In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher are joined by board director Marlene Elliott for a grounded conversation about power, credibility, and what actually matters in senior leadership and boardroom environments.
Marlene shares her perspective on a pattern many women experience but rarely name: the pressure to be agreeable, likeable, or “the cool kid,” even in settings where authority, judgement, and contribution matter far more than popularity.
This episode cuts through leadership myths and focuses on how women are evaluated in senior decision-making spaces, what boards pay attention to, and how credibility is built and sustained over time.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Why being liked is often overvalued in women’s leadership conversations
How boards assess contribution, judgement, and readiness
The difference between influence and popularity at senior levels
What women need to let go of as they move closer to power
How to navigate boardroom dynamics without performing or shrinking
This is a practical conversation for women thinking about senior leadership, board roles, or roles with enterprise-level accountability—and for leaders who want a more honest view of how credibility is judged at the top.
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