Breaking outdated narratives about women and creativity

Here are some interesting findings from a study on gender & creativity showing that stereotypes affect how we assess creativity and whom we deem as being creative. People tend to associate creativity with independence, risk-taking, and self-confidence (stereotypically masculine traits). The question is whether those traits truly lead to what it takes to find creative solutions at work. Researchers Joohyung (Jenny) Kim and team noted that in prior studies on creativity people tend to value novelty over usefulness, although both are needed for an idea to be creative. By over-emphasizing novelty, people tend to see creativity as needing risk taking. And by under-valuing usefulness, people tend to overlook the need for empathy. They also noted that in general, men are rated as more creative than women. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of studies on gender and creativity. They discovered that indeed, men who were deemed as creative tended to score higher in risk taking while creative women, in empathy. While both traits were associated with creativity, empathetic tendency had a higher explanatory factor. Thus, they concluded that “empathy can be a more powerful driver of creativity than risk-taking, especially when the usefulness of ideas is taken into account.” Thus, a stereotypical view of creativity may cause us to undervalue what it truly takes to lead to creative solutions and to inadvertently reinforce gender biases in who is seen as creative. What does this mean for teams? 💡 Rethink evaluations of creativity: When assessing whether a team or individual has contributed creatively, look at both novelty and usefulness. Not only will this lead to better evaluations, but it can also block gender biases that may favor risk-taking men and undervalue women using empathy. 💡 Value both risk-taking and empathy when curating teams tasked with projects requiring creativity. Over-indexing on risk taking may shortchange true creativity Study, “Looking Inside the Black Box of Gender Differences in Creativity: A Dual-Process Model and Meta-Analysis,” was authored by Joohyung (Jenny) Kim), Manuel Vaulont, Zhen Zhang, and Kris Byron and published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. Link to the article covering the research in the comments. #creativity #genderbias (Image of four hands folding an origami crane from iStock, source: cienpies)

Programming was first introduced to me in my undergrad at an all-women's college. I loved solving logical problems, but I quickly realized I wasn't going to be the best coder in the room. That distinction belonged to my friend Shaama. She lived in the computer lab, coding with such passion that even the stern "Mother Superior" called her parents to praise her exceptional skills - a rare occurrence usually reserved for troublemakers!. Yet at home, Shama faced resistance. "Why computer science?" her family questioned her decision. All she could say was, "Why not?" What she lacked were visible role models—women who had blazed the trail before her. Throughout history, brilliant women worked in the shadows, tackling work men often avoided. 𝗔𝗱𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗺 in the 1840s, envisioning computing capabilities most couldn't grasp. During WWII, 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀—work dismissed as less important than hardware, their contributions unrecognized for decades. 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲," 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 by creating the first compiler that made programming languages universally accessible. 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 "𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁"—though she humbly rejects it, noting the internet wasn't invented by any single person. Her pioneering network algorithms nonetheless became crucial building blocks for how we connect online today. 𝗛𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆. Known as a glamorous film star, she secretly invented frequency-hopping technology to prevent Nazi jamming of torpedo signals—foundational to WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS we use daily. The military initially dismissed her work before classifying it as too valuable to implement. 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 upended mathematics despite being barred from faculty positions because of her gender. Einstein called her "the most significant creative mathematical genius" of her time, yet she lectured under male colleagues' names. These women didn't merely participate in technological revolution—they drove it forward against systems designed to exclude them. Today, women like 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗴 and "Godmother of AI" 𝗙𝗲𝗶-𝗙𝗲𝗶 𝗟𝗶 continue shaping technology—fighting algorithmic bias and championing human-centric technology. This Women's History Month, let us reclaim this narrative. When we understand that women have always been at computing's cutting edge, we see clearly that technology advances fastest and humanity moves forward when diverse minds contribute. Tag women in tech that inspire you! #womenshistorymonth #womenintech #techpioneers #hiddenfigures

Legos aren’t just for boys.  A global survey of over 32,000 children and parents revealed that 80% still view boys as better builders, and most envision a “builder” as a man in a hard hat. Introducing#SheBuiltThat, the LEGO Group’s new powerful campaign that’s using music to challenge gender stereotypes around STEM and innovation. The campaign reimagines RUN DMC’s iconic track “It’s Like That” and challenges gender stereotypes around building and creativity. By recasting the anthem with a Global Girls Crew—including DJ Livia, drummer prodigy Nandi Bushell, vocalist Pink Oculus, and alt-pop artist Cacien—LEGO spotlights girls not just playing, but constructing, innovating, and leading. Representation ignites confidence. When girls see themselves as creators, their imagination expands inspiring them to be anything they want to be. https://lnkd.in/ekn94e8s

On this International Women's Day, I feel inspired by the many women I met, interviewed or wrote about throughout my life. One of them is Ava DuVernay. Her journey from an outsider with no industry connections to a groundbreaking filmmaker is a clear call to action to every woman who dares to dream big. DuVernay's story, rich with challenges and triumphs, is not just about making films. It's about rewriting the script of what women can achieve in any male-dominated arena. Here are three empowering strategies, inspired by her relentless pursuit of excellence: (1) Claim Your Space with Unapologetic Authenticity: In a world that often tells women to fit in, DuVernay teaches us to stand out. Your unique voice is your superpower. Own it. Amplify it. Your story, your perspective, can make a difference. Let's make waves, not just fit into boxes created by outdated norms. (2) Transform Fear into Fuel: DuVernay turned the nervous energy of high-stakes meetings into electrifying excitement. Imagine the impossible becomes possible when you channel your fears into a force for action. Every heartbeat of anxiety is a drumbeat pushing you forward. March to it. (3) Reclaim Strength by Redefining It: DuVernay's journey illuminates the strength in what society has often seen as 'feminine' weaknesses. Compassion, empathy, and warmth are not just nice-to-haves; they are non-negotiables for transformative leadership. Let's redefine strength to include these qualities, and lead with them boldly at the forefront. I've met so many women over the years who, like Ava DuVernay, should be celebrated for their resilience, creativity, and audacity. Women who are not just breaking glass ceilings. They are building new realms of possibility. To every woman reading this: your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your time is now. Every woman deserves to write her own story of success. #InternationalWomensDay #LeadWithAuthenticity #FearIntoFuel #RedefineStrength Harvard Business Review https://lnkd.in/dKTwm8R

Just off the phone with a woman who has been pushed out of her job following maternity leave. Marginalised and cut out of the day-to-day by her temporary maternity cover, who the agency is now pedestaling, whilst diminishing her role and responsibilities to the point of each day being a battle for recognition and basic respect. It’s left her little choice but to jump ship for her own sanity and wellbeing. And this is not an isolated incident. I know of at least 50 similar cases involving women on maternity leave. Some of these women find themselves replaced during their leave, with their positions conveniently renamed to facilitate a so-called redundancy. Others face a chilly reception when they return, with derogatory remarks about working part-time and being side-lined from significant projects, despite their senior roles and expertise. And of course, there are those like the woman I just spoke to whose temporary replacements often overtake their positions with the full support of company leadership, eroding their confidence and making them feel undervalued at a time when they most need support and a warm welcome. The advertising industry often discusses the lack of women in mid-career positions and the resulting loss of experience and imbalance in leadership. But that isn’t the result of women choosing to exit their careers as they approach their mid-30s or 40s. No. They are being driven out by inadequate policies and deplorable attitudes. There's a misconception that mothers lack ambition, reliability, and the ability to work long hours, perceived as less competent; like they’ve had a baby and a lobotomy at the same time. This couldn't be further from the truth. Mothers are incredibly capable, excelling at multitasking, focused and efficient due to their limited time, and they have no patience for inefficiency or wasted effort. These women are powerhouses with newfound strengths. However, the industry sees them as underperformers, ineffective, a burden. And it’s the industry’s loss - a loss to creativity, to mentoring young talent, to innovation, growth, and ultimately, to profitability. Forcing mothers out of the industry is insanity – a move that only accelerates agencies gradual decline into obsolescence.

Last week I got an email from a disgruntled subscriber. This was a successful woman entrepreneur who wanted to share some feedback about an email she'd read. Her message was that I was being "too perfect" by using AI (she thought) instead of letting my “authentic” voice shine through. The irony was exquisite. Here was someone simultaneously telling me I was too perfect AND not perfect enough, because apparently, truly perfect leaders don't delegate to robots. But this isn't really about AI. It's about the same conditioning that keeps the vast majority of women entrepreneurs stuck under $200K in revenue while companies like Microsoft are laying off humans and investing billions in automation. Women have been trained to believe our worth is tied to our output. That delegation - whether to a human or an algorithm, somehow diminishes our value. Meanwhile, male CEOs are openly discussing how AI generates a third of their code, and no one's sending them concerned emails about authenticity. The resistance to AI isn't just technological. It's cultural. It's the same force that makes women feel guilty about hiring help, suspicious of systems that scale, and convinced that if we're not personally touching every aspect of our business, we're somehow cheating. But here's what I know: AI isn't the enemy of authentic leadership. It's the greatest feminist business tool we have access to. It's the work wife that gives us back sovereignty over our time and energy. The companies investing in AI will scale. The ones that don't will be left behind. And women who continue to resist delegation (in all its forms) will keep ourselves small and broke. The conversation about AI and authenticity is really a conversation about women's relationship with power, productivity, and proof of worthiness. Time to rewrite that narrative. #AI #WomenEntrepreneurs #FemaleLeaders #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Delegation #TechTrends #BusinessStrategy #WomenInTech #ScalingBusiness #FeminismInBusiness #ProductivityTools #WorkSmarter

“A mother of four running a business? That’s bizarre.” That’s what Shark Tank India’s official page seemed to suggest two years ago. As Shark Tank India Season 4 goes live, it brings back so many memories of my own journey on the show. Most of it was incredible but there was one thing that was disappointing for me. They posted a video titled “Bizarre Pitches”, and one of the clips featured my pitch for Green Protein. At first, I thought, Why bizarre? - My product wasn’t bizarre. Green Protein is a brand I built with everything I had, and it received offers from four Sharks. - My pitch wasn’t bizarre—it was the result of months of preparation, sleepless nights, and sheer passion. Turns out, the only thing “bizarre” was the fact that I’m a mother of four. I wasn’t shocked though. Because this is what women entrepreneurs deal with every day. No matter how strong our pitches are, or how innovative our ideas may be, we’re often reduced to stereotypes. A man pitches and no one asks about his personal life. A woman pitches, and suddenly it’s about how she manages her time, her family, and her priorities. This isn’t just careless—it’s irresponsible. But let me say this clearly: Being a mother doesn’t make my journey bizarre. It makes it extraordinary. But how do these narratives get away so easily? It’s on all of us—platforms, leaders, audiences, and entrepreneurs alike—to take a stand against such biases. Only when we collectively call out and challenge these stereotypes can we ensure a more equal and inclusive space for everyone. And I’m proud to represent the women who are breaking stereotypes every single day. It’s time to move past these outdated labels and start focusing on what really matters: ideas, innovation, and the grit it takes to build something from the ground up. Because if being a mother and an entrepreneur is bizarre, then I hope we see a lot more “bizarre” women in the world. What are your thoughts on how women entrepreneurs are represented in business? Let’s start a conversation. #SharkTankIndia #Entrepreneurship #BreakingStereotypes #WomenInBusiness

Apparently, women “struggle with AI” because we lack logic, reasoning, and linguistic clarity. That’s not parody. Someone really posted that on LinkedIn. On *my* LinkedIn - AI trainer and entrepreneur. Let’s unpack: ❌ It’s sexist. ❌ It’s lazy thinking. ❌ And it’s factually wrong. Here’s the data: OpenAI’s latest stats show women now use ChatGPT more than men. Not only that, the fastest growing segment of advanced users (custom GPTs, prompt frameworks, creative applications) is female. Women are not “struggling” with AI. We’re shaping it. We’re building new frameworks, teaching, creating, leading, and in many cases, doing so with far more creativity and clarity than the narrow “logic-only” approach this commenter glorifies. AI rewards the ability to blend logic with empathy, creativity, and narrative. So to those still clinging to outdated stereotypes: Women aren’t behind in AI. We’re rewriting the rules of how it’s used. And if that threatens your worldview? That’s not our problem. #WomenInAI #AI #Leadership #Bias NOTE: The response to this post has been overwhelming. Some comments aren’t in the spirit of respectful exchange. I’ll leave them up, but I won’t be able to reply to all. 👋 I’m Liora, CEO at The Think Room. We unlock your unique DNA & differentiating edge and scale your authentic communication with AI, so you have more time for the work only you can do. #DNAI

Do Women Need Help to Succeed? No, they don’t. They are already succeeding - leading businesses, shaping industries, and contributing to society through the many roles they take on. But the truth is they have done so by pushing through systemic barriers, with support from those who believed in them and helped create the right environment. What we ALL need is a shift in mindset. Not help, but equity. Not handouts, but opportunities free from bias. It’s time to break through self-limiting biases - to dismantle the outdated narratives that confine potential, both within ourselves and in the world around us. Women don’t need saving. They need space to lead, grow, and thrive—on their own terms. So, instead of asking how we can help women succeed, let’s ask: - How do we challenge outdated stereotypes?  - How do we ensure workplaces recognize talent over tradition?  - How do we make leadership about capability, not gender? With International Women’s Day 2025 just behind us, now is the time to shift the conversation—from helping to empowering 🚀. #IWD2025