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Why Public Relations Still Has a Leadership Problem

March 24, 2026 · 22 min

Show notes

Communications is often described as a female-led profession, but that label can hide a harder truth. Women may make up much of the industry, yet the balance often shifts when it comes to senior leadership, influence, and decision-making.

So, what’s still standing in the way, and why has progress been slower than it should be?

Natasha Plowman argues gender equity cannot remain a women-only conversation, yet many men still hold back because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing, unsure how to contribute, or feel the issue is not theirs to address.

In this episode, why silence protects the status quo. And change usually starts when more than the excluded group speaks up.

Listen For

2:33 Why Does a Female-Powered Industry Still Struggle to Put Women in Leadership?
5:12 Why Are Men Reluctant to Join Gender Equity Conversations?
7:24 What Does Real Allyship from Men in the Workplace Look Like?
11:45 Is the Backlash Against DEI Actually About Performative Policies?
14:21 Would Simply Adding More Women to Leadership Solve the Problem?


Guest: Natasha Plowman

Spinning Red Website | Antiquoted Website | Email Break the Silence | Natasha LinkedIn


Doug

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Farzana

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