Feedback can build careers or hold them back. When it’s vague, biased, or filled with adjectives instead of actions, it does more harm than good, especially for women.
Zovig Garboushian sits down with Dora Mołodyńska-Küntzel, a DEI trainer and consultant from Punt Kick, to talk about the hidden bias in giving feedback. Why do women get more personality-driven critiques while men receive clear, actionable advice? How does that impact performance, confidence, and career growth? Research shows a clear pattern, and the consequences reach far beyond individual employees.
Dora shares practical ways for leaders to check their own bias, shift from vague observations to behavior-based feedback, and create a culture where everyone gets the guidance they need to succeed. She challenges the idea that feedback bias is only a DEI issue—when employees don’t receive clear direction, businesses suffer too.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
02:53 Importance of Addressing Feedback Bias
05:57 Impact of Vague Feedback on Women
08:17 Role of Confidence in Feedback
10:02 Confusion Created by Contradictory Feedback
12:09 Organizational Impact of Biased Feedback
14:07 Recognizing and Addressing Personal Bias
17:02 Importance of Self-Reflection and Humility
20:20 Strategies for Receiving Better Feedback
24:20 Pushing Back on Vague Feedback
27:04 Organizational Strategies for Fair Feedback
31:10 Role of Psychological Safety in Feedback
32:08 Business Impact of Quality Feedback
Links
Connect with Dora Mołodyńska-Küntzel :
Website: www.puntkick.pl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorakuntzel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puntkick.pl
Links to studies mentioned:
https://explore.textio.com/feedback-bias-2024/language-bias-in-performance-feedback-2024
https://explore.textio.com/feedback-bias
https://www.bain.com/insights/crisis-of-confidence-women-lose-faith-careers-infographic/
Bias Reduction Checklist https://www.puntkick.pl/bias-reduction-checklist
Free Ebook on Inclusive Leadership: https://www.puntkick.pl/ebook
Link to the LinkedIn Post we mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dorakuntzel_gender-bias-in-feedback-activity-7274326972325916673-Z2YW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEqDREBjiJ_stnF64FelYqG1b8lxUtHtHc
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoviggarboushian/
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com