Women In Business: An Interview with Aaron Knipp and Lenna Murray

Today Cinthia spent the first two segments with guest Aaron Knipp of Cicospace (cicospace.com), whom long-time listeners will recognize from previous shows.  The two discussed some recent changes in the business world that have implications for women.  The business world has shifted from its traditional emphasis on authority, competition, strength, and expertise to a more relational approach in which authenticity, making connections, storytelling, and developing genuine relationships is expected.  This tends to work well for women, who tend to be more relational and adaptive.  This does not negate the value of traditional male characteristics or approaches but does mean that women may have a special “time to shine” in the business world right now. 

Cinthia encouraged women to pay attention to the way they come across to men in the business world so that they can implement their assertiveness in ways that communicate courtesy to men as well as women.  For example, she explained that raising the eyebrows and phrasing a sales pitch in terms of confidence that the listener will be excited about it can communicate confidence without undue aggression or “sinister” intent.  Aaron noted that men must be polite, as well, but Cinthia explained that men may react differently to a sense of threat or rudeness from women than they do from men, making it wiser to communicate in ways that clarify intent.  Women also have to learn to be careful about showing insecurities or giving away too much too soon or being too willing to morph for someone else’s idea.  Polite ways to shut down a potential business connection, noting that it is unlikely to be a good fit and would be a waste of time for both sides, were discussed. 

Women often do not realize they are frequently put in a one-down position BECAUSE they are powerful.  They do not realize how men really see them because they see themselves so differently than men do.  Cinthia recommended leading with politeness.  Women can stop being nice if they need to do so, but they can start friendly and reduce the sense of threat men may have.  Really, everyone should do this; everyone should be polite.  But women especially need to be polite when confronting because men will determine to win, and it’s not good for either of them. 

In the third segment, Lenna Murray joined Cinthia to discuss her business, an intravenous vitamin therapy bar franchise called The Drip Bar in Scottsdale, AZ (480-550-8369).  She discussed learning about the benefits of this technique when loved ones recovered from serious health problems with the help of intravenous vitamin therapies.  She and Cinthia discussed the importance of taking care of one’s health and the responsibility to treat our bodies well in a variety of ways instead of using “quick fix” approaches that can be detrimental.