Talk – How Women Undercut Their Brilliance
Corporate Talk
How Women Undercut Their Brilliance
Research consistently shows very little biological difference between the genders. Socially-mediated differences (such as difference in ability in math, spatial awareness, and interpersonal skill) are also lessening over time as society becomes more aware of the influence that gendered childhood socialization has on educational attainment of girls and young women. Despite these growing signs of equality in intelligence between the genders, an under-discussed gap remains in the area of exceptional intelligence.
Studies show that exceptional intellectual talent, also known as genius, is viewed as a ‘male’ trait. This distinction will not be unfamiliar to anyone who has worked in male-dominated fields that highly value genius such as tech, science, or applied sciences. Despite having a high bar for entry into these fields, we have all met the exceptionally bright colleague who seems to be gifted with innate brilliance that we don’t measure up to. So what happens to women in fields where genius is fetishized?
This talk will discuss the relationship that women have with their brilliance, genius, and talent (and what
that means for their careers). We’ll cover:
- What does science say about differences between the sexes?
- How is genius perceived and commoditized in male-dominated industries?
- What happens when genius is a ‘male’ trait?
- The cost of unequal perceptions of genius for ambitious women
The goal of this talk is to encourage women to understand an examine the gendered lens they view
their talent and genius through so that they are not held back due to a difference in perception
About Holly
Holly is speaker, facilitator, consultant, and coach with expertise in leadership, career development, feminist theory, and the unique mix of issues that make it challenging for women to succeed in STEM fields.
Holly spent the first ten years of her career as a mining engineer in an industry that is only 17% female. She now coaches ambitious women that want to advance their careers and works with companies to develop programs to retain female talent.
Holly speaks regularly at organizations including EA Games, PayPal, HSBC, MDA Systems, DevOps Days Vancouver, Women in Mining BC, Disrupt HR, The BC Women in Energy Network, UBC Masters of Public Policy & Global Affairs, The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), The Women in Leadership Foundation, and her own Women in Male-Dominated Industries.
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