If you had told me at 20, my long haul career path would be within a predominantly male industry; I wouldn't have believed you. I didn't have the confidence at 20 to deal with the pressure or lack of respect some men have for women. I've been with my company for nearly ten years. I have worn many hats and managed a variety of projects within my department while assisting other managers with theirs. Some of which I had little to no previous experience with, yet managed to achieve the desired objectives upper management was seeking. I attribute my successes to being a reasonably good observer, even better listener, and always, always a forward thinker. Recently, I received an offer to attain company stock and become the Assistant GM. This transition seemed to come as no surprise to my coworkers, and everyone seemed genuinely pleased and excited about the change.
However, a few male clients that I have dealt with on many occasions in former positions with the company outright seemed shocked. Yesterday, I had the displeasure of interacting with two men that I would have never considered misogynistic until they needed assistance from a manager and got me. In one case, I was called a "little girl." When I didn't respond, he said, oh so you aren't going to speak to me today? I let him know in a kind fashion that I am a woman, not a "little girl." He seemed mildly taken back that I had said anything. He never apologized only said it was because I was the shortest in the room. I asked him if he would address any of the other male counterparts in the place this way. He said no, but then again, I don't flirt with men. I was offended. Not an hour later, another man I have helped many times came into my office and referred to it as the "big girl office now." Again, I was mindblown. It did not end there. His next statement opened with, it seems I have underestimated you. Then he says you used to do a great job taking my payments and you have made a noticeably positive change within the office.
Not only did they make you AGM, but you are also VP of decorating now too. Maybe you can give me some creative advice for a sign I need. At this point, I was already feeling uneasy and disrespected. The man had a question about how a product is printed to achieve the desired effect he wanted. I showed him a sample and answered his questions about the print process. He seemed pleased with my response. Then inquired about our installation service. The moment I said our installer Jen, would be happy to help, he said ok, but I'll want to come to help her. (She is the only person in our facility that knows how to install!) Next, in walks the GM. He asked him right in front of me to confirm what I previously said about the print process. Again, I was very much, not ok.
I consider my self thick-skinned. I have like most women experienced the catcall mess, etc. However, I have never been so offended and mad for smart, hard-working women everywhere than I was yesterday.
So far within this industry, I've had to deal with this behavior often from men that are over 50. My biggest advice for men to help move roadblocks would be not to be one in the first place! If you wouldn't say it to your male counterparts, then you most likely shouldn't say it to a woman.
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April Steele
Director of Sales Ops/AGM
April Steele
Chattanooga TN
(423) 351-3767
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2019 10:58
From: Bob Monte
Subject: An interesting conversation
In a recent conversation with a long-time business associate this past weekend, the discussion of our lifetime career paths came up. I asked him, in your opinion, what is it you see women struggling with the most in their print careers? I want to say his reply was shocking, but unfortunately, it was not, when he stated that he never really thought about the subject.
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BobMonte
Strategic Account Manager
EFI
Austin, TX
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