Join us on June 9th for Thriving in Leadership
4-8 pm | CFIB Headquarters, 4141 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 1N6
In order to truly Thrive in life we must explore how we achieve and lead our communities.
Join us for another amazing round Pecha Kucha style of presentations as a follow up to our Thrive Conference. We will enjoy table discussions around each presentation on the important pillar of leadership.
Cost: Early Bird until May 10 (save $15): $40 Non Members | WIBN Members: $25 | Purchase a Women in Biz Network membership now and save
Members use coupon code (valid memberships will be checked if code is used) :
| “WIBNMemberLead“ |
Monika’s Presentation:
Empowering Leadership: Keep thriving and lead others to thrive by replacing “attitude” with “latitude”
Biography
As women take on more senior management positions, a heightened awareness and understanding of women’s leadership has become increasingly necessary. Leadership for such women extends beyond the boardroom into their everyday lives. Such women are admired by some and abhorred by others. My research interests focus on the social construction of archetypes of female identity. I am currently examining a very popularized notion of female identity, the “alpha female” or “alpha woman”. Female leaders are often referred to as alpha women. Such women are viewed as dominant both in their vocations and personal lives. My doctoral research seeks to understand how today’s alpha woman constructs her identity, what behaviours shape her, and how she leads in her business and everyday life. There are two competing notions; one that portrays her as a highly masculinized, arrogant, and tough woman with little leadership skills, while the other presents as a more feminized, nurturing and team building woman with admirable leadership skills. Beyond this I am interested in the potential physiological correlates of the alpha female, specifically, hormones. I am examining the relationship between circulating hormone levels found in hair and leadership behaviours. What is unique about my research is that I examine the relationship between socially accepted female archetypes such as the alpha woman and superwoman and hormones. This has not been done before making me somewhat of a pioneer (if I do say so myself) in this under-researched area of study.
Tell us about your business
My unique perspective on women in today’s world is sure to grab attention, spark conversation, and have an impact on women. My past work has focused on a highly popularized icon of female identity in the West, the “superwoman” and stress. My research has garnered attention in the popular media and in Hollywood representations of working moms. I am much more than “just” an academic. I’m a long time business woman, partner in my own company (Optiviity Consulting Inc.), with a long history in the corporate world. I went back to academia after a 25-year hiatus to follow my passion. In addition to my research I also speak on topics such as women’s leadership, work-life balance, stress and the superwoman, empowerment versus disempowerment and other topics related to women’s health and well-being, and have been featured on radio, television and the women’s events as a panelist and/or guest speaker.
What advice would you suggest to have a life and business based on the Thrive philosophy?
To thrive means to grow, to flourish, to succeed. The key for me to thrive in both is to exercise balance between both life and business. Having said that, to sustain this, I give myself “permission”, to let this slip once in a while and to NOT feel GUILTY about it!
Something has to “give” sometimes and that’s ok. Tomorrow is another day!
