Understanding Political Dynamics

🤏🏼 It takes so little for men to be trusted as leaders 🤏🏼 And it takes so little for women to be questioned as one. When I took my first Senior Director role in Germany, deep in the male-dominated automotive world, my future boss and I had a quiet heart-to-heart. “Jingjin, in this world, women in power are seen in only two ways: The Victim or The Villain. There is no third option, at least not yet. Which one you choose will define your entire leadership path.” I said I’d be a Victor. Naively believing performance alone would protect me. It didn’t. Because Leadership isn’t just about competence. It’s about perception. And perception for women is often rigged. 🔻 Be firm → You're a bitch 🔻 Be soft → You're weak 🔻 Be nurturing → You're not tough enough 🔻 Be assertive → You’re intimidating 🔻 Be collaborative → You lack authority 🔻 Show ambition → You’re self-serving 🔻 Set boundaries → You’re difficult 🔻 Show emotion → You’re unstable Meanwhile, men doing the exact same things? They’re seen as confident, visionary, and decisive. The game isn't fair, but it can be hacked. 💥 Here’s how I’ve learned to play it smarter, not smaller: 1. Stop aiming to be liked. Aim to be trusted.    Likability is a moving target. Respect isn’t.     2. Use duality to your advantage.    Be warm in tone, cold in logic.    Kind in delivery, fierce in boundaries.    That’s power wrapped in emotional intelligence.     3. Make allies before you need them.    Don’t wait until you're under fire.    Visibility without relationship capital = exposure.     4. Own the label, then flip it.    “Yes, I’m intense. That’s how we hit targets others thought were impossible.” Say it before they do, and reclaim it.     👊🏽 We don’t need to lead like men to be effective. But we do need to stop believing the myth that doing good work will be enough. Until we shift the system, we must strategically shape how we're seen within it. So here’s my new leadership mantra: You can care deeply and lead fiercely. You can be emotional and effective. And power isn’t a dirty word, when it’s used to lift others up. What label have you been given that you’re ready to flip? #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #WorkplacePolitics #RealTalk #ExecutivePresence #RewriteTheRules

"Fathom’s latest report, AI at the Crossroads: Public Sentiment and Policy Solutions... draws on two national surveys, includes data from 30 focus groups and qualitative interviews, and features takeaways from 150 conversations with leaders across AI, the business community, and civic groups... Four Key Findings ­ 💡 The public is more aware of AI than other key federal issues, but is unsure about what it will mean for them. Over 77% of voters are aware of AI, but they are unsure about its societal impact. Voters are equally excited and concerned about AI’s potential. - Voters display confusion when deciding how much they would trust AI to perform daily tasks or take actions on their behalf. - Generally, voters are more comfortable with AI assisting with tasks than making decisions. - For example, 66% are comfortable with AI analyzing data for schoolwork, but only 26% are comfortable with AI making a purchase using their credit card. - Moreover, 81% are concerned about AI making decisions without human oversight, and they believe accountability and safety measures are essential. The biggest concerns arise when AI could make life-or-death decisions: - 82% of voters are concerned about AI making combat decisions. - 80% are concerned about AI performing surgeries or other medical procedures. 💡 The public wants to balance innovation with the creation of key guardrails, and their priorities do not fall along party lines. Misinformation, deepfakes, privacy, and AI decision-making without human oversight are top concerns for voters. Voters overwhelmingly support specific guardrails to address these issues, including: - Preventing AI interference in elections (84% support) - Ensuring human oversight (84% support) - Protecting data privacy (83% support) - Combating misinformation (82% support) Doomsday scenarios are viewed as alarmist and not compelling. The public breaks from typical partisan tendencies on AI, with: - Democrats doubting government efficacy. - Republicans acknowledging a role for regulation. 💡 The public is concerned about how the tech sector and government are advancing AI. ... - Public trust in the tech sector is waning. Voters are split in their confidence in the companies developing these technologies and worry they will prioritize profit and speed over safety - A strong majority (68%) believe the government has a role in regulating AI, but over half (56%) do not trust the government to regulate it properlyc 💡 The public is looking for a new model of leadership — we need to build a bigger table. ... - Academics and ethicists are favored for their commitment to safety over corporate interests, while elected officials with expertise in technology are seen as crucial for implementing effective regulations - Additionally, the general population should have input, along with professionals from various affected industries, to create a comprehensive and balanced approach to AI governance."

Ever wondered what a gender analysis actually looks like? This example walks you through it—real questions, real findings, real context. Here’s what you’ll learn from this document: How to structure your analysis ↳ From methodology to thematic areas like access to resources, decision-making, and cultural norms. The kinds of questions that reveal real gender dynamics ↳ Not just “Who does what?”—but “Who decides?” “Who benefits?” and “Who is excluded?” How to present sex-disaggregated data ↳ See how data is used to compare food security, land ownership, and livelihoods across gender lines. How to identify power imbalances and practical implications ↳ Understand how social norms, roles, and access shape food insecurity—especially for women and girls. What makes a gender analysis actionable ↳ Clear recommendations link the findings to future programming—so the analysis leads to change, not just reports. Use this document as a reference, inspiration, or starting point. #GenderAnalysis #gender 🔔 Follow me for similar content ♻️ Sharing is caring

Rethinking #ClimatePolicy: The Power of Tailored Approaches 🌍🏭🧩 Climate policy effectiveness isn't a simple yes or no question. The real challenge lies in understanding which policies work under specific conditions. 🔍 A recent study in Science offers crucial insights into this complex issue, analysing approximately 1,500 climate policies across 41 countries from 1998 to 2022. The research, led by Annika Stechemesser and colleagues, identified 63 successful policy interventions that significantly reduced emissions. Their findings reveal that tailored policy mixes often outperform single-instrument approaches. In the transport sector of developed economies, combining pricing with subsidies was highly effective, while in developing economies, regulation was most powerful, both alone and in combination with other policies. 🚗💨 In the electricity sector of developed economies, pricing was key in 50% of effective interventions, while in developing economies, standalone subsidies were most effective. These findings underscore the importance of context-specific policy design in driving meaningful emission reductions. 🏙️🏭 The study's nuanced approach provides a solid foundation for more effective climate action. However, I believe its implications extend beyond environmental outcomes to the realm of political feasibility. 🏛️🤝 In my view, these tailored policy mixes may offer a promising path through the political gridlock that often impedes climate action. By incorporating diverse policy instruments - from market-based mechanisms to regulations and incentives - these mixes provide multiple points for negotiation between differing ideological positions. 🔧🎯 Consider how this approach might bridge the gap between left and right. Conservatives might favour pricing mechanisms for their market-based approach, while progressives could support strong regulatory measures. A well-designed mix that includes both could potentially satisfy both camps, leading to a more politically viable solution. 🌈🤝 Furthermore, the sector-specific nature of effective policy mixes aligns well with the diverse interests represented in most political systems. Policies tailored to the buildings sector might appeal to urban representatives, while measures targeting industry could gain support from legislators in manufacturing-heavy districts. This granularity allows for more precise addressing of constituent concerns, potentially reducing overall opposition and fostering compromise. 🏙️🏭🤔 In a world grappling with polarization, could this approach offer a pragmatic way forward on climate action? By providing a framework for compromise without sacrificing effectiveness, tailored policy mixes might be key to unlocking sustained, impactful climate policy. 🔑🌱 What's your perspective on this? How might we leverage these insights to overcome political barriers to climate action? Link to study: https://lnkd.in/ehH8tHxf

On the heels of #COP29 in Azerbaijan, the challenge of achieving #netzero has never felt more daunting. We are far off track for the 1.5°C target. Compounding the issue, geopolitical tensions and rising calls for national competitiveness threaten to fragment global cooperation—making the pursuit of green targets more elusive than ever. We know that purely competitive dynamics can stifle progress. "Coopetition"—collaborating with competitors—offers a way to maintain national gains while scaling carbon reductions globally. It is a delicate but essential balance, where leaders can drive outcomes that benefit their economies and the planet. To make this shift tangible, three actions are critical: creating common standards, emphasizing outcome-focused policies, and finding ways to balance national interests with global impact. Climate action in a fragmented world demands nothing less. Read more in this new article by Tim Figures, Keith Halliday, Edmond Rhys Jones, Jamie Webster, Paulina Ponce de Leon Barido, Marc Gilbert, and Burak Tansan. https://lnkd.in/g5pXpq6W #BCGCenterforGeopolitics #Coopetition #Climate #Geopolitics

You walk into the room. You take the right seat. And then—someone starts talking to the man next to you. It happens more often than it should. A friend of mine—an accomplished executive in a male-dominated field—recently shared how she handles this moment. She regularly meets with dignitaries and senior leaders. She takes the appropriate seat across from the most senior decision-maker—because she is the most senior leader from her organization. And yet, too often, the conversation begins with her male colleague beside her. A trusted member of her team, yes—but not the one leading the engagement. Her response? Pure executive presence. She gives her colleague a subtle signal to hold back. She listens. She waits. And then, at the right moment, she steps in—decisively and with clarity. The dynamic shifts. Her leadership is unmistakable. And sometimes, the initial misstep becomes leverage in the conversation. It’s not about ego. It’s about command—about knowing when to speak, how to pivot, and how to lead. I wish moments like this didn’t still happen. But they do. And while I’ve had the privilege of working with men who deeply respect and support women in leadership, we still operate in a world where assumptions linger—and presence must sometimes precede perception. So how do we lead through it—and create a better stage for those rising behind us? We stay sharp. We stay grounded. We lead the room before we speak. For women rising in leadership: 🔹 Let presence precede position. Don’t wait for a title to validate your authority—own the room before anyone asks who’s in charge. 🔹 Empower your team to echo your leadership—without saying a word. Silence, when intentional, can be the strongest show of alignment and respect. 🔹 Turn being underestimated into your competitive edge. When others misread the power dynamic, use the moment to reposition—and redefine—the conversation. We’re not just here to be included. We’re here to set new standards. And if we do this right—those coming next won’t have to prepare for moments like this. They’ll never have to face them at all.

Great to be on the front page of The Canberra Times yesterday with Isabella Vacaflores & my article on whether whether there are gendered differences in the legislation that MPs put forward. 📊 Drawing on a dataset of 1,047 private members' bills from 1995 to 2022, our study reveals some compelling insights: ✅ Female MPs are punching above their weight—proposing more private members' bills than their proportional representation would suggest. ✅ These bills often focus on 'feminised' policy areas like families, welfare, education, and the environment—issues that directly impact women and communities. ✅ Even when addressing topics like climate or migration, women’s language is more human-centred and rights-focused, compared to the more technocratic tone of male MPs. ✅ Independent female MPs are especially active—sponsoring 77% of all private members' bills among independents—suggesting that independence may offer a vital platform for underrepresented voices. ✅ Within major parties, women are also leading the charge: 70% of Labor’s and 82% of the Liberal Party’s private members’ bills were introduced by women. This research does indicate that more women in parliament does equal more attention to legislation impacting women. But, there's still more to do, with our research finding that men less frequently venture into feminised areas of policy than women venture into masculinised issues. 📰 You can read the summary of the findings in The Canberra Times: https://lnkd.in/gNv9jtkD 📄 Full article available here: https://lnkd.in/g9czEFTd #GenderEquality #WomenInPolitics #PolicyResearch #RepresentationMatters #AustralianPolitics #LegislativeLeadership

I have been thinking a lot lately about how to more effectively advance US interests in a new geopolitical environment defined by fragmentation and growing great power competition. The scale and stakes of the energy transition create an opportunity. It will be the largest capital formation event in human history and will require an historic building effort - particularly with the ascendancy of AI. Developing countries and emerging markets will need access to cheap capital and technology to credibly accelerate this transition. I believe this moment calls for an American strategy akin to the Marshall Plan. Almost 80 years ago, Secretary Marshall designed an internationally-facing industrial strategy that was generous to our European allies in an unapologetically pro-American way. Today, if we unlock foreign demand for domestic clean energy innovation in service of meeting other countries’ development and energy transition needs, we will see American workers and businesses benefit. A modern Clean Energy Marshall Plan should be much more than exporting our clean technology. The aim should be to invest in innovation to drive cost declines in emerging markets. It should make supply chains and critical minerals markets more resilient. It should expand other countries’ clean manufacturing capacity abroad. It should serve as the counter to China’s BRI and their looming dominance over clean technology. It should position the US as a reliable partner on clean energy and digital infrastructure at the intersection of energy and AI. Principally, this looks like accelerating the adoption of low-cost, zero-carbon solutions, like the manufacture of batteries, the deployment of nuclear and geothermal, and the diversification of critical minerals processing. It takes the core theory of the IRA abroad: the most credible way to catalyze the uptake of zero-carbon technologies is to make that technology cheap and widely available. But this is not self-executing. Without U.S. leadership and innovation, the world will not act fast enough to counter climate change. Without U.S. action, other countries will outcompete us. Without U.S. investment, other countries will out-partner us. Such a plan requires political focus to enact new authorities and resources, but it is not impossible. Finding lessons in history and taking advantage of this moment of domestic economic strength, the United States can do something generous for people across the globe in a way that benefits Americans. It should take that leap, not just because it is the morally right thing to do, but because it is the strategically necessary thing to do. I put down my thoughts in Foreign Affairs, including the core pillars of a plan for how the United States can get this done. Keen to hear reactions. https://lnkd.in/eVBbDT-4

As I was reading this recent paper: https://bit.ly/4kzEVdp, I found some fascinating insights that can inform efforts towards addressing nutritional challenges in Ethiopia. The study highlights the urgent need for crop diversification, improved livestock integration, and gender-sensitive approaches to enhance nutrition outcomes in the country. With Ethiopia’s agricultural system still dominated by staple grains, and fruits & vegetables contributing less than 1% of Ethiopia’s energy supply, poor dietary diversity remains a major challenge, costing the country an estimated 16% of its GDP annually. Given the latter, research supports integrating legumes, fruits, and vegetables into traditional farming systems to improve nutrient availability. Another key takeaway is the need to strengthen smallholder livestock production to increase the availability of dairy, eggs, and meat. Despite their nutritional value, these foods remain under-consumed due to barriers such as limited veterinary services and high feed costs. Additionally, gender dynamics play a crucial role—while women are central to household nutrition, they often face increased workloads without corresponding decision-making power. The study found that home gardening initiatives improved women's diets but had limited impact on children's nutrition, particularly when men took over profitable gardening activities. So what does this mean for priorities in Ethiopia as they relate to nutritional outcomes? First, we must scale up nutrition-sensitive agriculture by promoting biofortified crops combined with climate-resilient legumes while ensuring smallholder farmers have access to quality seeds. Second, livestock interventions should go beyond production and address key barriers such as feed access, veterinary care, and market linkages. Finally, gender efforts must ensure that nutrition interventions contribute to women well-being rather than increasing their labor burden. This includes integrating financial literacy, equitable resource access, and intra-household decision-making support into agricultural programs. By focusing on these strategies, we can contribute to drive more impactful and long-lasting nutritional outcomes in Ethiopia.

💪 Navigating Challenges as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Workplace As a woman in the workforce, I often find myself balancing cultural expectations with professional aspirations. Working alongside men in a traditionally male-dominated environment presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for growth and empowerment. Here are a few insights I've gained along the way: 1️⃣ Breaking Stereotypes The journey often involves challenging stereotypes and assumptions about what women can achieve. By consistently showcasing my skills and determination, I aim to pave the way for others to follow. 2️⃣ Building Credibility Establishing credibility takes time, especially in a setting where voices like mine may be underrepresented. I strive to prove my value through hard work, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. 3️⃣ Finding My Voice In meetings or discussions, it can be difficult to assert myself when surrounded by male colleagues. I’ve learned the importance of speaking up, sharing my ideas, and standing firm in my beliefs—because my perspective matters. 4️⃣ Cultivating Support Networks Building relationships with both men and women in the workplace is crucial. Having allies who recognize and support my contributions makes a significant difference, and together, we can foster a more inclusive environment. 5️⃣ Embracing Identity Being a woman is a source of pride, and I believe that embracing my identity adds value to my professional interactions. It’s about celebrating diversity and sharing unique perspectives that contribute to our collective success. Despite the challenges, I remain committed to breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way. Together, we can create a workplace that values diversity and empowers everyone to thrive. To all the women out there navigating similar paths, let’s support one another and continue to rise together! 💖 #WomenInBusiness #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment #BreakingBarriers