Dear Bro CEOs: Women Deserve Better Workplaces
When I’m not grappling with the challenges facing women in today’s workplace, I’ve been turning to things that bring me comfort. I’m currently reading Martyr!, a story that explores the weight of mortality and the meaning of our actions in the world. It’s heavy, yes, but it reminds me of the importance of being intentional — with our time, our choices, and where we place our energy.
I’ve also been baking sourdough and diving into my favorite cookbook lately from Alex Snodgrass called Dinner Tonight. It’s been a fun and grounding experience, and every recipe I’ve tried has been a hit. In these moments, I’m reminded that finding comfort isn’t about escape — it’s about creating spaces where we can breathe, reflect, and be fully ourselves.
I hope you’re finding your own ways to anchor yourself. And as we work on creating comfort in our homes, let’s talk about creating balance and belonging in our work lives too.
Keep Your Aggression, I’ll Take a Job That Gets Me
Our pal, Mark Zuckerberg, recently shared his thoughts on Joe Rogan’s podcast about “masculine energy” in the workplace, framing aggression as a positive force for leadership. While his comments might resonate with some, for many of us, they reflect a narrative that feels out of step — or like a giant step back — with the kind of work environments we actually want to be a part of.
Adding to this concern, President Trump has taken significant steps to dismantle DEI initiatives at the federal level. On his first day back in office, he signed an executive order terminating DEI programs within the federal government, giving agencies 60 days to comply. In his inaugural address, he declared an official U.S. policy recognizing only two genders: male and female.
These actions, coupled with rhetoric from influential figures like Zuckerberg, suggest a troubling shift away from inclusivity. The idea that aggression and “masculine energy” are the gold standards for leadership doesn’t just feel outdated — it’s exclusionary and risks reversing the progress we've made toward equitable workplaces.
Here’s the thing: workplaces thrive when there’s balance. We need empathy alongside ambition (and yes, you can be ambitious without being aggressive, mmkay?), collaboration alongside competition, and compassion alongside decisiveness. Strong leadership doesn’t come from leaning into one energy or approach; it comes from creating space for diverse voices and strengths to shine.
But I’m not naive. I know that diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace are still aspirational goals in many places. Women are far from equal in pay, leadership representation, and opportunity. And I worry that rhetoric like Zuckerberg’s — amplified by one of the richest men in the world — could dangerously embolden a cultural swing away from inclusivity.
So what do we do? We take a hard look at where we are. If your workplace feels out of alignment with your values — if it prioritizes competition over collaboration or undermines inclusivity in favor of outdated notions of leadership — it might be time to pause and reflect. What can you realistically change within your role? And just as importantly, what might you need to let go of and walk away from?
Your happiness at work isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about how you feel while you’re doing it. Are you in a place that values the unique things you bring to the table? Are your contributions seen, appreciated, and celebrated? If the answer is no, it’s okay to evaluate whether this is the right environment for you.
The good news is that workplaces that value balance, authenticity, and inclusivity do exist. Sometimes the hardest part is finding them — or giving yourself the permission to leave a place that doesn’t align with who you are.
Saronge Is Here to Help
At Saronge, we believe every woman deserves a workplace that aligns with her values and empowers her to succeed. If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you find your way.
Through tools, courses, and coaching, we’ll guide you toward clarity and confidence. We’ll help you find your guiding light — that inner compass that leads you to a career where you’re not just wanted but needed.
Because you deserve more than just a seat at the table. You deserve to thrive.
