The Likability Trap: Women, Leadership and the Double-Bind | 2019 Session

Data suggests that the more women succeed in the workplace, the less “likable” others tend to find them. Yet being considered likeable drives trust, influence and credibility – all three important qualities to embody at work. This session will challenge this outdated image of women in leadership in two ways. First, our thought leader will offer a brief presentation that will examine the subjective nature of likeability and how our innate need for it can hinder our progress and power. We will then dive into an interactive panel discussion with leaders in the trenches to share their personal experiences and offer actionable solutions for how to break free from cultural patterns holding us back, and ultimately minimize pressure we place on ourselves to be likeable. Attendees will leave less focused on being likeable, more focused on owning their worth and value and empowered to celebrate not mute their unique talents and styles.

Thought Leader: Alicia Menendez, award-winning journalist and co-host of PBS’s Amanpour and Company

Panelists:

Yvonne Garcia, SVP and chief of staff to the CEO, State Street Corporation
Minda Harts, founder, The Memo LLC, seat creator and author
Erica Keswin, workplace strategist and founder, Spaghetti Project

Emcee: Lisa Hellmann, vice president, human resources and global internal communications, Hologic Inc.