What happens when empowerment is only half the equation? In this season dedicated to the feminine edge of leadership, a sobering reality hit me post-election: empowering women is vital, but what about the work needed to address the fears that keep men (and women!) from embracing strong female leaders? In this solo episode of On Becoming, I’m diving into the silent fears, old narratives, and cultural barriers that keep true gender equality at bay. We’ll explore how stories—whether in advertising, literature, or personal relationships—can shape a culture where power isn’t a zero-sum game but something we all benefit from sharing. Along the way, I’ll unpack lessons from coaching, insights from historians, and even a viral ad that flips gender stereotypes on their head.
What We’ll Explore:
- What I accidentally unearthed as the #1 fear holding women back from expressing themselves & their power fully.
- Why equality often feels threatening to men—and how we can address those fears without judgment.
- How storytelling, from midlife feminist memoirs to ad campaigns, can challenge deeply held beliefs about power and gender.
Questions to Consider:
- What unconscious fears or beliefs have shaped how you think about power and equality?
- What kind of stories do we need to create a world where equality doesn’t feel like a threat, but an opportunity?
Links and Mentions:
- Misogyny: The World's Oldest Prejudice
- Metro Shoes Ad
- Episode #17 with Cindy Gallop
- Episode #18 with Jessi Klein
- Deborah Levy
- Miranda July
Connect with me:
Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin; Photo: Virginie Faucher
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