In this essential episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, we tackle a difficult but critical topic: navigating tricky workplace dynamics, particularly among women. Host Lauren Eyles sits down with high-performance coach and workplace psychologist Vanessa Vershaw to discuss the prevalence of female workplace aggression, the vital role of psychological safety, and the need for strong support networks.

Vanessa shares eye-opening insights, challenging the idea that a lack of women in senior roles is a pipeline issue. Instead, she argues that toxic workplace cultures and subtle resistance are often the real barriers. This conversation provides practical strategies for identifying and addressing incivility, fostering healthier environments, and learning to lead with authenticity. Discover how to build a "brave workplace" and why your well-being should always be your top priority.

Key Discussion Points

Understanding Female Workplace Aggression: Learn to recognize the subtle forms of incivility and aggression that can undermine women in the workplace.

Building Psychological Safety: Discover how leaders can create an environment where women feel safe to speak up and thrive.

The Power of Authenticity: Why leading as your true self is the most effective strategy for building a loyal and high-performing team.

Prioritizing Your Well-being: Practical advice for recognizing when a workplace is no longer serving you and why it's okay to leave a toxic environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Workplace Dynamics

03:13 The Sisterhood Paradox: Understanding Female Workplace Aggression

05:57 Pipeline vs. Resistance: The Real Issues for Women in Leadership

09:04 Identifying Workplace Aggression: Bullying vs. Microaggressions

11:56 Navigating Tricky Dynamics: Strategies for Women

14:57 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Workplace Culture

17:49 Building Brave Workplaces: The Importance of Psychological Safety

20:46 Taking Action Against Bullying: Strategies and Support

23:46 The Importance of Mentorship and Support Networks

26:49 Final Thoughts: Leading Authentically and Courageously

Bio: Vanessa Vershaw

Vanessa Vershaw is a high performance coach and workplace psychologist who helps leaders from around the world think boldly and solve big challenges.

Alongside her talent development work, Vanessa has a passion for improving workplace dynamics.

She is the author of The Sisterhood Paradox: the psychology of female workplace aggression.

You can connect with Vanessa via her Website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her books are available here.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

Female Leadership

Women in Leadership

Workplace Dynamics

Workplace Aggression

Psychological Safety

Workplace Culture

Authentic Leadership

Leadership Coach

Vanessa Vershaw

Lauren Eyles

Career Growth