Breaking Barriers, Breaking Biases: A Conversation on Equality

Challenging societal expectations from a young age

Growing up in different yet parallel worlds, Emily and I faced societal expectations that sought to define our roles and limit our aspirations. Emily, raised in a traditional family in Cleveland, Ohio, was expected to find stability in a "suitable" career, emphasizing balancing work and family. “My parents told me HR was a good job for a woman who wants to raise a family,” she shared. “Looking back, I realize I blocked many other career paths simply because women were not as prevalent in those fields.” For me, the expectations were different but equally restrictive. I immigrated from China at a young age to Northern California with a single mom, and we moved around a lot when I was young. My mother's struggle as a single mother shaped my drive for independence and a passion for advocating for women. I realized that I needed to rely on myself at an early age. This drive led me to work with organizations that supported women in my local community in South Lake Tahoe, California and later inspired my career in Human Resources.

Navigating gender bias in education and career

As Emily and I entered our respective careers, we encountered gender bias in ways that reaffirmed the need for systemic change. In our graduate program in Human Resource Management, we noticed that while women were more prevalent in HR, men dominated classroom discussions, and leadership advice was often framed around making women conform to traditionally male leadership styles. To quote: "It wasn't about embracing what women bring to the table," she said. "It was about how to make women act more like men." As I worked in large multinational companies, I experienced firsthand how women often had to prove themselves before being seen as competent leaders. Early in my career, I struggled to assert myself in rooms filled with more experienced men, but over time, I learned to navigate these spaces with confidence.

It wasn't about embracing what women bring to the table," she said. "It was about how to make women act more like men

Gender disparities in the workplace

Both Emily and I have observed shifts in attitudes toward women in the workplace. Early in her career in financial services, Emily found strong support systems for women, resource groups, childcare support, and clear career pathways. However, moving into the tech industry, she found that while diversity was celebrated on paper, the culture often prioritized traditionally male traits like radical transparency and competitive aggression. "It's not that opportunities don't exist," she explained, "but leaders in male-dominated industries still tend to prefer working with 'similar-minded' individuals." While she's had opportunities to advance in HR, a field where women are the majority, senior leadership is still often male-dominated. This reflects a broader trend that even in industries where women are well-represented, men hold leadership roles disproportionately.

Balancing career ambition with societal expectations

Both of us have had to navigate societal expectations about family life and career ambition. Emily was raised in a religious household and was expected to prioritize marriage and family, however she naturally gravitated toward professional success. For me, the expectation was survival and self-sufficiency. Since witnessing my mother's financial dependence and vulnerability, I decided at a young age to build a career that allowed me complete independence.

Advocating for a more inclusive future

Despite our challenges, Emily and I are committed to pushing for greater gender equality in the workplace. For Emily, this means advocating for recognizing diverse leadership styles and not simply encouraging women to "adapt" to male-dominated norms. For me, it means mentoring women in business and fostering workplace cultures where diverse perspectives are truly valued. As we reflect on our journeys, we both agree that gender equality is not just about opportunities but it's also about breaking down the biases that shape those opportunities.

Gender equality is not just about opportunities but also about breaking down the biases that shape those opportunities

Final words of encouragement

Emily's advice going forward is that "whatever path you go down, don’t be afraid to throw your whole heart and passion at it (and show that passion!). You were hired for a reason - you were not hired to sit down and just take things that are thrown at you. Make your own career, fight your battles, make your own relationships, and show your strengths. Your strengths and battles do not have to look like everyone else’s". For that, Emily's been an inspiration to me throughout my career and studies, and I am honored to be a bridesmaid to her in June at her wedding.

Make your own career, fight your battles, make your own relationships, and show your strengths

---------------------
Are you interested in the MSM Full-time MBA?
The MSM Full-time MBA is an experience in the essence of sustainable organisational leadership and  entrepreneurial management in a fast-changing, multicultural and global business environment. Immersing yourself in the one-year Full-time MBA experience will challenge you to develop your management skills in a diverse, international and multicultural environment. The next intake starts in September 2025!
Click here for more information about the programme. In this page you will also find more information about the Women Ambassador Scholarship and other Full-time MBA scholarships. 
You can also contact Inka Diddens for more information. 

Do you know MSM offers a 5-day Short Executive Programme on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment?
This training programme aims to address these critical gaps by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to promote gender-responsive policies, programmes, projects and leadership. By focusing on economic empowerment, political representation, gender-based violence, climate action, and sexual and reproductive health, the programme will empower stakeholders to accelerate progress toward a more inclusive, equal and sustainable world. The next programme will take place from 19 – 23 May 2025. Click here for more info.