The Invisible Load: Why Non-Promotable Work Holds Women Back

Why do women still earn less than men—even in high-performing, well-structured industries like consulting?The gender pay gap doesn’t start at the top—it starts at the first assignment.In this episode of More Women in Consulting, host Emily Christiansen is joined by world-renowned economist and author Professor Lise Vesterlund. Together, they unpack the hidden structures behind pay inequality and the invisible labor that silently stalls careers—particularly for women.Lise is co-author of the bestselling book The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work, which has reshaped how leaders think about fairness, retention, and reward systems.From organizing internal meetings and mentoring new hires to writing newsletters and sitting on committees, non-promotable tasks are critical to workplace functioning—but don’t lead to promotions, recognition, or raises. And women are asked to do them more. They also say yes more often. The cost? Less visibility, fewer opportunities, and persistent pay gaps.Topics covered:What non-promotable work is—and why it matters more than you thinkHow early career assignments shape long-term pay and promotion opportunitiesWhy women say yes more often—and why organizations keep asking themWhat companies can do to fix the imbalance, from transparency to point systemsWhy this isn’t just about fairness—but about better business and leadershipThis episode is a must-listen for anyone working in professional services—or anyone who’s ever wondered why doing “the right thing” often doesn’t get rewarded.Tune in to understand how structural norms, workplace expectations, and subtle biases intersect—and what we can all do to build workplaces where everyone’s contribution truly counts.