Why Women Apologize More at Work and How to Stop episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 5, 2026 · 8 MIN

Why Women Apologize More at Work and How to Stop

from Women at Work with Fexingo: Gender, Leadership, and Career Conversations for Women · host Fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore the habit of over-apologizing among women in professional settings, backed by research from linguist Deborah Tannen. They discuss how phrases like 'sorry to bother you' or 'I hate to ask' undermine authority, and offer practical swaps like replacing 'sorry' with 'thank you.' The episode highlights a 2018 study from the Journal of Social Psychology showing women say sorry 37% more than men in workplace emails, and shares a real example from a Fexingo listener who cut her apology count by 80% using a simple rubber band trick. Luna challenges whether the burden should be on women to change, and Lucas acknowledges the systemic double bind. The episode ends with a forward-looking question about shifting workplace norms. #OverApologizing #WomenAtWork #CareerAdvice #CommunicationSkills #DeborahTannen #ImposterSyndrome #ProfessionalDevelopment #GenderBias #Leadership #LanguageAndPower #Confidence #WorkplaceCulture #WomenInBusiness #Careers #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PodcastEpisode #WomenLeaders Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore the habit of over-apologizing among women in professional settings, backed by research from linguist Deborah Tannen. They discuss how phrases like 'sorry to bother you' or 'I hate to ask' undermine authority, and offer practical swaps like replacing 'sorry' with 'thank you.' The episode highlights a 2018 study from the Journal of Social Psychology showing women say sorry 37% more than men in workplace emails, and shares a real example from a Fexingo listener who cut her apology count by 80% using a simple rubber band trick. Luna challenges whether the burden should be on women to change, and Lucas acknowledges the systemic double bind. The episode ends with a forward-looking question about shifting workplace norms. #OverApologizing #WomenAtWork #CareerAdvice #CommunicationSkills #DeborahTannen #ImposterSyndrome #ProfessionalDevelopment #GenderBias #Leadership #LanguageAndPower #Confidence #WorkplaceCulture #WomenInBusiness #Careers #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PodcastEpisode #WomenLeaders Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

NOW PLAYING

Why Women Apologize More at Work and How to Stop

0:00 8:10

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Breaking News Show | eTurboNews Juergen Thomas Steinmetz News is relevant to the global travel and tourism industry, human rights and global issues.Breaking news when it happens and only from the source. Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Women at Work with Fexingo: Gender, Leadership, and Career Conversations for Women?

This episode is 8 minutes long.

When was this Women at Work with Fexingo: Gender, Leadership, and Career Conversations for Women episode published?

This episode was published on June 5, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Lucas and Luna explore the habit of over-apologizing among women in professional settings, backed by research from linguist Deborah Tannen. They discuss how phrases like 'sorry to bother you' or 'I hate to ask' undermine authority, and offer...

Can I download this Women at Work with Fexingo: Gender, Leadership, and Career Conversations for Women episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!