Breaking Barriers: Can Women Truly Thrive in Male-Dominated Fields
Have you ever wondered how challenging it might be for women to rise to leadership roles in male-dominated industries? What does it take for them to break through the glass ceiling and assert their rightful place at the decision-making table?
In today's blog post, we delve into these pressing questions through the inspiring journey of Dr. Kerstin Brehm, a former cardiac surgeon who has navigated this tough terrain and emerged as a guiding force for women striving for greater achievements in their careers.
Dr. Brehm’s transition from the world of cardiac surgery—a field where women are vastly outnumbered—to becoming a mentor and strategist for ambitious women, provides profound insights into the strategies and mindset needed to overcome industry biases and systemic barriers.
The Pivot: From Cardiac Surgery to Mentorship
Dr. Kerstin Brehm made a dramatic leap from the precise world of cardiac surgery to the broad sphere of business mentorship. I asked Kerstin what drove her to make such a significant change.
Kerstin: My journey began with a deep-seated passion for surgery, but as I advanced, I confronted barriers that many women face in such a specialized field. Despite becoming one of the youngest board-certified cardiac surgeons in Germany and aiming for a leadership role, I realized the environment wasn't evolving as fast as my ambitions. The lack of support for women at higher levels made me rethink not just my career path but my broader goals. I wanted to make an impact beyond the operating room—shaping the healthcare system itself.
How does your current role enable you to make that impact?
In my roles as a managing director in Dubai and a former director at Deloitte, I now use my experience to empower women, helping them navigate and excel in their careers, particularly in male-dominated industries. I’ve taken my knowledge of the medical field and transformed it into a strategy for broader systemic change in healthcare and beyond.
Navigating Career Transitions with a Purpose
Kerstin shared how transitioning was about leveraging her experience to mentor women on how to overcome obstacles and advance in their careers.
Dr. Kerstin: Transitioning was about leveraging my experience to mentor women on how to overcome obstacles and advance in their careers. I introduce them to the SPARC framework, which stands for Strategy, Promotion, Audience, Relationships, and KPIs. This model helps women promote themselves effectively, understand their audience, and build strategic relationships—all crucial skills for ascending in any professional hierarchy.
Tailoring Strategies Across Different Industries
I asked Kerstin how she tailors her framework to fit different industries, ensuring that the strategies are relevant and impactful.
Dr. Kerstin: The principles are quite universal. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, or technology, the challenges for women tend to overlap: visibility, recognition, and equitable growth opportunities. My approach adjusts to the nuances of each industry, ensuring that the strategies are relevant and impactful.
Championing Communication Styles
In our conversation we touched on the importance of ‘bilingual’ communication in leadership and career growth.
Dr. Kerstin: Leaders must be able to navigate both assertive and collaborative communication styles. This adaptability not only enhances personal leadership but also facilitates better team dynamics and decision-making processes. By understanding and modeling this, we help women assert their presence in leadership discussions, where their voices are traditionally underrepresented.
Practical Applications of Communication in Performance Reviews and Promotions
How does Kerstin’s approach help in practical terms, especially in performance reviews and promotions?
Dr. Kerstin: It’s about making oneself heard and recognized. I often see women being overlooked in promotions because they might not vocalize their achievements as loudly as their male counterparts. In my roles, especially at Deloitte, I advocated for fair recognition during performance assessments, ensuring that contributions are evaluated over self-promotion tactics.
Empowering the Next Generation
I asked Kerstin, what’s the most common piece of advice you find yourself repeating as you mentor women across different sectors.
Dr. Kerstin: Document and communicate your achievements regularly. Don’t assume your work will speak for itself—ensure it is seen and acknowledged. This is something I stress a lot because it directly influences career progression.
Believe in Your Ability to Lead and Make an Impact
Finally, Kirsten leaves us with a powerful message about believing in our ability to lead and make an impact.
Dr. Kerstin: No matter your field, your voice matters. Equip yourself with the right strategies, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The path isn’t always clear or easy, but with determination and the right support, it’s absolutely navigable.
Dr. Kirsten Brehm’s story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and strategic thinking. For anyone looking to advance in their careers or pivot to more impactful roles, Kirsten’s journey and strategies offer a valuable insights and support.
If you want to know more about the work Kerstin is doing and how you could possibly work with her to advance your career click here to visit her website.
