Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership and Management with Yulia Basan

In the world of business and leadership, women face unique challenges that are often overlooked. Despite immense strides in gender equality, many women continue to encounter barriers that hinder their rise to leadership positions. In a recent podcast episode of Real Life Superpowers, Yulia Basan, the Managing Director of Woman2Woman, shared valuable insights on the hurdles women face in leadership roles in Israel. Under her leadership, Woman2Woman has become a driving force in advancing women’s leadership and empowering them to break through systemic barriers.

Key Points from the Interview

In a compelling conversation with Noa Eshed and Ronen Menipaz, Yulia Basan discusses the systemic issues women face in leadership roles. She highlights the cultural tendency that women are taught to be more humble, to avoid self-promotion, and to adopt a nurturing, supportive role in the workplace. While these traits are often praised, they can inadvertently prevent women from advancing in their careers because they aren’t given the visibility they deserve. Basan explains that humility, while a valued quality, can backfire in environments where visibility and self-promotion are necessary for success.

Basan’s role at Woman2Woman is a testament to her commitment to changing the narrative. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded significantly, creating pathways for women to thrive in leadership positions across Israel. With the program’s reach growing and partnerships with major industry players being forged, Woman2Woman is taking a hands-on approach to creating equal opportunities for women in the workplace. Basan’s mission is clear: not only to talk about change but to actively lead it.

One of the most poignant themes Basan addresses is the disproportionate mental load placed on women. She shares that women are often expected to juggle multiple responsibilities, balancing career aspirations with family obligations—especially in times of crisis. This societal expectation continues to be a barrier, limiting women’s ability to rise in leadership positions, as external factors, such as the war in Israel, heavily impact their choices.

Basan also discusses the persistent workplace biases that many women face. She recounts personal experiences of being sidelined, such as being asked to take notes during meetings instead of being positioned in leadership roles. She emphasizes that overcoming these biases isn’t just about the words women say, but also how they say them. Confidence, Basan explains, is a key component of professional growth—knowing how to assert oneself with authority and clarity is essential for success.

A major takeaway from Basan’s conversation is the importance of visibility. Women often hesitate to claim their achievements, fearing they may appear arrogant or boastful. However, Basan argues that speaking up and highlighting one’s accomplishments is a vital career strategy. If women don’t make their contributions visible, no one else will do it for them.

Lastly, Basan speaks about the importance of resilience, and how it’s not about going it alone but about building a strong support system. She underscores how sisterhood and community make all the difference, whether navigating career challenges or dealing with personal hardships. This sense of support is crucial for women to thrive, and Woman2Woman’s response to the war in Israel is a prime example of how the organization pivoted to provide solidarity and a sense of belonging for women in distress.

What Undercode Says: Analyzing the Leadership Challenge for Women

The discussion presented in the Real Life Superpowers podcast with Yulia Basan offers a compelling look at the deep-rooted challenges women face in climbing the corporate ladder, particularly in Israel. Undercode recognizes that these issues go far beyond individual workplaces and extend into broader societal norms and expectations.

One critical point is the cultural expectation for women to remain humble and self-effacing. While humility is often regarded as a virtue, this expectation inadvertently suppresses the visibility that women need to rise to positions of leadership. Women are often not taught how to showcase their accomplishments confidently, resulting in missed opportunities for promotion and recognition. This is particularly evident in industries where self-promotion and visibility are seen as necessary for career advancement.

Another key issue is the pervasive mental load that women bear. In addition to professional responsibilities, women are still expected to manage the majority of household duties and child-rearing responsibilities. This expectation disproportionately impacts their ability to focus on career advancement, especially in times of societal upheaval, such as during wars or national crises. Basan’s reflection on this imbalance emphasizes the need for a societal shift in how we view women’s roles both at work and at home.

Workplace biases also remain a significant obstacle. Basan’s experiences, such as being relegated to a note-taking role during meetings, reflect a broader issue in the workplace: women are often underestimated or given subordinate roles, regardless of their qualifications. Overcoming these biases requires not just awareness but a concerted effort to challenge these assumptions and elevate women into decision-making positions. It is critical that women assert themselves and demand leadership opportunities, and that organizations actively work to address gender bias in their structures and practices.

Moreover, the importance of visibility cannot be overstated. As Basan highlights, women must be encouraged to celebrate their achievements and take ownership of their successes. This is not an act of arrogance but a strategic approach to career advancement. In many fields, being “seen” is essential for success, and women often struggle to navigate the fine line between self-promotion and self-deprecation.

Finally, resilience, as Basan points out, is not a solitary endeavor. Women need strong networks of support to thrive in leadership roles. Whether it’s through professional mentorship or the community fostered by organizations like Woman2Woman, solidarity is essential in helping women weather the challenges they face. By empowering women through networks of support, we can create a more inclusive and resilient leadership culture.

Fact Checker Results

Yulia Basan’s views on workplace biases are consistent with studies that show women are often underestimated or given lower-status roles, such as note-taking, despite their qualifications.
The issue of the “mental load” women carry, particularly in balancing career and family responsibilities, is well-documented and a significant barrier to women’s career advancement.
Basan’s emphasis on visibility aligns with research that shows women are less likely to self-promote, which can hinder their career progress.