IntHERrupt - INT 193 - Leading Through Gender Differences -

Aug 12 2024 26 mins 1

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Leaders who actively recognize and embrace gender diversity can foster innovation, enhance decision-making, and boost financial performance within their organizations. However, this factor is often overlooked in leadership positions.

In this insightful episode, I engage in a delightful conversation with Kate Suslava, an associate professor of accounting at Bucknell University, to delve into the intricate dynamics of leadership through the lens of gender differences. Tune in to discover how you can be part of the solution and help create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Meet Kate Suslava

Kate Suslava has a unique background that blends linguistics and accounting. Originally from Belarus, she initially studied linguistics at Minsk State Linguistic University, where she learned English, Italian, and Polish, with aspirations of becoming a translator.
After moving to the United States, she shifted her focus to accounting, earning an MBA and later a PhD from Rutgers University.
Her diverse educational and professional experiences now inform her research on executives' verbal patterns in corporate disclosures and communications with investors.

The Gender Gap in Leadership Roles

Kate highlights the stark contrast between the number of women hired at entry-level positions in accounting firms and the lack of gender parity in upper echelons of leadership.
She notes that despite the benefits of gender diversity in decision-making and company performance, women only make up around 11-12% of CFO positions and an even smaller percentage of CEO roles in publicly traded companies.

Gender Differences in Communication

One key difference Kate has observed is how men and women communicate in the workplace.
Her research shows that men speak more than women in business meetings.
She emphasizes the importance of leaders creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard, regardless of gender or communication style.

Acknowledging Biases and Promoting Inclusivity

To address gender differences, Kate suggests that leaders first acknowledge the existence of biases.
She recommends investing in training to make people aware of these biases, especially regarding hiring and promotions.
Additionally, leaders should strive to create diverse teams and consider the needs of all employees when planning team-building activities.

The Benefits of Gender Diversity

Kate emphasizes the importance of being open to the opposite gender, as diversity brings numerous benefits to the workplace.
She provides an example from her research on financial analysts: Women excel at writing clear and readable reports, while men tend to include more quantitative information.
By working together, they can produce better work products than teams consisting of only one gender.

“No matter what gender or who you are, everybody's voices should be heard. Unfortunately, in meetings, the voices that are heard are often heard by loud and aggressive people.” - Kate Suslava.

Resources

Bucknell University

Kate Suslava on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know.

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