Career development Quote by Antonella Gambotto-Burke
““The bar is masculine, and women must adopt traditionally masculine characteristics – cultivated insensitivity, goal-orientated thinking, the prioritising of the material – to compete.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Guardian Interview, 2015
Women often feel pressured to emulate traditionally masculine traits—detachment, goal‑focus, materialism—to succeed in competitive environments.
In simple terms: Women may need to adopt masculine traits to compete.
Balance authenticity with strategic adaptation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- corporate leadership
- entrepreneurship
- negotiation
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you stay true to yourself while succeeding?
- What alternative strategies exist beyond adopting masculinity?
Adopting insensitivity can harm relationships and personal well‑being.