Robotic Marketer founder addresses workplace gender issues

Mellissah Smith, Founder of Robotic Marketer, has expressed concerns over gender equality issues in the workplace, underscoring the role both men and women play in either hindering or supporting female career progression.

Smith references her personal experiences over three decades to highlight the complexities of gender dynamics in professional settings. She acknowledges that men have historically been responsible for obstructing women's advancement, often due to ingrained biases or misconceptions about women's leadership capabilities. Smith asserts, "There is no doubt that men have, at times, held women back in the workplace. Some decisions are made consciously; others are driven by deeply ingrained biases, that many men would be embarrassed had they realised what their actions meant - particularly for their daughters when they enter the workforce." She further elaborates on how women are overlooked for promotions under assumptions of leadership inadequacy or supposed interruptions by family responsibilities.

According to Smith, the fight for gender equity isn't solely a women's issue. She calls for male leaders to actively support female talent and ensure merit-based promotions are the standard: "Achieving true equity is not solely a women's battle. Men who understand these biases and advocate for fairer workplaces play a crucial role in dismantling systemic barriers. It is essential that male leaders actively sponsor female talent, ensure that promotion decisions are based on merit, and create inclusive work cultures where everyone has a fair shot at success." Noting disparities between larger corporations and smaller businesses, she highlights that while larger organisations may have mechanisms to promote fairness, smaller and mid-sized businesses have significant strides to make.

Smith also turns the spotlight on the role women play in holding each other back within the workplace. She candidly admits her past mistakes, "I have experienced—and regrettably, at times, contributed to—situations where women have held each other back. Early in my career, I made unfair judgments about a female colleague based on personal biases rather than professional merit. It took years of experience and growth to realise how damaging such attitudes can be." She describes the competitive exclusion among women and the detrimental effect of workplace cliques, advocating for dialogues that foster a more supportive environment.

The importance of women advocating for each other is stressed by Smith, who describes such support as essential for realising gender parity. She notes, "If we are serious about achieving gender parity, women must make a deliberate effort to champion one another. Those who have broken barriers should not monopolise the spotlight; they should share it with emerging female leaders."

Smith also calls for open discussions about biological factors impacting women's workplace performance, a topic she finds is often neglected. She points to the need for policies accommodating issues like menstrual cycles and menopause, which could foster a more inclusive work culture.

Reflecting on her current role as a tech entrepreneur, Smith discusses the personal value of a strong female network. "The journey can be isolating, but the presence of a strong female network has been invaluable. Having a community of women to turn to for advice, mentorship and solidarity has made a significant difference in my ability to navigate challenges and continue pushing forward," she shares.

Smith concludes by emphasising the need for businesses, especially small to medium-sized enterprises, to cultivate inclusive cultures. "True change requires more than compliance with corporate mandates—it demands a shift in mindset, where businesses of all sizes actively foster inclusive cultures and support women's career growth. It starts with individual actions—supporting a female colleague, amplifying the voices of underrepresented women and recognising the unconscious biases that shape decision-making." According to her, progress hinges on the shared responsibility of both men and women in reshaping workplace dynamics.