Mosaic Miss C

Let’s talk about the real-life reality show that is being a woman in the workplace (Hey Bravo & Andy Cohen, you’re missing out on something here). This isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder — it’s about dodging sterotypes, breaking glass ceilings, and navigating office politics with a smile (because apparently, that’s still a thing for us). We’re talking Corporate — where bro bonds are currency, feedback is a double-edged sword, and the phrase “You’re so articulate” somehow still gets tossed around like a compliment.

Your eyes may be rolling in the back of your head, and you may be saying “oh, give me a BREAK, we’re past all this.” But, breaking news — we’re not.

My Career In Male-Dominated Industries

I’ve been the only woman in the room more times than I can count. My career has taken me through the fitness industry, fitness and tech, and now into tech alone. Every pivot taught me something new — but one thing stayed consistent: the way women are seen, heard, and often overlooked in corporate environments.

I’ve heard all the classics, addressed to me and other female coworkers:

“All you have to do is smile”

“There’s no need to get upset”

“You’re overreacting”

“You’re too aggressive”

I’ve sat through meetings with executives where men casually made obscene gestures and then caught themselves (whoopsies) — because they were so used to it just being the guys.

And here’s another truth: I’ve been overweight at times, and extremely fit at times. And extremely fit? That gets you more attention. Add a smile, and suddenly the sky’s the limit — as long as you don’t challenge the status quo. Looks might open doors, but respect is a whole different negotiation. I gave them a run for their money in that area.

Gender Bias in Corporate America: The Unspoken Reality

Before you even hit the infamous glass ceiling, there is a whole glass maze to get through — filled with subtle discrimination, gender bias, and performative professionalism.

Let’s call it what it is:

• Micro-agressions in the workplace: I could write a book on this…perhaps I will
• Gender stereotypes in leadership: They ABSOLUTELY still exist
• Unequal treatment in meetings and promotions: -_-
• Pressure to look and be “approachable” and “fit in”: My resting bitch face won’t do, but some other guy’s resting grump face makes him so pensive

Add that to the exhausting double standards — be assertive, but not aggressive. Be confident, but not cocky. Be passionate, but don’t be “too emotional.” It’s like walking a barbed wire tightrope barefoot while juggling KPIs, OKRs, and workplace politics.

The Reality of Women in Tech and Male-Dominated Industries

In male-dominated industries, women are still fighting to be heard, seen, and valued. Whether you’re leading a team, starting a business, or trying to grow in your career, you’ve probably faced:

• Being talked over in meetings: If I had a dollar for every instance I’d be on a Forbes list
• Having your ideas ignored until someone else repeats them: OMG, constantly. It’s like we speak some sort of different language
• Being told to “tone it down” or “you should smile more”: -_-

Regardless, we still have to show up fully, even when the room wasn’t built with us in mind. It’s exhausting.

Building Success and Redefining Leadership as a Woman

Here’s the silver lining — women are rising anyway. We’re mentoring each other, supporting each other, challenging toxic culture, and carving new paths. We’re redefining what leadership looks like in real time.

And no, it’s not about smiling through the nonsense. It’s about speaking up, creating space for others, and calling out inequality with facts and tact.

Final Thoughts: We’re Not Past This Yet, but We’re Gaining

If you’ve ever adjusted your tone, rewritten that email or slack, second-guessed your outfit, or smiled just to keep things “light”, you are not alone. We are not past this — but we are pushing forward.

Let’s continue to support each other to rewrite the rules: Continue to support your female coworkers, and your female friends in the corporate world. Normalize sharing advice, stories, and experiences. We can use those learnings to help each other navigate the maze, and break that ceiling.

Let’s continue to raise our voices: Continue to speak up. Continue to be present. Continue to be an advocate for yourself and your fellow female coworkers.

Let’s build a future with a corporate dynamic that just makes sense — and is less exhausting: Let’s create a future that allows us to be authentic, that throws the double standards out the window.