Berkeley Executive Education met with Juliana Schroeder to discuss the future of women in business. 

Juliana Schroeder is a professor in the Management of Organizations group at the Haas School of Business. She is a faculty affiliate in the Social Psychology Department, the Cognition Department, and the Center for Human-Compatible AI at UC Berkeley. She teaches the Negotiations and Conflict Resolution course at Haas. She also teaches in Berkeley Executive Education's Executive Decision Making with Data Science program.

Is there a notable female who inspires you?

JS: I'm inspired by the incredible senior female faculty at the Haas School of Business including Laura Kray and Jenny Chatman.

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?

JS: At times it can be hard to get people to take you seriously and listen to you. It is sometimes hard to feel that you have a voice.

What are some traits that you think great female leaders possess?

JS: Finding the right balance between agency and warmth. I think the best leaders are highly agentic but stay compassionate and empathetic.

What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?

JS: Developing a voice in male-dominated industries that are becoming more prevalent. (I'm thinking about the tech industry in particular)

What do you believe women can do to make a substantial difference in shaping the future culture in business?

JS: Women need to grow to the top (of their organization) to have an impact on business, and create a mentoring system to create a ladder for others to get to the top.

What are some notable experiences/stories that surface for you from female participants you've worked with in ExecEd programs?

JS: I taught a custom Berkeley Executive Education program in Saudi Arabia last year and heard about the social revolution happening there from some of my female students. They are navigating incredible change and doing so with such grace and aplomb. It is really amazing.