Lady Boss


Male leaders find themselves with an important responsibility: Developing diverse talent and growing the number of female leaders within their organization


Male leaders, while well intentioned and willing to develop female talent, frequently lack the knowledge and skills to do so.

Unfortunately almost all programs on the topic are targeted to women or to corporate systems. Additionally, male leaders frequently avoid discussing gender related issues for fear of saying the wrong thing and/or offending.

These are missed opportunities for male leaders to become skilled allies in the advancement of women leaders.

The result is that most male leaders are flying blind in their efforts to develop and promote women. This is neither beneficial to the organization or to its female leaders.

Developing the Lady Boss focuses on that need by taking a positive, proactive approach to educating male leaders.

The tools can be used to develop and support the advancement of both talented women and men.

Lady Boss is not diversity training, it is applied talent development viewed through the lens of gender.

Public Workshop

2-day intensive workshop for male leaders, limited to 10-12 participants.

Participants learn concepts and talent development tools by focusing on a specific female leader for whom they are an ally.  They develop actionable plans and are provided with follow-up support.

Who Should Participate:
Mid to senior level male leaders who…

  • Understand the value that women bring to corporations and boards.
  • Have responsibility for developing other leaders within the organization.
  • Want to understand the unique challenges women face in order to better provide support and advocacy.
  • May be hesitant to ask about or discuss gender issues because they don’t want to risk accidentally offending.
  • Are managing or mentoring a woman who is currently in a leadership role or a high potential woman who will soon be in a leadership role.

In-House Workshop

Customized workshops from 1⁄2 day to full 2 days.

Audience is both male and female leaders who are advocating for and/or managing female talent. The audience may also be comprised of high potential women and their male allies.

Provides a healthy environment for both male & female leaders to discuss gender perceptions and break down walls around the topic that fear and discomfort have built up.

Individualized Coaching

Dr. Sarah Bodner is a highly skilled coach, trusted advisor, and confidant to executives.

She provides one-on-one coaching to female leaders AND their male bosses.

She also serves as an objective & confidential thought partner to male executives who may be struggling to develop female leaders within the organization.

Keynote Speaker

Visually stimulating context and guidance on:

  • Gender related challenges many women leaders encounter.
  • Challenging situation male leaders are in when developing female talent.

Extended programs include facilitated deep dive conversations on a few specific topics.