• This topic has 7 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 1 month ago by Shagufta Shafique.

Part One
Gen Z is raising questions that cut to the heart of workplace culture. They notice how senior women often quiet their presence as they advance, choosing muted styles and softer expression, while men grow more visible with louder symbols of success. When did a woman’s rise start feeling like something she had to minimize?

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    • #15245
      Shagufta Shafique
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        Part One
        Gen Z is raising questions that cut to the heart of workplace culture. They notice how senior women often quiet their presence as they advance, choosing muted styles and softer expression, while men grow more visible with louder symbols of success. When did a woman’s rise start feeling like something she had to minimize?

      • #15275
        Shagufta Shafique
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          A little perspective on the question asked:
          While sitting with a newly hired batch of energetic engineers, most of whom fall into the Gen Z category, an enlightening conversation unfolded about how they envision themselves as future women leaders. The questions they raised opened an entirely new lens for me thinking about women in leadership.
          In short, the discussion highlighted this: many senior women soften their presence as they excel in career, choosing muted colors and quieter expressions, while men often grow bolder and more visible in their symbols of success like having new car, showcasing success.So ” When did rising in a career start feeling like something women have to shrink rather than own?” This goes beyond style—it reflects how leadership and authority are perceived differently for women. These questions challenge us and the corporate world to rethink what success looks like and to create spaces where women can thrive confidently and fully.

        • #15276
          Aleena Ahmad
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            Another thing Gen Z is calling out and standing up for is boundaries. They are very clear about the scope of their work and will not be pushed into overworking without fair compensation. This is especially relevant for women, who not only require firmer boundaries because they carry multiple responsibilities outside of work, but are also often pressured or bullied into doing more to “prove” themselves.

          • #15278
            Shagufta Shafique
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              Absolutely. Boundaries are so important, and it’s encouraging to see Gen Z prioritizing them.

            • #15343
              Omodara Olanrewaju
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                These are really interesting and cause for reflection myself. Perhaps there are ways I also have accepted this shrinking of self and mirror it to others. I believe it’s internalized for us to not think we deserve the success we have, sadly, very sadly indeed.

              • #15353
                Shveta Bakshi
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                  You touched such an important point, Shagufta. I am glad Gen Z is questioning all the set patterns. Together, our experience and their courage to question will bring change.

                • #15381
                  Aarushi Khanna
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                    For me it clearly points to a broader question around how different generations respond differently to work culture and leadership and until there is rotation in leadership culture won’t shift. I see so many seasoned leaders who transfer or share leadership and organisations stay stuck in old ways that just dont work for new younger generations.

                  • #15451
                    Ayesha Afzal
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                      It’s too much on woman plate. While juggling within her responsibilities, the priorities shuffle and the profession usually take a back seat often characterized by the echoes of the societal pressures. Probably women and men need to support women in their rise to boost up their confidence to prioritize themselves or their ambitions.

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