EDITOR’S NOTE: This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

A cultural bias known as ‘masculine defaults’ and how it has contributed to women’s under-representation in the workplace will be at the centre of the next Women in Leadership event.

On Tuesday, April 11, Shawna Chen, Associate Professor in the Goodman School of Business, will discuss masculine defaults, which she describes as “how we typically consider certain characteristics and behaviours, often associated with men, as a standard or best practice that should be rewarded.”

This includes qualities often seen as necessary for success, such as confidence, leadership and self-reliance.

Chen, a self-described “serial entrepreneur in information technology” and former investment banker, will explore how masculine defaults may have contributed to women’s under-representation in the workplace, particularly in the entrepreneurship ecosystems. She will also give practical examples to mitigate masculine defaults bias in different contexts.

Chen’s research focuses on empowering under-represented members of society — women, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and people with intersectional identities — to create economic and social impact through entrepreneurship and innovation.

All are invited to attend online Tuesday, April 11, from noon to 1 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Details on this and other upcoming Women in Leadership sessions, including dates, descriptions and login information are available on the WIL website.

Women in Leadership is committed to supporting and advancing persons who identify as women to achieve and succeed in leadership. All are welcome. Individuals are welcome to join the WIL channel on Microsoft Teams or to contact Jeannie Mackintosh to be added to the WIL email distribution list.