As a child my mom always told me “stand up straight, don’t slouch”.  I was growing quickly and reached my full height of 5’8 (173 cm) at the early age of 12. Throughout my school years, I was always the tallest in my class.  I felt awkward about my height, mainly since I was taller than the boys. I saw my height as a disadvantage at the time, especially as a teenager when I had to find a dance partner at dance school!

Data shows that on average, men are 15-20% taller than women.  When men are on the shorter side, they frequently lie about their height (any woman who has ever tried online dating can confirm this).  Apart from the physical gender gap, research shows that men portray greater confidence than women, especially in the workplace.  Men “claim their space” without effort. This is demonstrated by the fact that men are still overwhelmingly in the majority of leadership positions in the corporate world. 

What does “claiming your space” mean? Claiming your space is the way you show up at work and in the world.  There is the physical component of claiming your space. This is knowing your body’s shape, height or ability has a place in all spaces. It is also knowing that your voice is an important part of claiming your space, but can sometimes be a tool women forget to use. 

This led me to the question:  Why do women find it more difficult to claim our space in the corporate world?  The short answer is that we are letting our inner critic get in the way.  Too frequently we are comparing ourselves to what we consider “the norm”.  We are playing it safe to avoid standing out or garnering too much attention. 

I speak from experience.  I have spent the past 25 years in the corporate world in the medical device industry; which is still a heavily male-dominated business. I climbed that corporate ladder to the executive level.  I found myself frequently in situations where I had to overcome the voice of my inner critic. For example, when I was in large group meetings, meetings with senior leaders of the organization, and especially when I was the only female leader in the room, I had to quiet my inner critic and know that I had a right to be there and to claim my space. 

Today I confidently claim my space.  I have learned to embrace my height. I choose to wear high heels even if I tower over powerful men in the workplace.  I have found my voice and I know it is unique.  I speak with purpose and I need to be heard and respected for my expertise. 

If you happen to be a younger version of me, an aspiring female in the corporate world, I encourage you to claim your space early on.  Embrace your authenticity.  Stand up tall regardless of your size or shape. Own who you are, because there is only one of YOU in this world and the world needs to hear your voice