Get Curious Before you Get Furious

What does women’s leadership agency look like?

Did you know one of the challenges for women leaders is getting ‘push back’ for exercising our agency? Why? Because the still prevalent stereotype of ‘women take care and men take charge’ means we are acting counter-stereotypically in others’ experiences of us—and that can result in pushback. Yes, still!

YET leadership requires us to exercise our agency – decisiveness, assertiveness, controlling, sanctioning… that is when we run smack into that old ‘double-bind’ for women leaders.

So, managing the double bind as a skill for women leaders is important in these transitional times.

It is not instead of shifting the beliefs and systems in the organisation that support such stereotypes, but in fact, equips us with the skill to exercise the very agency that will normalise women thriving in leadership.

And that, in turn, will accelerate the stereotypes and system changing.

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  • “The course led by the amazing Penny de Valk had fantastic benefits in fact so much so that I brought the course into my own organisation so that other female leaders within CR2 could also benefit.”

     Meabh Maguire – Global Commercial Head at CR2

  • “Penny is an insightful leadership coach, who delivers with empathy and wit. She draws on years of industry leadership experience, which she spins into pearls of career wisdom, and strings them together for a uniquely female audience. She has coached hundreds of our clients, to rave reviews.”

     Kristy Duncan – CEO Women in Payments

  • “Penny’s compelling approach to leadership is steeped in her wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom – she is an insightful and empowering mentor whose guidance has had a hugely positive effect on my approach to matters of presence, impact, self-awareness and authenticity.”

     Emma James – COO. Kamwell

  • “Penny for me is a stand out role model of women in leadership. She fought for my career, believed in me and showed firsthand what being a powerful woman in business can look like. For this especially I am eternally grateful.”

     Celine Floyd – Chief Proposition Officer. Cappfinity

  • “Penny was a catalyst for significant change, redefining the strategy and structure, developing the senior team to achieve their best through her coaching style and driving a more commercial approach. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with such an inspirational, innovative and insightful leader.”

     Gaynor Lewis Director – Strategic Partnerships. ILM

  • “Penny is without hesitation one of the best CEOs I have worked with. …She is results focussed driven and challenging combined with an engaging style, an incredible sense of warmth and a clear passion for business.”

     Sara Barrie – Sara Barrie & Associates

  • “Penny is one of the most accomplished professionals I have had the privilege of working for and with…She has a real focus on results but creates an environment/culture that allows people to be their best”

     Stephen Randall – Partner. Melior HR

  • “Superb at managing stakeholders, calm in a crisis and always with her sense of humour close to the surface, Penny is one of the best CEOs I’ve ever worked with and I’d have no hesitation in recommending anyone take the opportunity to work with her if they get the chance”

     Kerry Simmons – Chief Marketing Officer. FOUND

  • “Penny was my boss and inspiration for over three years…With Penny you want to work hard and be your best. And work hard we did, but we also had a great deal of fun and satisfaction in making a difference at ILM under Penny’s leadership”

     Helen Oldfield – Sales and Marketing Director. MRS

  • “She has a strong focus on customer experience and cutting through ‘stuff’ to deliver results. I can’t think of anyone better placed to provide first class advice on business and personal growth”

     Hilary Hall – Chief Executive. National Hairdressers Federation

  • “Penny is without doubt one of the most impressive senior professionals working in the people space. Her presence, intellect and stature dictate that Penny is a leading light in her field, bringing both a commercial and deeply wise approach to business. She has other rare qualities for a senior executive, genuine charm, authenticity and humility. It is always a happy experience when one gets the chance to work with Penny and a fabulous opportunity to learn.”

     John Renz – Director. Executive Action

  • “Penny was (and remains to this day) an inspiration to me and so many others. Working with her is a highlight of my career, and one that I sincerely hope happens again!”

     Dr Rob Sayers Brown – Principal Consultant. Kiddy & Partners

  • “Penny is simply outstanding in the capacity of coach and mentor. She has a warm personality which coupled with her sharp business acumen, professionalism and generosity in the way she invests in others professional growth is something which I have rarely seen in leaders who have held positions such as Penny has.”

     Caroline Mellor – Global Head of HR Operations. abrdn