GENDER AND RISK: Debunking the Stereotypes
How many times have you heard that women are “risk averse”? It’s not meant as a compliment. Worse: It simply is not true. Recent research challenges older studies that made that claim despite findings with low to no statistical significance; or based their conclusions on averages versus ranges; or failed to include context.
Misconceptions about the relationship between gender and risk
● Discourage investors from funding women-led startups which are likely to outperform
● Prevent managers from promoting women
● Lead financial advisers to offer women “less risky” investment options
● Misalign true risk preferences and expected behaviors
Businesses that hold onto gender risk stereotypes overlook human capital, lose the decision-making advantages of gender balanced groups, and fail to connect effectively with female clients. It’s past time to change the conversation about gender and risk and replace the tired old “risk averse” label with “risk astute,” “risk aware,” and “risk savvy.
Michele Wucker is on a mission to change the way people think and talk about gender and risk. She draws on scholarly research and real-life stories to present a new, nuanced understanding of what businesses need to know about how and why each of us takes the risks we do (or don’t).
Using the concept of a “risk fingerprint” ––the personality traits, experiences, group dynamics, physical environment, and habits and processes that determine our risk preferences and behaviors— Michele will change the way your team understands risk. Her book YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK addresses gender and the dangers of risk stereotyping; organizational risk culture; and the power of risk empathy among teams, with clients, and with key stakeholders. Her original and powerful insights are a powerful tool to catalyze a new conversation about risk-taking that supports
● Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
● Financial advisers marketing to women
● Employee resource groups
Michele can help your organization change the conversation about gender and risk so you can reap the benefits for your employees and clients.
Recommended format: 20 to 40 minute keynote with Q&A option. Can be run as a workshop as well.
Listen to and read some of Michele’s insights on Women, Leadership and Risk:
“Women and Risk: Changing the Narrative,” CAP STRAT Womens Forum (Video)
“Why Choosing Women as Leaders Reduces Risk,” Forbes
“How Women Leaders Can Navigate Workplace Risks,” Womens Leadership Success Podcast
“How Women Manage Risk as Investors, at Work, and In Life,” The Purse Podcast
“What’s Your Risk Fingerprint?” Electric Ladies Podcast
“Women and Risk,” Advancing All Women (Video)
“How Do You Respond to Obvious Risks in Business and Life?” Ellig Group Webinar Series (Video)
“How Risk Empathy Can Boost Your Team’s Performance,” The Empathy Edge