One evening in February 2016, writer and filmmaker Ava DuVernay met with two top Disney executives about the possibility of directing an adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic novel A Wrinkle in Time. DuVernay, 44 at the time, had overcome many challenges to reach that moment. She had launched her career 12 years earlier with no connections — she just picked up a camera and started making small-budget films, including one she financed out of her own savings account. She achieved a big breakthrough with Selma, the first film directed by an African American woman to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.
4 Ways Women Can Break Barriers by Breaking the Rules
Women striving for high-level success in male-dominated fields face daunting challenges. When we think of good managers, research suggests, we usually think of men. We tend to perceive men as more competent and commanding than women, which can lead women to encounter skepticism and backlash when they go for high-level positions in business. Men and women alike often accuse female leaders of being bossy, cold, bitchy, or aggressive — attributes at odds with the feminine stereotypes of women as compassionate, warm, and submissive. Similarly, when men seem angry at work, they’re rewarded with more respect and authority, while women who seem angry tend to be viewed as incompetent and unworthy and are penalized. Such experiences can damage women’s confidence. Four strategies can help overcome such challenges.