Summary

Studies show that successful men are considered more likeable than successful women. Society evaluates people based on stereotypes like gender, race, nationality and age. Men are fundamentally seen as providers, while women are seen as caregivers. This perception is at the core of why women are held back. When a woman crosses the line, she is in conflict with society’s image of her. Journalist Shankar Vedantam provided some of the descriptions that high-profile women were known by. Margaret Thatcher was called Attila the Hen; Gold Meier was referred to as the “only man” in her cabinet. Richard Nixon referred to Indira Gandhi as an old witch. Other women dislike powerful women as much as men do.

Sheryl was known as too political and not trustworthy. Powerful women are aware of the negativity that surrounds them. Throughout her academic and professional careers, Sheryl...