65. Women Engineers Unplugged: Navigating Challenges In A Male-Dominated Workplace

Have you ever wondered about the unique challenges women encounter in engineering? In this compelling episode of The Leadership Zone, host Sile welcomes Orlagh Costello, a seasoned engineer with over two decades of experience, to discuss this pressing issue. Orlagh shares impactful stories of overcoming industry biases, navigating both subtle and overt workplace barriers, and advocating for equality in a predominantly male-dominated field. Join us as we delve into the significance of open and unapologetic conversations about gender equity in engineering.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

👉 Recognised common issues facing women in engineering that inspired her to bring these discussions to the forefront

👉 Notes that the engineering field brings unique barriers for women compared to men, with gender expectations often stifling openness.

👉 Highlights the phenomenon of benevolent sexism, where well-intentioned gestures may actually limit women’s career growth.

👉 Points out unconscious biases in the workplace where women’s family life is often seen as a career impediment, unlike men's.

👉 Mentors, including both supportive and dismissive ones, played a critical role in shaping her resilience and confidence.

👉 Discusses various strategies for handling inappropriate jokes and comments, from calling in to calling out, depending on context.

👉 Recognises that women often wait until they’ve "had enough" before speaking out, which can lead to perceptions of overreaction.

👉 Emphasises that resilience and skill in addressing these situations grow with experience and confidence.

About Orlagh Costello:

✅ Orlagh Costello is an experienced engineer with over 20 years in the field, starting her career in the heavy steel industry. Throughout her journey, she has identified recurring barriers and challenges faced by women in engineering, recognising the need for open discussions around these issues. Drawing from her own experiences, Orlagh advocates for creating safe spaces where women can be themselves in the workplace, fostering a supportive environment that empowers others to share their stories and challenges.

✅ Website: https://engineerher.org

✅ Free Career Assessment: https://engineerher.ck.page/career-assessment

✅ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlaghcostello

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