14 | WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE: THE UNEVEN PLAYING FIELD IN THEIR OWN WORDS On manager support and access to senior leaders I would like a manager who respects and values “ my opinions, especially in my realm of expertise. I’d love to be asked, ‘What are your thoughts?’ Or, ‘We’re having this meeting. Can I pull you in on this?’ But that I actually think that when doesn’t happen.” you do well, it’s because “ of your manager. The —Analyst, 2 years at company, comfort of your relationship Black woman with them can determine whether you’re comfortable speaking up, whether you’re comfortable making At a meeting with the COO, certain decisions.” a young woman asked him, —Director, 4 years at company, Asian woman “ ‘How do you get to where you’re at?’ He replied, ‘It’s all who you know.’ Hearing that, I felt defeated. If that’s true, how am I going to get there? I want to be My manager doesn’t help there. I think I deserve to me with workplace politics. “ be there. But I don’t have She tells me I should those connections.” stay quiet.” —Entry level, 5 years at company, —Entry level, 5 years at company, Black woman Black woman This report contains stock photographs for illustrative purposes only. Images do not reflect the identities of the women quoted. Within the quotes, some identifying details may have been altered and/or withheld to protect the speaker’s anonymity.