Here’s the uncomfortable truth most people won’t say out loud: women are leading in systems that weren’t built for them. They are told that hard work and competency are enough to get ahead, but that’s simply not true, especially when you’re navigating a system designed for someone else.
Kae Kronthaler-Williams joins the podcast to discuss her new book “Not Made for You” (releasing November 5th). As a global software marketing executive with over 30 years in tech, Kae has witnessed firsthand how bias shows up in promotions, networking, and what leadership “looks like.”
In this candid conversation, Kae breaks down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways women face different challenges than their male counterparts. She explains why “reading the room” is a critical leadership skill, how to know when to push back on bias, and why waiting for someone else to manage your career is a mistake.
Her advice for early-career female leaders is practical and hard-won: build visibility, stop working in silos, and learn to communicate with clarity. Most importantly, if your organization doesn’t see your value, it’s time to find one that does.
Whether you’re navigating bias yourself or your leading women on your team this episode will help you recognize the systems at play and take action to create change.
Key Highlights
- The biggest lie about leadership: that it’s a level playing field where hard work and skills alone will get you promoted
- Women are working in systems built for men, with biases embedded in promotions, sponsorship, and leadership definitions
- “Reading the room” is a critical skill for navigating male-dominated spaces without compromising who you are
- The double standard: when women are direct, they’re seen as aggressive; when men are direct, they’re seen as great leaders
- Stop waiting for someone to manage your career – you decide where you’re going
- Visibility matters: promote your achievements and your team’s work strategically, tying it to business impact
- Build relationships across departments, not just within your team – that’s where sponsorship and visibility come from
- Stop doubting yourself and stop doing menial work that doesn’t benefit your position or the organization
- If your company doesn’t see your value after you’ve had conversations, go somewhere that does
- Women face subtle biases daily – learn to recognize them, name them, and address them
Links Mentioned
- Not Made for You (book) – releasing November 5th
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaekronthalerwilliams/
- Substack
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaekwilliams
Guest Bio
Kae Kronthaler-Williams is a global software marketing executive and a passionate advocate for women’s advancement in the workplace. With over 30 years of experience in the tech industry, she uses her platform to confront bias, challenge toxic work cultures, and spark change through writing, public speaking, coaching, and nonprofit work. Her mission is to ensure every woman is seen, supported, and empowered to lead. She is the author of “Not Made for You,” releasing November 5th. Because when barriers are removed for women, everyone benefits.