Creating Successful Female Leaders | Dr. Gemma Munro | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Increase confidence, effectiveness, and success in the workplace with practical tips such as quieting the "lizard brain," doing something scary every day, and samba-ing with fear. Creating space for women and understanding the importance of gender diversity are also key factors.

Transcript

IAN: Please welcome Dr. Gemma Munro. [APPLAUSE] GEMMA MUNRO: Thank you. Hello. AUDIENCE: Hello. GEMMA MUNRO: So we have an hour together today. And just a few weeks ago, I was with a group of founders in the audience, listening to a successful VC talk. And I won't tell you his name. He was 60-ish, jeans, puffy vest, and he turned to us just before ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💭 The "lizard brain" can hinder our success by feeding us negative thoughts. By defusing these thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations, we can increase our confidence and effectiveness.
• 🥳 Doing something scary every day and samba-ing with fear can help us overcome our comfort zones and build confidence.
• 👩‍🚀 It is crucial for leaders to create space and provide opportunities for women to succeed in the workplace. Building awareness of gender diversity and understanding the benefits it brings is essential.
• 😤 Effective leaders provide stability, hope, compassion, and create an environment of trust to inspire and empower their teams.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can the "lizard brain" affect our confidence and effectiveness in the workplace?

The "lizard brain" is the part of our brain that tries to keep us safe by making up negative thoughts. These thoughts can hinder our confidence and success at work. By understanding and defusing these thoughts, we can improve our self-belief and effectiveness.

Q: How can we apply the tips given in the content to our everyday work life?

The tips provided, such as quieting the "lizard brain," doing something scary every day, and samba-ing with fear, can be applied by consciously practicing them daily. It requires awareness, commitment, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.

Q: How can leaders create successful and effective female leaders?

Leaders should be aware of the challenges women face in the workplace and address them by creating space for women to excel. This can be done through targeted programs, interrupting behaviors, and understanding the benefits of gender diversity. Leaders should tap women on the shoulder for stretch opportunities that align with their values and aspirations.

Q: How can individuals handle comments insinuating that women are given opportunities based solely on their gender?

It is important to address such comments calmly and assertively. By asking for clarification or reflecting on the reasons for their success, individuals can challenge the notion that gender is the sole factor behind their achievements. This can help reframe the conversation and promote inclusivity in the workplace.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares personal experience and insights on building confidence and success in the workplace.

• She highlights the importance of quieting the "lizard brain" and provides techniques for defusing negative thoughts.

• Doing something scary every day and samba-ing with fear are suggested to strengthen confidence and effectiveness at work.

• Creating space for women, addressing interrupting behaviors, and understanding the importance of gender diversity are essential for effective leadership.