Women in business: navigating challenges and grabbing opportunities

In the latest episode of our podcast, host Maria explores the dynamic and complex world of women in business, with a particular focus on the European context. Joining her is Jovana, a experienced professional in the electrical engineering industry. The episode provides an insightful look into the educational and professional journeys of women, the persistent gender disparities in leadership roles, and the unique challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated fields. This blog post extracts the key insights and advice from their conversation, offering a comprehensive guide for women navigating the business landscape.

The landscape of women in business

Marija kicks off the discussion by highlighting the significant step women have made in the business world. Despite women owning approximately 42% of businesses in the United States, why are they still underrepresented in top leadership roles and facing a persistent gender pay gap? The status of women in business varies across the globe, but is the pace of change fast enough?

Jovana's journey: From education to leadership

Jovana, who holds a master's degree in management from a prestigious business school in Barcelona, shares her perspective on the opportunities available to women pursuing higher education in Europe. Her academic journey was positive, with many female classmates. However, she observes that women often go unrecognized compared to their male peers. Reflecting on her own educational path, Jovana emphasizes the critical role of education in preparing for leadership roles. She began her career in her family's electrical engineering company while still pursuing her bachelor's degree, gaining practical experience in various roles from administrative tasks to attending business meetings. 

But why are such stories still the exception rather than the norm? Is it because of the understated biases that still exist in educational and professional settings, or is it something more deeply deep-rooted in societal expectations? How can we change this story to make these success stories more common?

To increase recognition of women's achievements, we can:

• Highlite and celebrate the achievements of women in various fields can help change perceptions
• Create mentorship programs where women can receive guidance and support from experienced professionals
• Provide workshops and training to help women build confidence in their skills and abilities.

Navigating a male-dominated industry

A significant part of the episode focuses on the challenges women face in male-dominated fields like electrical engineering. Jovana talks about the physical demands and indirect prejudices that can undermine women's authority. But are these prejudices just "subtle," or are they more systemic? How can women overcome these obstacles, and is emotional intelligence the key to success in these environments?

Suggestions for supporting women in male-dominated industries:

• Encourage men in the industry to advocate for gender equality and actively support their female colleagues
• Offer training programs on gender sensitivity and inclusivity within organizations to foster a more equitable workplace
• Create networks and communities where women can connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support\

Empowering the next generation

Despite the challenges, Jovana is passionate about empowering other women to enter the field of electrical engineering. She believes that women bring valuable skills, particularly in emotional intelligence, which are crucial for managing teams and navigating complex workplace dynamics. 

But are these skills recognized and valued enough in the industry? Jovana is hopeful for a future where women's contributions are fully acknowledged. How can we ensure this hope becomes reality and what steps are necessary to make it happen?

To empower the next generation:

• Engage young girls in STEM through educational programs and workshops
• Offeri scholarships and grants to support women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields
• Highlight successful women in these fields to inspire and motivate young women

Leadership dynamics and future aspirations

In discussing leadership within her family business, Jovana shares her experience of sometimes being seen as just the owner's daughter, which can undermine her authority. How can young women establish their leadership identity beyond family connections or gender perceptions? Looking ahead, Jovana considers taking on a larger role within the company while balancing societal expectations regarding family and career.

But why do women still face these "balancing" questions more frequently than men?

Suggestions to empower women in leadership roles:

• Offer training programs that help women cultivate leadership skills and confidently assert their authority
• Encourage women to clearly articulate their roles and responsibilities within their organizations
• Create supportive workplace environments that recognize and accommodate the challenges of balancing work and family life

Empowering women in business

As Marija and Jovana wrap up the episode, they reflect on the unique challenges women face in the business world, particularly in leadership roles. Why are these challenges still so prevalentand what can be done to address them?

For young women navigating the business world, here are some key strategies:

• Focus on getting a good education, but also challenge stereotypes and biases that might hold you back.
• Connect with mentors and allies who can support and guide you.
• Recognize that early career roles are important for learning and growth, not just stepping stones.
• Stay adaptable and ensure your education aligns with your career aspirations, even when facing challenges.
• Combine emotional intelligence with business skills to enhance leadership and teamwork.
• Be a mentor and seek mentorship to support future generations and provide role models.
• Challenge the status quo and support gender equality initiatives in the workplace.

They emphasize the need for continued efforts to empower women and create a more equitable workplace environment. Jovana's journey is a evidence to resilience and determination, showcasing the potential for women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.

By supporting each other and questioning societal norms, women can continue to make significant strides in the business world. How can we, as a community, ensure that these strides lead to substantial and lasting change?

Tune in to the full episode, Women in Entrepreneurship, to get inspired and reflect on these questions.

Episode is available on the following channel: YouTube, Spotify and Deezer