How to handle precocious women | Marcia Reynolds | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018

There is a calling for women to speak up and take charge, yet when they speak truth to power, they encounter stigmas and bias that make them feel as if something is wrong with them. Leadership consultant and coach, Dr. Marcia Reynolds, focused her doctoral research on defining the challenges that assertive, purpose-driven women face in work and in life. Some prevail but many burnout, losing their sense of value and sometimes, their sense of self. Dr. Reynolds lived this scenario growing up when she was labeled “smart ass” “bitch” and “precocious child.” After bad choices led her to jail, it was her cellmate that taught her she was a smart, strong woman who shouldn’t be silenced. Reenergized, she earned degrees and fought her way up corporate ladders. Her struggles then helped her define the inner conflicts and restlessness that many women experience when contending with ongoing attempts to make them well-mannered. This talk shares what she found and stories from her book, Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction. It’s not only the women, but all society suffers by not appreciating what strong and opinionated women have to offer. The time is right to embrace Precocious Women. Dr. Marcia Reynolds is fascinated by the brain. She draws on her research as she coaches and trains leaders to recognize and bring out the brilliance in others through meaningful conversations. She has worked with leaders in 38 countries, including top universities such as the Harvard Kennedy School, Cornell University, and the Moscow School of Management. Dr. Reynolds is a pioneer in the coaching profession.Interviews and excerpts from Marcia’s books have appeared in many places including Fast Company, Psychology Today, and The Wall Street Journal. Marcia’s doctoral degree is in organizational psychology and she has two master’s degrees in education and communications.