Why Male Allyship Is Key for Women Stepping into Their Executive Encore

Transitioning from a long-held corporate role into your next great chapter, your Executive Encore, is a journey of rediscovering your purpose. For many accomplished women, this means creating something new, whether it's a consulting business, a non-profit, or another impactful venture. It might be an entrepreneurial start-up to bring your passion for a social-impact product or service. It is your opportunity to "do it differently".

A crucial part of building this new venture is establishing a culture of respect, inclusion, and true collaboration whether it's in life or in work. But how do you ensure the environment you create is better than the one you left?

In my recent podcast conversation, I invited Simon Calderbank, a passionate advocate for women's leadership, to discuss this very topic. He shared powerful, practical strategies for transforming professional environments. I also asked Simon to connect these strategies to our personal lives and how we can build a culture of allyship in all areas of life, particularly in our Executive Encore.

This blog dives into powerful ideas from our discussion:

• How to break down the hidden barriers that hold women back both professionally and personally as they step into their Executive Encore.
• Why male allyship can make such a big difference.
• What practical steps are effective in leaving toxic behaviours behind for good.

This blog summarizes the key takeaways, but for the full, inspiring conversation with Simon, be sure to watch the complete video podcast.

Dismantling the Invisible Barriers
For decades, conversations about gender equality have focused on visible issues like pay gaps and representation in leadership often with focus on "correction" through mandates, quotas, and other numbers. While vital, these are often symptoms of deeper, less obvious problems. Simon points out that true progress begins when we address the subtle, systemic barriers that persist in workplace culture. These barriers be ingrained attitudes, biased processes, or simply a lack of awareness.

Think about the "old boys' club" mentality that still permeates networking opportunities, incentives and awards, or the unconscious bias that influences project assignments and promotions.

For women building their own ventures, especially those entering their Executive Encore, it's a chance to design a better way from the ground up. Nearly every women entrepreneur I work with, regardless of her age or experience, has the same goal and expresses it in the same way "I want to lead differently".

Key Takeaway: Be intentional about creating your culture - both professionally and personally. This means actively questioning the "way things have always been done." My favourite retort is "Just because it worked 70 years ago, doesn't mean that it's right or that it works today!

• Audit your personal and professional processes: From hiring to promotions, to sponsoring, to advocating. Are your methods truly merit-based and free from bias?
• Cultivate and participate in inclusive networking: Ensure that relationship-building and opportunities are accessible to everyone, not just a select few. Do you sponsor, advocate, and participate in a variety of events that are truly inclusive, or are you limiting your networking based on your biases, or are you "playing" in the traditional networking sandbox prescribed by the "old boys' club"?
• Lead with empathy: Create a space where diverse perspectives aren’t just welcomed but truly celebrated. As women, empathy is often one of our greatest strengths, but let’s be mindful of moments when the need to fit in or not to create a "fuss" might hold us back from fully embracing and acting on the strength of our empathy.

By consciously designing an inclusive framework, you build a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient environment for you and others around you to flourish and thrive.

Turning Men into True Allies
Advancing gender equity isn't a "women's issue"; it's a leadership issue that requires everyone's participation. Simon emphasizes that one of the most powerful catalysts for change is authentic and active "male allyship". An ally isn't just someone who agrees that equality is important; a true ally is someone who takes consistent, tangible action to support women in their lives including their family, friends, and colleagues.

Allyship goes beyond simple mentorship. It involves using status, privilege, and influence to sponsor and advocate for women, challenge biased behaviour, and ensure all voices are heard.

Here’s a powerful example of true mentorship and allyship in action:

A male executive noticed a female colleague being interrupted repeatedly during meetings. Instead of staying silent, he stepped in, saying, "I would like to hear Sarah finish her point." With that simple, intentional statement, he shifted the tone of the conversation and set a new standard for respect.

Moments like these, small but consistent actions, build a culture of allyship. True equity, whether at work or in life, isn’t just about talk or numbers; it’s about showing up and taking action every day.

Key Takeaway: Allyship is a verb. It's about doing, not just believing or talking.

• Amplify women's voices: When you see or hear a great idea or contribution from a female being overlooked, validate and amplify her voice and give her credit. Be aware and callout the transgression when her contribution is hijacked by another.
• Challenge microaggressions: Don't hesitate to speak up when you hear biased comments, stereotypical jokes, or notice certain behaviours, even if they seem small. Staying silent can sometimes come across as agreement or unwillingness to take a stand. This is also a chance to reflect on how we, as women, might unintentionally contribute to inequity through certain language or actions; such as gossip. Every step towards awareness helps build a more equitable environment!
• Advocate behind the scenes: Use your position to recommend women for promotions, high-profile projects, and leadership opportunities.

For women leaders (we are all leaders), encouraging this behaviour in male colleagues and partners creates a powerful ripple effect that benefits every organization structure; our family, friends, colleagues, businesses, and communities. Women can lead and drive change by reflecting on their role as effective allies or by acknowledging their own participation in perpetuating the acceptance of a toxic culture.

Eliminating Toxic Behaviours for Good
Toxic behaviours, like gossip, bullying, and exclusion, can poison even the most promising venture and our quality of life. These behaviours drain energy, stifle creativity, and drive valuable people away from our mission in life and work.

Simon argues that it's not just about creating rules; it's about modelling the right behaviour from the top down - in our lives and the workplace.

When shaping your Executive Encore, you have a special chance to decide what works for you and what doesn’t. Be thoughtful and bold about setting your personal boundaries and standards. When you lead with transparency, clear communication, and mutual respect, most people will follow your example. If they don’t, it might be worth taking a closer look at whether your values align with those particular people in your network. By handling conflicts directly and with fairness, you can avoid letting resentment build and keep relationships on solid ground.

Key Takeaway: Your personal culture is defined by the worst behaviour that your are willing to tolerate.

• Set clear expectations: Be timely and consistent in communicating your values and behavioural standards. Make it clear that toxic behaviour will not be tolerated in your sphere. Being out-spoken might alienate some people - like the neighbour or colleague who tries to engage you in gossip - but, do you really want to spend your precious energy in this toxic behaviour.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate the respect, integrity, and positivity you want to see in your personal and professional life. Your actions speak louder than any policy manual or any rule.
• Address issues immediately: Don't let bad behaviour slide. Address it promptly, privately, respectfully, and professionally to show that you are serious about maintaining a healthy environment for yourself and others within your sphere.

Building a positive culture, whether personal or professional, is one of the most impactful things you can do as a woman and as a leader. It ensures that your Executive Encore is not only successful but also fulfilling and sustainable. No drama, no nonsense, just good vibes.

Your Turn to Make an Impact
Creating an empowering personal and professional culture for everyone is a journey, not a destination. It requires conscious awareness, effort, courage, and the willingness to lead differently. The insights from Simon Calderbank provide a powerful blueprint for any woman ready to build her Executive Encore and perhaps a new venture that reflects her values.

I would love to hear your thoughts on building more inclusive cultures in life, work, and particularly as you create your Executive Encore. Watch the full YouTube podcast episode with Simon, share your own experiences in the comments below and on the YouTube video, and pass this on to other leaders who want to make a difference.

Call to Action
Comment below or share this post to spread the inspiration! What’s your next move? How will you transform this chapter into your most meaningful one yet? The stage is yours.

Next Steps
You don't need to tackle transformation in your Executive Encore alone. Learn about a different and more effective way to take charge of your Executive Encore experience. Learn about consulting and coaching for women-owned businesses to accelerate sustainable growth. Contact me on my website's Contact Page or schedule an Executive Encore: 30-Minute Complimentary Call.

Join the Executive Encore Network for Women, a community of supportive women prepared to uplift and inspire. Subscribe to the Sunday Encore below to receive your personal invitation to the Executive Encore Network for Women membership and community. Together, let’s turn uncertainty into unstoppable momentum and build the Executive Encore movement!