As a bestselling author and President of Selling in a SKIRT, Judy Hoberman’s goal is to help one woman a day. Her newest book, Walking on the Glass Floor explains that once women have crashed through the glass ceiling, they are walking on the glass floor and have a responsibility to help other women do the same. So how does she help women? asked Dr. Nancy in this interview. Judy said that she listens and pays attention to what they say. When women (or men) are authentic and generous—two of the key tools required for good leadership—they know instinctively what another person needs to hear. She tells the story of one such encounter, where the woman was incredulous about how Judy helped her in the exact way she needed.
Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone Helps Women Advance
Judy’s career and life have been shaped by her father telling her that girls didn’t do certain things. The limitations he placed on her made her determined to do exactly what girls weren’t supposed do. As a result, she found herself working in jobs that were held by men with no female role models available to help her. She feels that working in male-dominated industries was a good experience because she had to learn to do things for herself and ask for support when she needed it. When she finally met a woman who could guide her to become a more successful business entrepreneur, it was so amazingly helpful, she realized that was exactly what she wanted to do for other women.
Do Not Let Others’ Preconceived Ideas or Your Own Biases Hold You Back
Both Judy and Dr. Nancy share ideas why more women haven’t stepped up to be leaders in the past. That’s changing. The 2018 midterm election saw more women running and being elected than ever before. Still, those who do step up are questioned when they have a baby or choose a life path that removes them from their careers. Women — and men — have mental tapes playing that reflect the lessons taught throughout our lives—like what girls are and are not supposed to be and do. We have allowed those beliefs to limit our aspirations and choices, but we can rewrite them as we pursue our goals and rightful share of leadership positions.
“Women Want to be Treated Equally, Not Identically”
Judy’s new training, “Empowering Equal, Not Identical Leadership” is based on the key concepts in her best-selling new book. Focusing on the challenges and opportunities in today’s workplaces that affect the success and retention of the employees and the business itself requires leaders to reflect on themselves. The top three qualities required, Judy said, are:
- Authenticity
- Courage
- Generosity
She finds it rewarding to watch the students in her trainings. Some learn so much about themselves they are moved to tears. It is a different experience for everyone, of course, but good leadership starts with the leader being acutely aware of ways to support and champion other women at work.
Learn More about The Importance of Supporting Women
Judy shares more fascinating stories from her TED Talk and business experience. Listen to this interview to hear more and check out her website to learn how helping just one woman a day can expand exponentially to help millions of women, as each woman helps another in turn.
Order Dr. Nancy’s new book — 54% discount expires soon
Judy’s ideas also appear in Dr. Nancy’s new book, In This Together: How Successful Women Support Each Other In Work and Life, along with thoughts, advice, and stories from 40 successful women across a variety of careers—from authors to actresses, CEOs and professors—encouraging women to support each other in the workplace and in life. Learn about action plans on how all women can work together to break free from the binds of gender inequality. Then remember to order your copy – and gifts for your friends.