How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Finance Director at Parker Meggitt's Career
Early in their career, the senior finance director was unaware of how being a woman impacted their trajectory, later realizing they over-prepared to compensate for gender bias in the male-dominated aerospace industry ("only 30% of the workforce is female and less once you're at my level"). This professional now actively challenges stereotypes, advocating for other women while maintaining professionalism, viewing it as a responsibility to counteract gender inequality.
Overcoming Challenges, Executive/Leadership, Workplace Challenges, Confidence, Gender Dynamics
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Shawna Anderson
Sr. Finance Director
Parker Meggitt
California State University, Northride, 2009
UCLA Anderson School of Business, MBA
Finance
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense
Finance
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Over-preparation and knowledge acquisition to compensate for gender imbalance in the workplace.
2. Awareness and navigation of old stereotypes and inappropriate comments while maintaining professionalism.
3. Responsibility of speaking up against gender bias to empower others.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you navigated throughout your career?
In my younger career, I was a bit oblivious to how this affected my trajectory. Later in my career, I realized that women naturally overprepare for situations.
They ensure they are better supported with backup information and are more knowledgeable than their male counterparts. I didn't realize this was something I was compensating for as a woman, especially in Aerospace, where only 30% of the workforce is female, and less so at my level.
Another thing I've learned is that old stereotypes still exist, which I wasn't aware of in the beginning. Navigating those and, at the end of the day, setting certain falsehoods straight if someone says something inappropriate is important.
It's about staying professional and above the situation, not getting dragged down or letting my confidence be affected. Sometimes that can be very challenging. However, if I'm not able to speak up for my gender, someone in a less prominent position might feel even less empowered to do so. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly.
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