Women’s voices in a ‘Bro-ocracy’
We are living in a full-blown bro-ocracy, with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk at the helm—loud, brash, and unapologetically shaping a world where power stays concentrated in the hands of the few. It’s a system that rewards bravado over substance and keeps moving the goalposts for those of us who don’t fit the mold. And to be honest, I’m struggling with it. Staying positive, seeing the light through the dark—it’s not easy when the noise is so relentless. But even in moments of frustration, I know one thing for sure: we can’t afford to disengage. We have to keep pushing, together, to create something better.
Let’s be real—a "bro-ocracy" isn’t just an old boys’ club; it’s a whole system built to keep power in the hands of a few while the rest of us have to work twice as hard to get half the credit. It thrives on bravado over substance, exclusion over inclusion, and an unspoken rulebook that wasn’t written for us. Staying positive in this world doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means being strategic, resilient, and lifting each other up so we all move forward together.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that we are stronger when we’ve got each other’s backs. Waiting for recognition or permission from a system that wasn’t built for us is a waste of time. Instead, we have to create our own networks, amplify each other’s voices, and call out credit-stealing when we see it. Real change happens when we stop playing by the old rules and start making our own.
But let’s not pretend this is easy. The barriers are real. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes downright infuriating to see how slow progress can be. Some days, it feels like we’re sprinting against a headwind while others breeze past effortlessly. But we don’t have the luxury of stopping. The challenges are there, yes—but that just means we have to keep pushing forward, learning from the setbacks and turning frustration into fuel. Because if we don’t, who will?
Change doesn’t always come in grand, sweeping moments. More often, it happens in the small wins—a well-placed question that shifts a conversation, an ally gained in an unexpected place, a policy revised because someone refused to let it slide. Those moments matter. They build momentum. And while they may not seem like much on their own, they are the foundation for something bigger.
One of the biggest traps of a bro-ocracy is its obsession with short-term wins and the loudest voices in the room. But real leadership is about shaping what comes next. It’s easy to get caught up in ego battles or fleeting power struggles, but real influence isn’t about who talks the most—it’s about who builds the strongest foundation for the future. Relationships, expertise, and a steady accumulation of credibility outlast any momentary show of dominance.
That’s why it’s crucial to take your seat at the table—and use it. You don’t need permission to contribute. You don’t need to preface your thoughts with “I’m not an expert, but…” Say what you mean, own your expertise, and back other women who do the same. Taking up space isn’t an act of defiance—it’s a necessity.
And when it comes to defining success, forget the standards set by systems that were never built for us in the first place. Success isn’t about fitting into an outdated mold—it’s about impact, integrity, and opening doors for others. Your voice, your work, your influence matter, and no outdated structure should dictate what winning looks like for you.
Of course, there’s a lot of absurdity in all of this. The theatrics, the posturing, the self-importance—it would be funny if it weren’t so exhausting. So when you can, laugh. Shake off the nonsense. Keep your perspective. A woman who stays steady and unfazed is one of the most unnerving forces in the room.
And most importantly, lift as you climb. Success means nothing if you pull the ladder up behind you. Mentor, support, and create space for the next generation of women who will follow. Real power isn’t about hoarding influence—it’s about making sure more of us have it.
Women in regulatory roles have the potential to drive this change. Many of our colleagues in the U.S. are in the fight of their lives, but this is also a global problem. I’d love to have more conversations about how the Women in Regulation Innovation community and its members can and are making a real difference. Let’s keep talking.
