How Identity Has Influenced a Consulting Manager at a Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Early in their career, the consulting manager felt intimidated to speak up, believing in a "subconscious programming" that women should "follow along and not rock the boat." However, they later discovered the value of integrating "authentic feminine energy," specifically emphasizing employee well-being during acquisitions, demonstrating that a caring approach is a valuable asset in the traditionally masculine corporate world.
Overcoming Challenges, Leadership, Communication, Authenticity, Work-Life Integration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erin Lewis
Consulting Manager
Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
University of Florida 2013
University of Florida, Masters of Accounting
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Overcoming self-doubt and finding the right balance between assertiveness and authenticity is crucial for women in business.
2. Using feminine energy as a strength in the workplace, focusing on empathy and considering employee well-being.
3. Bringing a unique perspective to leadership and HR by incorporating a focus on employee experience and quality of life.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
In the beginning of my career, I was a little intimidated to speak up, share my mind, recommend things, or even ask questions. I think a bit of that was subconscious programming, the idea that women should just follow along and not rock the boat.
Then, the rhetoric shifted to the opposite extreme, encouraging more masculine behavior. I didn't find that worked for me either.
I learned there's a sweet spot in between, where you can bring your authentic feminine energy into the workplace. It can be beneficial and complement the masculine energy, which tends to be dominant, especially in corporate and business environments.
As women, we tend to consider people's feelings more than the male-dominated corporate world naturally does. I believe this is a huge strength.
I learned this while working at a startup that was acquiring companies and employees. I noticed the executives, who were mostly male, weren't considering the quality of life or the employee experience for the people we were bringing on.
By considering that perspective, I was able to bring it to the attention of leadership and HR. This allowed us to consider those individuals' perspectives more.
I realized there's value in bringing that feminine energy and the care we naturally have or are more inclined to have into the workplace.
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