WOMENINBUSINESS
inside THE BUSINESS :
CLAIRE FOY
WHY WE MUST HAVE WOMEN IN BUSINESS
BEYOND THE GLASS CEILING ...
For most of my career I have been a woman in a male-dominated business , and up until a few years ago , I never felt I belonged . I simply conformed . I wouldn ’ t wear long earrings , floaty skirts , flowery dresses , or flat shoes . In fact , I wore nothing that expressed who I was . Instead , everyone seemed to show up as clones of each other . Collar on collar or twin sets and pearls . Tights and heels , and a smart work coat to match .
Each morning I ’ d put on this restrictive costume , and with it came a whole different persona . To be taken seriously , the uncomfortable , constrained version of me would perform in senior meetings and presentations , always on display , always stifled . Frankly it was exhausting , and I was miserable .
On the odd occasion I let my cover slip , I was noticed ( sometimes positively ) for my ‘ rebellion ’ or my confidence to ‘ challenge ’. Or condescendingly smiled at , when highlighting the ‘ people impact ’ above the financial outcome . Before long I questioned why being me was seen as difficult or unusual ? Surely , I couldn ’ t be that off the mark all of the time ?
Later , I began to understand myself and others on a deeper level through work with performance psychologists . I identified a vulnerability in those conforming and I experienced a strength in difference . I discovered that while I might not always be right , I was good enough to share my views and be heard . As was everyone else .
By this time , I was senior enough to think I could make a difference to others ’ sense of belonging . If I led the way , I could show others it was okay to be natural and be taken seriously . We often talk about diversity at work , but diversity is simply a fact . Inclusion is the action and belonging the result . Belonging in turn delivers diversity .
We don ’ t need women in business because they are gentle , or they care more . We need women in business to match our demographic . We need girls to see a future where their decisions count , and their opinions are heard . We need women who have worked hard for a career respected for birthing and raising the next generation . We need women to believe you can work part time and be successful .
That you can leave work every day at 4pm and still be CEO , and you should not feel guilty for this . Oh , and you can be professional in a floaty skirt !
Having always championed others , becoming a coach felt right . Now in my practice I focus on women executives and female founders who experience loneliness and insecurities at the top . I thrive working with all women on unearthing their passions and finding their voice . However , I particularly love coaching leaders to explore how their own experiences and assumptions can shape the shadows they cast over others .
We need women in business , the same way we need men . It ’ s not either or , it ’ s simply both ... Together .
www . clairefoybarefootcoach . com
61