The only female in a male leadership team. How do I lead effectively when the culture seems stacked against me?

What do you do when your ideas are ignored, and your confidence starts to fade in a new leadership role?In this episode of The Leadership Surgery, Paul, Anthony, Sally, and Dan tackle Heather’s pressing challenge: after earning a senior leadership position in a male-dominated department, she finds her contributions overlooked—until repeated by others—and struggles with being labelled “too direct” or “invisible.”The team explores the emotional and practical realities of leading in a biased culture, discussing the impact of unconscious bias, workplace dynamics, and the struggle for belonging.Listeners will hear expert advice on gathering feedback, building allies, and using curiosity to challenge bias without harming relationships. The conversation covers strategies for staying true to yourself, setting boundaries, and fostering inclusive cultures that value every voice.Have your own leadership challenge? Submit it for future episodes at [email protected]