproportionately damaging women’s careers. Finally, Daisy Auger-Domínguez, an HR executive and expert on inclusive leadership, gives advice on confronting and recovering from a setback.

Our HBR reading list:

“Research: U.S. Unemployment Rising Faster for Women and People of Color,” by Alexandra Kalev
“Why the Crisis Is Putting Companies at Risk of Losing Female Talent,” by Colleen Ammerman and Boris Groysberg
“When Losing Your Job Feels Like Losing Your Self,” by Aliya Hamid Rao

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

A Time for Women Leaders to Shine May 04, 2020

Show notes

Healthcare workers are overwhelmingly women, but few are in positions of leadership. We hear from Sheila Davis, who became a nurse in the 1980s and is now CEO of Partners In Health.

She talks about decision making and leading a team through the coronavirus crisis, as well as what she and her organization are doing to help fix the gender imbalance in healthcare leadership.

Our HBR reading list:

“How Women Manage the Gendered Norms of Leadership,” by Wei Zheng et al.
“Fixing the Gender Imbalance in Health Care Leadership,” by Lisa S. Rotenstein, MD
“7 Leadership Lessons Men Can Learn from Women,” by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Cindy Gallop
“How to Talk to Your Team When the Future Is Uncertain,” by Rebecca Knight

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

So Many Feelings Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

Many women feel pressure to hide their feelings in order to be seen as professional. But now, in the midst of this crisis, it may not be feasible — or even preferable — to force ourselves to keep it together or to expect other people to do so. What’s the right level of emotional disclosure these days, and what’s the next best step to take when emotions spill over?

We speak with organizational consultants Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy about the good that can come from being vulnerable with colleagues. Then Maureen Hoch, the editor of HBR.org, joins us to talk about the emotional labor it takes to control our feelings and how that comes with the territory of being the boss.

Our HBR reading list:

“How Leaders Can Open Up to Their Teams Without Oversharing,” by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
“Anxiety Is Contagious. Here’s How to Contain It.” by Judson Brewer
“Handling Negative Emotions in a Way That’s Good for Your Team,” by Emma Seppälä and Christina Bradley
“How to Control Your Emotions During a Difficult Conversation,” by Amy Gallo
“New Managers Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Express Their Emotions,” by Kristi Hedges

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

Making the Most of This Mess Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

A lot has changed in the past few weeks. The coronavirus crisis has affected everything from our well-being to our ability to do our jobs. But are there things about how we are working and living now — in the midst of a pandemic — that will benefit women in the future? Are there opportunities to redefine how women navigate their work and home lives and rewrite what it means to be a woman in the workplace? Is it possible that the recent shift toward more authenticity in professional settings will decrease the pressure we feel to be perfect?

Behavioral scientist Ashley Whillans tells us about the initial findings from her interviews with women about how they’re getting by. She shares strategies for setting healthy boundaries around work and suggests conversations women can have about resetting expectations and boundaries that will help them not just in this moment but also months and years down the road.

Our HBR reading list:

“Give Yourself a Break: The Power of Self-Compassion,” by Serena Chen
“Is It Even Possible to Focus on Anything Right Now?,” by Maura Thomas
“How We Take Care of Ourselves,” from Season 4 of Women at Work

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

We’re Beyond Stretched Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

This pandemic is affecting men and women differently. Women are bearing an even greater burden at home, in their communities, and at work—and many aren’t sure how to cope with the increased emotional and logistical load.

We hear from women around the world about how the coronavirus crisis has intensified the invisible labor they do and put even more pressure on them professionally and personally. Aliya Hamid Rao then shares her macro-level insights based on her research about economic crises and the impact on women’s careers. Finally, Ruchika Tulshyan joins us to discuss how we’ve been coping and to give advice for handling all of this extra stress.

Our HBR reading list:

“How to Be an Inclusive Leader Through a Crisis,” by Ruchika Tulshyan
“How Dual-Career Couples Can Work Through the Coronavirus Crisis,” by Jennifer Petriglieri
“3 Tips to Avoid WFH Burnout,” by Laura M. Giurge and Vanessa K. Bohns
“The Contagion We Can Control,” by Sigal Barsade
“15 Questions About Remote Work, Answered,” by Tsedal Neeley

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

Season 5 Is on the Way Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

Women at Work is back April 13 with stories, conversations, and practical advice about being a woman in the workplace. Expect to hear from us every Monday through the spring.

Nicole’s Got News Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

Our dear co-host is leaving the show.

Seeing Ourselves as Leaders Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

The shift from being part of a team to leading one isn’t like flipping a switch; it’s a process, and often an awkward one. Not only do you have to convince other people that you can and should lead, but sometimes you have to convince yourself. That’s not always easy for women, given that leadership has long been defined by how men act. Finding a style that’s authentic and resonates with others requires reflection and patience.

We talk to two leadership coaches about what distinguishes a leader, how to know if you’re ready to be one, and how to best make the transition. Then our hosts discuss their own leadership journeys, and the Amys share tips with Nicole that they’ve learned along the way.

Our HBR reading list:

“Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?” by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
“How Women Manage the Gendered Norms of Leadership,” by Wei Zheng et al.
“To Be Authentic, Look Beyond Yourself,” by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins
“Ego Is the Enemy of Good Leadership,” by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter
“Improve Your Leadership Presence,” HBR Video with Muriel Maignan Wilkins

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

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