In her TEDxCornellUniversity talk, Susan Fleming takes us on a compelling journey through her career and the persistent challenge of gender bias in the workplace. Her insights offer a roadmap for anyone interested in creating a more equitable and inclusive professional environment. Here’s a closer look at Fleming’s message and the actionable steps she proposes to tackle gender bias.
A Journey Through Gender Bias
Susan Fleming’s career began in the 1990s, a period marked by intense competition and the rise of women in previously male-dominated fields. As a young woman on Wall Street, Fleming navigated a challenging landscape. She joined Morgan Stanley’s mergers and acquisitions department and later transitioned to a private equity fund, where she encountered both support and subtle, pervasive sexism.
Despite the obstacles, Fleming’s career thrived. She became a partner at age 31 and served on the boards of multiple public companies. Yet, the lack of female role models and entrenched biases within the industry made her question her place in it. This led her to pivot from finance to academia, pursuing a PhD focused on understanding and mitigating gender bias.
The Current State of Gender Bias
Fleming highlights a troubling reality: progress in gender equity, especially in leadership roles, remains slow. In 1992, there were only two women CEOs among Fortune 500 companies. Today, that number has risen to 23, but women still represent just 4.6% of these top positions. Additionally, there are more men named James in these CEO roles than there are women—a stark reminder of the gender imbalance at the top.
Fleming also reflects on her own experiences, revealing that despite the progress, she often faced discrimination and condescension. Such experiences, though challenging, were part of her broader mission to address and reduce gender bias.
Moving Beyond Awareness: Taking Action
Fleming argues that acknowledging gender bias is not enough; we need to actively work to dismantle it. Here’s how we can all contribute to this effort:
- Acknowledge and Overcome Fear: Many people, especially men, fear speaking up about gender bias because they worry about making mistakes or offending someone. To combat this, Fleming suggests fostering a culture of curiosity and learning. Encourage open, honest conversations about gender issues without the fear of punishment.
- Educate Yourself: Understanding unconscious bias is crucial. Fleming recommends seeking out resources, talking to knowledgeable colleagues, or attending relevant sessions at work or school. This will help identify and address biases in oneself and others.
- Ask Questions and Seek Guidance: If unsure about what is appropriate, ask questions from a place of genuine curiosity. Most people will appreciate the effort to understand and address potential issues.
- Be an Active Ally: Support your colleagues by:
- Redirecting Conversations: If someone’s contributions are overlooked, gently bring attention back to them.
- Stopping Sexist Comments: Address inappropriate remarks or jokes when they occur.
- Speaking Up in Mixed Company: When witnessing sexist comments, voice your discomfort. This helps create a culture where such behavior is not tolerated.
The Path Forward
Fleming’s call to action emphasizes that reducing gender bias is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal one. Gender stereotypes affect both women and men, influencing everything from career opportunities to personal well-being. By addressing these biases and fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world.
Fleming’s powerful message reminds us that while the road to gender equity is long and fraught with challenges, individual actions and collective efforts can drive meaningful change. As we move forward, let us embrace her call to courage and take actionable steps to reduce bias, ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to reach their full potential.