Leadership Mental Health Office Politics Women Work Culture

My Mentor’s Career Advice Made Me Part of the Problem
I thought she was protecting me. Instead, I became what I feared.

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Diane had a way of making even a casual coffee meeting feel like a battlefield strategy session. The espresso machine hissed behind us as she dissected my latest career mistake. I’d shown empathy to a struggling team member, offered flexibility when she was going through a divorce. “Never expose yourself like that,” Diane said, stirring …

Leadership Office Politics Women Women in Tech Work Culture

I Stopped Being Every Woman’s Mentor — And Helped More Women
How breaking a gender obligation led to better support for everyone

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Sarah cornered me in the break room, coffee in hand, desperation in her eyes. “Just five minutes?” I already knew where this was going. Another mentoring request. Another coffee chat. Another hour I didn’t have. For years, I had been the go-to person for every woman struggling with workplace politics, impostor syndrome, and career roadblocks. …