Picking Up The Bullhorn: Making Yourself Heard In A Male-Dominated World

You can’t make this up… “I never actively thought about gender roles growing up - maybe because I went to an all-girls school, I had two sisters and no brothers, and we all played sports with my dad. So na?vely, I assumed that everyone was treated equally. Then I got into Oxford, studied economics and went on to be a management consultant. In London, it was beautiful to not have to think that you are male or female in the consulting world. In 2009, however, I made a big move to India. I went into a male-dominated industry in a country that is way more gender-biased than England was. And that was the first time it hit me: I’m in for a ride. I actually remember my first ever meeting with my boss at the time. The client we were in a meeting with had a presentation on his laptop and he faced it towards my boss so I couldn’t see anything. At one point, my boss received a call and left the room. While waiting, the client asked me who I was and when I told him about my background, he was like, “Oh my God! Let me show you this presentation.” Maybe he thought I was my boss’s secretary, but I think that was the first time I realized that as a young female, you had to go through these obstacles of gender biases even if they weren’t intentional.?

?

From that experience, I realized that I might not be included in certain conversations. It's sad but that’s the reality and it’s up to me to not just sit back and let it unfold. As a female ethnic minority, I need to validate myself more than my white male colleagues would. There are so many biases that we’re faced with and to gain respect in the room, I needed to prove myself - even if that meant dropping the name of going to Oxford more, or having worked as a management consultant.?

?

On the flipside, once I’ve successfully validated myself and have the room to speak to, what I say is also extremely important. This was another major lesson learned through us raising money. You might get into the room but was the chair really there? Maybe it’s at the back of the room or pushed into the table. I'd say you got to pick up that chair and put it in front of everyone - and that comes from just being better than anyone else. Knowing your numbers, your go-to-market strategy, understanding your competition, knowing why you deserve to be the one building the company. It’s definitely a tough long journey to be a female entrepreneur, you just have to be ready to overcome the obstacles.” Ishveen Jolly

?

I think every woman in the world can understand that twisted feeling in your gut you got as a young woman. That feeling that came when you realized the world is male-dominated, regardless of population statistics.?

?

We live in a patriarchy. And yes, I want every woman reading this right now to fight for a change to the old structures. But I also want you to know something: it’s not changing any time soon.?

?

So it’s your responsibility to do exactly what Ishveen said. To pick your chair up, stick it in the center of the room, and make yourself heard.?

?

?

?

As women, we’ve all had to learn how to survive in a patriarchal structure. This week, we hear from Ishveen Jolly , founder of OpenSponsorship, and Thureiyya Browne-Rodriguez of Agni NY, who have both decided to build their chair and make themselves a seat at the male-dominated table.?

“I knew I was in a profession dominated by men after college. I made multiple achievements to reach a leadership role, but despite my level of experience I received more compliments about my looks than performance. I contributed ideas to the discussions but the ideas I presented were looked over or I was asked to work with a male colleague who received all the credit. He accepted the recognition with grace without clarifying- I was the person who did the work. Right there I knew I was not going to stay quiet; I was determined to make a change to the process.?

One particular incident required members of the team to provide input to a decision. There was a male colleague in training who was learning the process. This particular colleague shut down my input and the team disregarded my expert recommendation.?

In a short period of time, I was called by the team to assist with the project. I was later told that the team had to go back and do the plan that I presented earlier. The outcome was positive and the team was happy. I did not receive recognition from the team, but earned respect. After that incident I was asked to assist in several decision-making projects. I made a name for myself within the organization. I stood by the information provided despite the resistance I received from the team. I clarified we were equals and I would not tolerate being treated as a subservient partner.?

After completing my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, something inside of me no longer wanted to work in a 9 to 5. I wanted to take my experience and share it on my terms. I missed the drive behind working for myself. Before resigning I gathered information and turned my idea into a side hustle. While sitting in a meeting I zoned out, looked around the room and knew I no longer wanted to be an employee. I knew in the meeting I made the right decision.?

My golden rule in my business is “Friendship is Friendship” and “Business is Business...Don’t Take it Personal.” The rule changed how I did business with friends and family. This was important because I did not want to lose either due to a business decision and not a personal decision.?

I reached out for help at the beginning of my journey when the idea was a thought. The feedback I received was invaluable. When others reach out to me for assistance, I provide as much helpful information as possible. My brand focuses on working with artisans that believe in fair wage and fair trade. As sales increase, donations are given to community organizations.” -Thureiyya Browne-Rodriguez DHA,RN,WOCN?

The line between friends and business is so easy to blur. I don’t have a single colleague who hasn’t needed to deal with this, especially in the early days of business.?

So I want to offer a piece of advice to newer entrepreneurs, or anyone who’s struggling to determine where that line is: the best thing you can do is keep friends and family separate from business. You never want to feel obligated to work with, hire, or deal with someone in business simply because you have a personal attachment.?