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Good morning, Fearless readers:
I hope you got to celebrate love in some way this past Valentine’s Day.
I’ve made it a point these past few years to intentionally celebrate other forms of love in my life other than romantic love. Familial love, friendship love, self-love — they all help me to become the strong, passionate, empowered woman I am today.
I would also love if you would take our 2025 survey on the status of gender equity in Iowa.
In this week’s Fearless e-newsletter, you will find:
- This month’s Leading Fearlessly column on self-identifying as a leader from former Business Publications Corp. CEO Suzanna de Baca.
- An "Iowa Life" story about Dasia Taylor, a young inventor and STEM advocate from Iowa City.
- In the headlines: Iowa Workforce Development hires Georgia Van Gundy as deputy director.
- In case you missed it: Steffaney Cronin, owner of SJC Construction, is redeveloping three lots in the Waukee Village District.
- Lots more!
— Macey Shofroth, Fearless editor
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Leading Fearlessly: Why competent women resist the leader label — and what organizations can do to support women’s advancement
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BY SUZANNA DE BACA, FORMER BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS CORP. CEO
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What if the biggest barrier to women's leadership isn't a lack of ability, but a lack of self-recognition of their identity as leaders?
I’ve seen this phenomenon in action. When I worked in financial services, I had a colleague named Patricia, a talented woman who — even without formal authority — was effective at leading teams and delivering exceptional results. When she was recommended for a promotion, however, she declined the opportunity, saying she didn’t consider herself "leadership material." The truth was that she possessed tremendous leadership ability, but there was a disconnect between her proven competence and her self-perception as a leader.
This phenomenon is more common than you might think and has a name: the Leader-Identity/Competence Paradox. Research by renowned leadership development experts Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman published in the Harvard Business Review reveals a startling truth backed up by data: Despite often outperforming men in leadership effectiveness, women are significantly less likely to identify themselves as leaders.
New research by professors of management and organizations Julia Lee Cunningham and Sue Ashford from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business delves into the leading factors of this Leader-Identity/Competence Paradox. They discuss the profound misalignment between demonstrated competence and an ingrained sense of self as a leader, often fueled by societal expectations, implicit biases and a lack of visible role models who reflect their experiences. Although modesty or imposter syndrome play a role in women failing to see themselves as leaders, this paradox goes much deeper. The professors assert that this internal struggle creates an invisible hurdle, preventing many qualified women from stepping into leadership roles even when they possess the necessary skills and abilities.
The consequences of this paradox are significant. It perpetuates the gender gap in leadership, depriving organizations of the diverse perspectives and talents that women leaders bring. It also reinforces harmful stereotypes about leadership, limiting women's career progression and hindering their ability to reach their full potential. The problem is cyclical: When women perceive greater reputational risk in leading and lack external validation of their leadership capabilities, they are less likely to embrace a leader identity, exhibit leadership behaviors, or actively pursue leadership opportunities. This, in turn, reinforces existing biases and further limits their access to leadership roles.
I asked local leaders if they had experienced or witnessed this Leader-Identity/Competence Paradox and what specific actions or changes did they think would be most effective in helping women feel more comfortable and confident in embracing leadership roles and identify as leaders.
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Erlin Kakkanad, Ph.D., author; founder, Engineer Creative Thinking
When someone complimented my strategic and confident leadership, I initially brushed it off and downplayed it. But I’ve learned to embrace it, realizing leadership is about adapting your style to help others thrive and influence transformational change.
Using consistent language when providing feedback across genders and achieving parity in how we describe competencies can empower women leaders and shift societal stereotypes surrounding gender in leadership. When colleagues or mentors describe women’s leadership style, I’ve found a significant difference in descriptors used for men vs. women for the same competencies. Commonly heard women descriptors like "passionate," or "planner" could be swapped with terms like "driven," "ambitious," or "strategist," and "a go-getter" can be reframed as "results oriented!" These descriptions are on par with what one would hear conveyed to men. Be willing to reframe and own your narrative, own your power, lead authentically and inspire others to rise.
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Angela Jiskoot, community engagement manager, F&G
Leadership comes in many forms and often doesn’t require a title. A few years ago, I was on a work project and saw a teammate leading consistently without the title, yet dismissed the statement when they were called a leader. Sometimes we may brush it off because the word "leader" feels like it comes with a lot of responsibility or because we don’t have a title that reflects leading.
Support and advocating for change are critical. This starts with allies who provide and open doors of opportunity for women, as we may feel more confident seeing women in leadership roles around us. It reminds us we can lead too when the path has been paved before. To have a cultural shift we need to create the change we want to see, and if we want women to be successful, we have to encourage, mentor and create leadership opportunities.
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Rita Perea, CEO, Rita Perea Leadership Consulting Inc.
As an executive consultant, I’ve seen a recent trend where talented women are overlooking their own leadership potential and undervaluing their achievements. I’m offering several words of wisdom to help women recognize, embrace and share their talents:
- Now is the time to stop playing small! The world needs your leadership to be positively engaged.
- Embrace your vision for your future leadership self. Every day, be ruthless in prioritizing steps to reach your vision.
- Seek out a project that will spotlight your talents. Raise your hand to step into that leadership role and expand your self-confidence.
- Identify a successful woman leader who you admire and emulate her leadership actions. She could become your mentor.
- Build your network. This can be invaluable in creating a supportive team.
- Take one action to affirm and elevate your accomplishments. This will lay the groundwork for future leadership achievements to be celebrated.
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Lindsay Racey, general manager, Carelon Health Primary Care
In college, I was assigned a group project and, as often happens, I found myself naturally taking on a leadership role. I collaborated with the team, created a project plan, outlined deliverables, and shaped a cohesive vision for the work. However, after submitting the project, I downplayed my contributions during a discussion with the professor, fearing that acknowledging my leadership might undermine the group's success.
This experience highlights the importance of creating environments where women feel confident embracing leadership roles. As leaders and as a society, we can foster inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. We can also establish mentorship programs, connecting women with experienced leaders to build confidence and share advice. Additionally, investing in self-advocacy training is essential, helping women negotiate for fair and equitable pay, leadership positions, and key assignments. By cultivating inclusive cultures, mentorship, and self-advocacy, women can be empowered to embrace leadership with confidence.
Suzanna de Baca is a columnist for Business Record, CEO of Story Board Advisors and former CEO of BPC. Story Board Advisors provides strategic guidance and coaching for CEOs, boards of directors and family businesses. You can reach Suzanna at sdebaca@storyboardadvisors.com.
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Meet Dasia Taylor, a young inventor and STEM advocate who is changing the world
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FROM "IOWA LIFE" ON IOWA PBS
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Dasia Taylor. Photo courtesy of Iowa PBS's "Iowa Life."
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Dasia Taylor is proof that an act as simple as raising your hand can change your life. As a junior at Iowa City West High School, she decided to enter the science fair — something she had never done before. Her invention? Color-changing stitches that detect infection using beet juice.
Taylor’s prototype took her to national competitions, and earned the attention of large media outlets, including Smithsonian Magazine, People Magazine and the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Now a student at the University of Iowa and the founder of a medical technology startup, Taylor is using her platform to empower and uplift the next generation of scientists while serving as representation for other kids of color.
"I do what I do for Dasias like me who are in the younger generation and looking for someone," she said. "I am very proud of who I am and because I needed someone like that when I was growing up, I want to be that someone for all of the little kids growing up."
"Iowa Life" is an Iowa PBS production that seeks to uncover the diverse tapestry of Iowa's people, cultures and stories. Through compelling interviews, scenic visuals and authentic storytelling, each episode explores the extraordinary lives of individuals who call Iowa home. Watch episodes Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. or anytime on the Iowa PBS website or PBS app.
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"YOU CAN FALL, BUT YOU CAN RISE ALSO."
ANGELIQUE KIDJO
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Iowa Workforce Development hires Georgia Van Gundy as deputy director: Iowa Workforce Development announced the hiring of Georgia Van Gundy as its new deputy director. Van Gundy recently served as chief administrative officer at Hy-Vee Inc., and before that as the executive director of the Iowa Business Council. She has more than two decades of policy and legislative experience both in Iowa and nationally. In 2019 she was recognized as a Business Record Women of Influence honoree.
African American Museum of Iowa names new executive director: The African American Museum of Iowa (AAMI) named Jacqueline Hunter as its next executive director. Hunter currently serves as the AAMI’s museum educator. She will begin the role March 3, succeeding previous Executive Director LaNisha Cassell. Prior to joining AAMI, she served as the executive director of the Multicultural Family Center in Dubuque. She has experience as a high school teacher, teacher-education professor and adjunct history instructor, according to the Corridor Business Journal.
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9 school districts receive nearly $600,000 in state child care workforce grants: The Iowa Department of Education awarded nine school districts nearly $600,000 in a new round of Credentials to Child Care Careers grants. The grants support districts in helping students receive a national child development associate credential through family and consumer science programs. District awardees will receive course curriculum required for the CDA credential. They are also able to use the grant awards to cover costs such as student exam fees, textbooks, student stipends, license child care partner stipends and other approved expenses that eliminate barriers to participation.
ChildServe announces two hires for foundation team: The ChildServe Foundation announced the hirings of Tiffany Nagel Spinner as vice president of development and Madi Bellile as associate director of development. Nagel Spinner previously worked as senior director of development for the College of Design at the Iowa State University Foundation and will lead philanthropic efforts for ChildServe Foundation. Bellile worked as director of donor engagement and events for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa and will provide strategy and oversight on ChildServe’s annual giving program.
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Citi just became a magnet for ambitious working moms (Bloomberg). Female protagonists reach parity with men in top-grossing films of 2024 (ABC News). Black Voices: Black women share their stories of serving in the military (Live 5 WCSC). She wanted to be a mom. So she chose a cancer treatment that gave her a chance (NPR). UNESCO launches ‘’Imagine a world with more women in science’’ campaign (UNESCO). The Afghan women's team who will not be silenced (BBC).
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‘Warm, fuzzy’ childhood memories inspire builder’s Waukee Village District development
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Steffaney Cronin, the owner of SJC Construction, grew up in Waukee. She remembers visiting the homes of her grandmother and great-grandmother as a child and the "warm, fuzzy" memories of time spent playing the card game Old Maid for hours.
It’s those memories that have inspired Cronin to undertake a project to redevelop three lots she acquired last summer in the Waukee Village District into a hub that she hopes will be a space for others to create memories for their families.
Read the story online
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At its core, Fearless exists to help empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. We believe that everyone has a story to share and that we cannot progress as a society unless we know about one another. We share stories through featuring women in our reporting, featuring guest contributions and speakers at our events.
We are always looking for new stories to share and people to feature. Get in touch with us!
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