INT 171 - Understanding and Closing the Wage Gap

IntHERrupt

Are you tired of feeling undervalued in your career?

You figure since it is 2024, women would have higher salaries and more respect in the workplace. However, this is far from the truth!

How on earth can you command the respect and compensation you deserve in such a masculine world?

Join Linda Yates as she dives into a fascinating conversation with Kristen Knepper Bahbahani, an experienced career and executive coach. They discuss the pressing issue of the wage gap, Kristen's leadership journey, and strategies for closing the gender wage gap. Additionally, Kristen provides valuable tips for empowering women in the workplace and navigating the complex dynamics of corporate loyalty.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to elevate their leadership or reclaim their confidence and value. Tune in to make meaningful strides in your professional journey and earn what you deserve!

Kristen Knepper Bahbahhani’s Leadership Journey

• Kristen shares her journey, from working as a legislative assistant for Senator Edward M. Kennedy to transitioning into the legal field and eventually making her way into tech and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Her experiences highlight the challenges women and marginalized communities face in corporate America, shedding light on the importance of understanding and addressing unconscious biases.

Understanding the Wage Gap

• Kristen provides valuable insights into the persisting wage gap, emphasizing that it is not solely a women's issue.

• She explains that resolving the wage gap requires government intervention with penalties for unequal pay.

• She highlights how gender stereotypes and societal expectations contribute to undervaluing traditionally female-dominated roles and penalizing women for taking maternity leave.

• Kristen also emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches to identify and address wage disparities.

Strategies for Closing the Wage Gap

• Kristen suggests practical strategies for both leaders and individuals to address the wage gap.

• She encourages leaders to seek data on wage disparities within their teams, advocate for fair compensation, and eliminate arbitrary salary raise limitations.

• For individuals, she advises researching salary norms, valuing personal qualities, and negotiating confidently when seeking new roles.

• Furthermore, she emphasizes the significance of working toward leadership positions to pave the way for future generations.

Building Confidence and Recognizing Value

• Kristen shares an exercise to help individuals recognize their value by making a list of people who appreciate them and the qualities they bring.

• She emphasizes the importance of understanding how each quality adds value to a team or organization, encouraging confidence and self-advocacy in salary negotiations and career advancement.

• Kristen advocates for a holistic approach to work, where individuals bring their whole selves to the workplace, leveraging emotional intelligence and soft skills.

Navigating Corporate Loyalty

• The discussion delves into the evolving concept of corporate loyalty, challenging the traditional notion of long-term employment with a single company.

• Kristen emphasizes the need for mutual loyalty, where organizations value their employees' contributions and institutional knowledge.

• She addresses the impact of layoffs on employee well-being and the importance of thoughtful discussions that prioritize long-term investments over short-term gains.

From the significance of understanding subconscious bias to recognizing and valuing one's contribution, Kristen's expertise sheds light on practical strategies for leaders and individuals navigating the wage gap. Join host Linda Yates and Kristen Knepper Bahbahani as they engage in an eye-opening discussion, sharing success stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode that will transform your perspective on career progression and gender equality.

“Make people feel valued. Because if they don't feel valued, they will go somewhere else. Several studies show that people who move around or leave a job every two years, versus people who are loyal to a company, make considerably more money in the long term.” - Kristen Knepper Bahbahani.

Resources

Work Like A Girl

Kristen Knepper Bahbahani on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.