Job referees are not a formality. They are an active part of how your capability, judgement, and leadership are assessed.
In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher tackle an issue that trips up far too many women at critical career moments: poorly chosen or poorly prepared referees. The conversation is sparked by a real coaching case where a referee failed to advocate effectively, despite good intentions.
Michelle and Mel break down why women are more exposed to risk in reference checks, how unconscious bias shows up in referee language, and why “they know me well” is not a strategy. They also cover how to take control of the process so your referees reinforce your leadership narrative rather than dilute it.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why references are a strategic career decision, not an administrative task
The common referee mistakes women make and the cost of getting it wrong
How gendered language shows up in reference conversations
What to look for when selecting referees who will advocate effectively
How to brief and prepare referees so they reinforce your credibility and outcomes
This episode is for women leaders who want their next move to land cleanly and who understand that progression is shaped by how others speak about your work when you are not in the room.
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