All-Women's Work & Leadership Spaces: Uncovering the Pros and Cons with Mita Fitzjohn

In this episode, Mita Fitzjohn and I journey through the complex landscape of all-women work environments and leadership spaces. Together, we delve into the profound impact of these environments on women’s well-being, career progression, and self-assurance. We unravel the intricate web of factors that shape women’s success in the workplace and explore how all-women workspaces compare to mixed-gender counterparts.

Join us as we tackle topics ranging from the “Queen Bee Syndrome” and the challenges of working in male-dominated leadership realms to imposter syndrome and gender bias in the workplace. Discover the potential benefits of all-women work environments, such as fostering community, psychological safety, and a sense of belongingness. We’ll also discuss their limitations, the quest for gender equity, and the imperative need for systemic changes within organizations.

Meet Mita Fitzjohn

Mita Fitzjohn is a seasoned professional with a unique approach that combines extensive experience, consulting expertise, and coaching acumen. She collaborates with organizations to empower their leaders, helping them reach their full potential in their current roles or advance to higher responsibilities. Mita’s method focuses on identifying and overcoming obstacles, driving self-discovery, and catalyzing transformation at all leadership levels. She excels in fostering an inclusive work environment, assessing cultural competence, and coaching leaders to enhance intercultural development. With over 25 years of diverse experience, including roles at W.W. Grainger, Inc., Mita is renowned for her ability to eliminate internal barriers that hinder leadership impact.

Highlights:

[00:04:22] Building a robust network.

[00:08:12] Female role models and barriers.

[00:12:44] The queen bee syndrome.

[00:17:23] Psychological safety in female-dominant industries.

[00:21:31] Imposter syndrome and credibility.

[00:25:43] The impact of all-women work environments.

[00:33:04] Gender diversity and profitability.

[00:39:07] Mixed gender workspaces.

[00:44:34] Benefits of all-women learning spaces.

[00:49:26] Leading an all-male team.

[00:53:43] Internalizing obstacles as women.

[00:54:26] Gender bias and equity.

[01:02:08] Is it lack of confidence or backlash?

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Episode 003: Debunking the Confidence Myth

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