What a Lot of Women Confided to Me Behind Closed Doors in HR

Especially the successful ones

A confession from a female VP

Back in those days, I had a fantastic office with a gorgeous view over an architectural garden. Most of my time was spent peering across my desk at some employee who popped in to have a confidential conversation with me.

I would escort them in, close the door and wait to see what prompted this particular visit.

One particular VP visited me often because she had ongoing issues with two employees who were constantly at war with each other. But one day I could tell she wasn’t there to talk about her usual troublemakers.

At 35, she was the highest performing VP in her division and the highest compensated by far. She had worked hard and it had paid off handsomely for her. An inspiration for women and young girls everywhere.

But that day, I could tell something was wrong.

She wouldn’t look me in the eye as she said her next words. She turned her body to the wall and dropped her voice down low as if what she was saying was a profoundly shameful confession.

She did not want to be the powerful executive they were grooming her to be.