Do Nice Women Really Get the Corner Office?

According to the women from 85 Broads…..YES, nice women certainly can get the corner office! In fact, they can do anything they set their minds to. Over 80 women gathered on November 30th to listen as six women panelists from 85 Broads, a global networking group for female professionals, shared their thoughts on the topic of the evening, Do Nice Women Really Get the Corner Office?

The event, co-sponsored by SWIB and Stern's undergraduate business sorority, Phi Chi Theta, provided an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate business students, as well as professors and deans, to mingle and network with women of all ages and from a range of industries within the business world. "Our goal was to initiate a discussion about the true state of women in the corporate world and to provide a setting for professional women to share their experiences and their vision for the future of women in the workplace," said Maggie Cheung, External Vice President of Phi Chi Theta.

The panelists from 85 Broads came from a diverse variety of backgrounds, including financial services, biomedical research, small business ownership, and investor relations, and have held high-level positions at some of the most prestigious companies around the world, including Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and Deloitte Consulting. While there was a sense of diversity among the panelists, they were united by their interest in supporting and encouraging other ambitious women like themselves to achieve their goals.

The evening opened with introductions from Phi Chi Theta's President, Maggie Cheung, SWIB's Co-President, Kelly Thomas, and 85 Broads Representative, Aneeqa Kayani. Then, to kick off the discussion, the Dean of Stern's undergraduate business school, Sally Blount-Lyon, provided insights as to whether nice women really can get the corner office. Dean Blount-Lyon advised that while it is certainly possible for a woman to be successful while also being nice, one should always be careful about being too nice. Dean Blount-Lyon concluded her speech by reminding the women of the audience to be thankful for all of the opportunities we have available to us now as a result of the hard work and sacrifices made by the trailblazing women who have come before our generation. She then turned the conversation over to the panelists, with SWIB's very own Kelly Thomas moderating the discussion.

The panelists first engaged in a lively discussion regarding some of the main advantages that come with being a woman in the corporate world. Panelists highlighted women's ability to multi-task, as well as their innate ability to read people, collect information, and develop relationships. The panelists then touched upon some of the challenges women often face in the workplace, such as learning to deal with stereotypes appropriately - and even sometimes learning to deal with discrimination from other women at work. In addition, they discussed how women are constantly being challenged to discover ways to separate their work life from life at home, so as not to give the impression that family obligations might distract them from performing their job.

Finally, the panelists provided advice on strategies women can use to attain positions of leadership. They emphasized the importance of finding mentors and of developing alliances both inside and outside of your place of employment. The panelists also advised the group to be careful not to mistake quantity for quality. Often, it is more beneficial to ask for the tough, high-profile projects and focus on those, rather than trying to take on everything and, in turn, only playing a minor role in several smaller projects. In addition, the panelists reminded the group that a significant amount of business is done outside of the office….especially on the golf green. So, ladies, grab your clubs and start taking some golf lessons!

After the panelists shared their final thoughts and words of wisdom, the audience had a chance to chat with the women of 85 Broads, as well as to network with peers and professors. While the audience consisted of women of all ages, backgrounds and career interests, the panelists' discussion was relevant to all, and everyone came away feeling energized after hearing from these extremely successful woman in business! SWIB is excited to have had the opportunity to host this event with Phi Chi Theta and hopes that this will be the beginning of an ongoing relationship with the undergraduate women community. In addition, we encourage all Stern women to join the 85 Broads network. For more information, visit their website at: www.85Broads.com.

As always, a huge "thank you" to everyone who participated in this event!