Reflecting on Female Leadership and Authenticity

In the journey of my career and experiences as a female leader in the corporate world, I have been confronted with the pressure to conform to gender-specific norms. It has been a challenging journey, marked by obstacles that are unique to women in leadership positions. This has led me to reflect deeply on the concept of ‘authenticity’, a term that is often thrown around in corporate circles, but whose meaning is heavily influenced by gender and institutional norms.

Authenticity: A Gender-Specific, Institutionally-Driven Social Construct

Authenticity, as it is understood in the corporate world, is often a gender-specific, institutionally-driven social construct. It is an expectation that is shaped by societal norms and stereotypes, and can sometimes be a double-edged sword for women in leadership roles. On one hand, being authentic is seen as a strength, a sign of integrity and trustworthiness. On the other hand, women who express their true selves, especially if they do not conform to gender norms, can face backlash or be perceived as less competent or likable.

Read more at: https://medriva.com/business/gender-norms-authenticity-and-female-leadership-in-the-corporate-world/