In this episode we explore a timely and vital question: What can women bring to leadership that men can't? Joining us are two accomplished women leaders from traditionally male-dominated industries: Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner, a former BASF board member, and Evelyn Chau, a director in the global banking industry. Together we dive into the unique contributions women bring to leadership, the challenges, and what we can all learn from a more diverse approach to leadership.

KEY MESSAGES AND LESSONS

Authentic Leadership
Melanie and Evelyn stress the importance of authenticity in leadership, particularly for women. Rather than adopting traditionally male leadership styles, women can excel by embracing traits like empathy, collaboration, and open communication—qualities that enhance trust and innovation in teams.

Overcoming Gender Bias
The discussion tackles stereotypes, such as the perception of assertive women as "too aggressive" or the tendency for women to underestimate their abilities compared to men. Evelyn shares strategies to navigate biases, build confidence, and network effectively.

The Business Case for Diversity
Research shows diverse leadership teams outperform less diverse ones. Melanie and Evelyn argue that women bring critical skills to crisis management, including emotional intelligence and an ability to integrate diverse viewpoints. These strengths create a more resilient and innovative organizational culture.

ACTIONABLE TIPS

• Be vocal about your career goals and achievements while staying authentic.  
• Build internal networks with mentors and allies.  
• Clarify your personal priorities, including work-life balance, to ensure a sustainable leadership journey.  
• Lean into empathy and collaboration while confidently claiming space at the table.  

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Are you creating opportunities for all voices to be heard on your team?  
• How can you, regardless of gender, mentor and support diverse leadership in your organization?  
• What steps can you take to ensure your leadership is authentic and values-driven?  

ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner: Former Chief Technology Officer at BASF, now a non-executive director focused on sustainability and innovation. 
Evelyn Chau: Director of Corporate Banking at HSBC Sweden, with expertise in international finance and mentoring emerging leaders.
 
ABOUT SECOND CRACK
Learn more about us and our work at secondcrackleadership.com. For questions or feedback, email us at [email protected].

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Martin Aldergård
Gerrit Pelzer