134 episodes

Women face gender discrimination throughout our careers. It doesn't have to derail our ambitions — but how do we prepare to deal with it? There's no workplace orientation session about narrowing the wage gap, standing up to interrupting male colleagues, or taking on many other issues we encounter at work. So HBR staffers Amy Bernstein, Amy Gallo, and Emily Caulfield are untangling some of the knottiest problems. They interview experts on gender, tell stories about their own experiences, and give lots of practical advice to help you succeed in spite of the obstacles.

Women at Work Harvard Business Review

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 1.3K Ratings

Women face gender discrimination throughout our careers. It doesn't have to derail our ambitions — but how do we prepare to deal with it? There's no workplace orientation session about narrowing the wage gap, standing up to interrupting male colleagues, or taking on many other issues we encounter at work. So HBR staffers Amy Bernstein, Amy Gallo, and Emily Caulfield are untangling some of the knottiest problems. They interview experts on gender, tell stories about their own experiences, and give lots of practical advice to help you succeed in spite of the obstacles.

    The Essentials: Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

    The Essentials: Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

    We all need to set boundaries, even in the most structured jobs, because work has its way of encroaching on the rest of our life. Ashley, a senior analyst for the federal government, recently shifted to a schedule that helps her do her most important work and have some alone time before her family gets home. Now she’s trying to figure out how to further minimize interruptions, deal with slow and busy stretches, and get out of unproductive meetings.

    Amy G and executive coach Melody Wilding talk through adjustments Ashley can make and things she can say to achieve those goals. They also offer strategies for how to communicate your set new limits with colleagues and when and discuss how to hold the line when your boundaries inevitably get tested.

    • 41 min
    The Essentials: Building and Repairing Trust

    The Essentials: Building and Repairing Trust

    Trust smooths the way for collaboration, conflict resolution, and influencing. But how do you build this asset? And how do you repair it when you’ve missed a series of important deadlines or otherwise messed up? Organizational psychologist Ruchi Sinha talks with a listener who’s struggling to restore skeptics’ confidence in her and her team. Ruchi shares the three elements of trust and how to convey each one. She also offers advice on what to do if you’ve failed to acknowledge a broken promise and how to communicate practically when confidentiality prevents you from being totally transparent.

    • 46 min
    The Essentials: Executive Presence

    The Essentials: Executive Presence

    Executive presence is a mix of gravitas, communication skills, and appearance. But what does that look and sound like in practice? To help a fully remote insurance underwriter think through ways she can act like a leader, we bring in a role model of hers and an expert in strategic communication.

    • 43 min
    Sexism Is Everywhere

    Sexism Is Everywhere

    Is there any way to know for sure whether something that someone did—or neglected to do—is rooted in sexism? When is confronting that person worth it? And if you’ll never know what drove their actions, how do you make peace with the uncertainty? Amy G talks through these questions with two professors who study perceptions and gender stereotypes.

    • 47 min
    Is Entrepreneurship Right for Me? (from New Here)

    Is Entrepreneurship Right for Me? (from New Here)

    It’s a question that so many of us are grappling with. Should I quit corporate life and pursue my passion project? Today in this episode from our colleagues at New Here—HBR's podcast for young professionals—we’ll help you think through the possibilities and trade-offs, as we learn from one woman’s experiences leaving corporate life to build her own business. You’ll learn which of her fears were warranted, how she battled loneliness, managed her money, and whether or not she is actually happier working for herself.

    • 43 min
    Ever Consider Joining a Board?

    Ever Consider Joining a Board?

    Eight women who’ve been on boards share how they landed a seat, gained confidence in the role, and found unexpected personal and professional benefits in the work. We hope their perspectives and advice will encourage you to consider trying it yourself some day. Ellen Zane, who runs a Harvard workshop for women interested in board work, gives further insight based on her deep experience as a director for nonprofits and private and public companies.

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
1.3K Ratings

1.3K Ratings

Nadyne ,

I want to be Amy B when I grow up

Every time I listen to an episode of Women at Work, I learn something. In each episode, they bring the best workplace research from around the world, their own experiences in dealing with or managing through the topic at hand, and thoughtful advice for others who are trying to make their way through such things. Each host has a unique perspective that I really appreciate. I’ve especially found Amy Bernstein to be inspirational for my own leadership challenges.

SophiePaga ,

So comforting to hear these women say what I think out loud!

I can’t thank you enough for this content. So many thoughts go through my head at work every day. Many that I can’t find the space to release. To hear you speak about the challenges and fears that I’ve faced and heard in such a real way is so refreshing. I’ve mostly had male managers and it’s always felt like they see things differently. Thank you for diving deep and speaking about it all. I love hearing the encouragement and advice you give each other.

Andieo1997 ,

A Really Insightful Show

I absolutely love this podcast. From the inspiring interviews to the practical tips shared, every episode is a must-listen. The hosts are all knowledgeable, insightful, and engaging, making the listening experience both enjoyable and informative. I highly recommend Women at Work to anyone looking for a fresh, feminist perspective on life!

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