The Rise of Women Is Not the Fall of Men
Women leaders share insights on gender equality during Slalom South Florida’s panel discussion.
As we step into an era marked by progress and inclusivity, one where gender equality and women’s leadership continue to gain momentum, it is essential to emphasize that the rise of women does not equate to the fall of men.
Recognizing this crucial perspective, Slalom hosted a thought-provoking leadership panel, inviting esteemed women leaders to discuss themes such as empowerment, allyship, and collaboration, along with how to break down barriers and foster a harmonious balance between genders. The phenomenal set of panelists included some of the most influential women leaders from industries across local South Florida.
Leadership advancement and its collaborative journey
Panelists unanimously agreed that achieving a leadership stature takes hard work, but does not need to be solitary. The critical component for success is having support and guidance along the way. Dimple Jethani, chief information officer at Norwegian Cruise Lines, one of the panelists, emphasized the importance of mentorship and having someone to consistently empower and challenge you, stating, “You want mentorship to be a natural connection and not forced.”
The panelists emphasized that achieving true gender equality is a shared responsibility. Rather than perceiving women’s advancement as a threat, we can see it as an opportunity to collaborate and harness diverse perspectives. The speakers highlighted the significance of inclusive leadership and how it benefits both women and men. By working together, breaking stereotypes, and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society.
The importance of allyship
During the discussion, the panelists also emphasized the necessity of fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued. By embracing diversity, organizations can tap into a rich pool of talent, ideas, and perspectives. Kathleen Guzman, senior director of enterprise data management at Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits, another panelist, summed it up perfectly by saying, “Be supportive, assume good intentions, and look for opportunities to interact with those with different perspectives.” It is imperative to create inclusive cultures that empower women to lead, contribute, and shape the future. The rise of women should be celebrated as a step forward for the greater humanity, recognizing the immense potential that lies within each individual, regardless of their gender.
Breaking down barriers
The panelists also reflected on lessons they have learned throughout their careers that shaped who they are as leaders. Self-awareness, building relationships, demonstrating leadership, and authenticity were identified as some of the key traits that helped them achieve success. Kathleen shared how bringing vulnerability and empathy to conversations was a key transition moment in her career, while Monica Limone, senior vice president of strategy at Amerant Bank encouraged everyone to “be authentic. Don’t subject yourself to fitting in a box, but have the confidence to speak up for what you believe.”
This confidence is vital for women leaders who work to break down barriers that hinder women’s progress. The speakers shared personal anecdotes, highlighting the challenges they faced throughout their journeys and the lessons learned. They stressed the importance of addressing systemic biases, creating supportive environments, and providing equal opportunities for all. Melissa Cartagena, senior director of digital advertising at AutoNation encapsulated this by sharing the importance of having the right players in your court: “Look for traits in people that you admire, provide you an avenue with time to talk, and supply encouragement and support.” By dismantling these barriers, we create a fair playing field where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their gender.
Building bridges, not walls
The panel concluded with a powerful message about building bridges instead of walls. Rather than fostering a divide between genders, working collectively toward common goals is crucial. Both men and women have invaluable contributions to make, and only through collaboration can we reach our full potential as a society. By supporting and uplifting one another, we create a stronger, more inclusive world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
In conclusion, the panelists exemplified courage and demonstrated the importance of celebrating our differences and empowering each other. They modeled what it means to be fiercely human, which is something we strongly believe in at Slalom. We hope that the insights and learnings from this panel will inspire everyone to become better allies, embrace the diversity of thought, and create a more inclusive workplace.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
