6 essential lessons for women leaders | Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala discuss the challenges women face in leadership roles, especially in a sexist world. They reflect on their own experiences as pioneers in male-dominated spheres and share valuable lessons for aspiring female leaders. The discussion touches on topics like gender stereotypes, work-life balance, mentorship, and the importance of solidarity among women. They highlight the importance of authenticity, supporting one another, and overcoming barriers to pave the way for future women leaders, urging them to break through obstacles and take their place in leadership.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women leaders often face unexpected sexism and stereotyping, and these challenges may intensify as they rise in leadership positions.
• 😀 It's crucial for women to have mentors and role models, especially women of color, to help navigate the leadership landscape.
• 😀 Leadership brings joy and purpose when women can align their values with their actions, balancing the challenges with the positive aspects.
• 😀 Female leaders must navigate a fine line between being seen as too tough or too soft, which can impact their likability and effectiveness.
• 😀 Appearance, such as hair and clothes, often distracts from the work and achievements of female leaders, highlighting the ongoing sexism they face.
• 😀 Women leaders should create their own unique styles to avoid excessive focus on appearance and shift the focus back to their leadership skills.
• 😀 Gender stereotypes persist, and women leaders are often subject to negative portrayals based on family choices or their perceived emotionality.
• 😀 Men also have a role to play in creating gender equality by sharing domestic responsibilities, calling out sexism, and mentoring women.
• 😀 The 'glass cliff' phenomenon shows that women are often appointed to leadership roles in times of crisis, with high expectations and risks of failure.
• 😀 It's important for women to support one another, especially as they face limited opportunities in leadership positions, and work together to challenge structural barriers to equality.

Q & A

What was Julia Gillard's initial assumption about her role as Australia's first female Prime Minister?

Julia Gillard initially assumed that there would be a strong reaction to her being the first woman Prime Minister, but that it would subside over time and she would be treated the same as previous male Prime Ministers. She was wrong, as the sexism became more visible as her tenure continued.

Why does Julia Gillard want to help other women avoid being blindsided in leadership roles?

Julia Gillard wants to help other women avoid being blindsided by the sexism she faced during her time as Prime Minister. She hopes to prepare them for the challenges they may encounter in leadership roles, particularly in a sexist world.

What did Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala learn from her time as Nigeria’s Finance Minister regarding mentorship?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala learned that many women sought her mentorship after she served as Nigeria's Finance Minister. She recognized the need for more female role models, particularly for women of color, and used her experiences to provide guidance and share leadership lessons.

What is one of the key aspects of leadership that both Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasize?

Both Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasize the importance of finding joy in leadership. They stress the value of putting your personal values into action and balancing the positive and negative aspects of leadership to make it appealing rather than discouraging.

What challenges do women face when they assume leadership positions, according to the discussion?

Women in leadership positions often face challenges related to sexism, stereotyping, and appearance-based judgments. They may be criticized for being too tough or too soft, and their personal choices, such as family life, are often scrutinized more than their male counterparts.

How does Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala cope with the pressure of being judged for her appearance?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala copes by adopting a consistent personal style that reflects her African heritage, helping to minimize discussions about her appearance and ensuring that people focus more on her words and actions rather than her clothes or physical appearance.

What is the 'glass cliff' phenomenon, and how does it relate to women in leadership roles?

The 'glass cliff' phenomenon refers to the trend of appointing women to leadership roles when an organization or business is in crisis. While this can offer women opportunities, it also places them in precarious situations where failure is more likely, and their careers are often seen as less valuable if they fail.

How does Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala view the role of men in achieving gender equality?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala believes that men must take responsibility for achieving gender equality by sharing domestic and care work, pointing out sexism when they see it, and creating space for women to thrive. Men, given their disproportionate power, must work alongside women to foster a more equal world.

What is the significance of supporting other women in leadership roles, according to Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala?

Both Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasize the importance of supporting other women. They warn against the 'politics of scarcity' where women are pitted against each other for limited positions. They believe in working together to change the rules and create space for more women to succeed.

What are the five standout lessons that Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala share for aspiring women leaders?

The five standout lessons are: 1) Be true to yourself and embrace your unique leadership style. 2) Prepare for gendered challenges and seek mentorship. 3) Educate others about gender stereotypes and debunk them. 4) Support structural changes that promote gender equality. 5) Don’t shy away from taking up space, networking, and aiming high.