207: How to tackle mansplaining in the workplace – with Dr. Kimberly DeSimone (PART ONE)

Have you ever had to tackle mansplaining in the workplace? Yes, it’s a real thing. And yes, we’re going there today.

My special guest today is gender equity expert, Dr. Kimberly DeSimone and she’s simplifying how to tackle mansplaining in the workplace. It’s more than just a buzzword, it’s a challenge people face on the daily, especially nowadays. The good news is, there are simple ways to respond, rise above, and prevent it from happening again where you work. We break it all down, you might be quite surprised to learn why it happens when it does. Dr Kimberly also shares excellent advice on how to be a great ally when it happens to someone else next to you.

Here’s how. 

My special guest today is Dr. Kimberly DeSimone and she’s simplifying how to tackle mansplaining in the workplace.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• First things first, she defines the term ‘mansplaining’ and how it’s different from someone being condescending or just interrupting. She tells us a bit of the history behind this phenomenon, culturally, especially in American culture
• Why some people discount mansplaining when it occurs and what a better response might be 
• What the three things you can do to interrupt this bad behavior either when it happens to you or someone on your team
  • Acknowledgment
  • Amplification
  • Allyship
• How to respond when mansplaining happens to you from a prospective client vs. your vendors/suppliers vs. your team members/subordinates
• …and ultimately, she shared some clever strategies to help you be prepared and avoid getting flustered when it happens.

Thanks again for being such a devoted listener to The Simplifiers Podcast. You know me, I don’t shy away from the hard topics to simplify… I find they make for the most challenging and engaging conversations!

When you hear an episode like today’s on the podcast that potentially pokes a nerve, talk about it with someone else. 

Gain their insight and don’t be afraid to say, “hey, I heard this thing on The Simplifiers Podcast… is that a thing you’ve experienced as well?” Spark a conversation – you might be surprised with what you learn. This is how we all grow and evolve.

Q: Are you ready to tackle mansplaining in the workplace? If yes, this one is for you.

It’s time to #DoTheThing!

<What’s catching my eye this week>

• Mansplaining, explained in one simple chart – Kim Goodwin – BBC
• November 2021 monthly forecast: Pressure – Lena Stevens – The Power Path
• 50 powerful questions to help you reflect – The Institute of You
• Gain clarity in 90 minutes: Mary is offering 1-1 brainstorming sessions for those looking to get unstuck as the world reopens, post pandemic

Links, books and apps mentioned:

Book: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men – Caroline Criado Perez

Podcast: Transcending the “invisible rules” that create barriers for women – Advancing Women Podcast

Resource: The 4 P’s Advancement Model™ to create positive change & impact – Dr. Kimberly DeSimone

Podcast: How to transform culture + smash the patriarchy, featuring Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza – The Simplifiers Podcast

Podcast: How to be a feminist, featuring Renee Powers – The Simplifiers Podcast

Podcast: How to squash your limiting self-beliefs – The Simplifiers Podcast

About Dr. Kimberly DeSimone

Dr. Kimberly DeSimone – She has a doctorate in Leadership and is a Gender Equity Expert, Award Winning Professor and Scholar, Executive Coach, Speaker, Author, and Creator and Host of the Advancing Women Podcast “Where ambitious women come together to challenge the status quo, advance their careers, and up-level their lives.” 

She has decades of experience working in the Fortune 500 and conducting evidence-based research on women navigating the leadership pipeline.