Recently, I spoke at a conference with 10,000 attendees, about 90 percent men. I noticed that many of the women were wearing fashionable, but very high, heels. At one point, I found myself continually noticing a woman standing on the side of the room. She was in four-inch heels and I kept thinking, “is she comfortable in those things!? Why didn’t she wear something more comfortable? Would it really make a difference if she was?”
I have been thinking about this same topic when I watch the impressive role that Nancy Pelosi is playing as Speaker of the House. She is an accomplished political leader with a storied career who will be celebrating her 80th birthday in March. I cannot help to notice that she is walking around the capitol building in very high heels.
I also spend a lot of time walking from home to work and from building to building once I am at work. I carry my sensible walking shoes in my bag and I do multiple shoe changes throughout the day. In fact, I will do this four times today. On a day like today, I find myself asking the question – why do I do this? The only answer I have come up with is that it’s a norm that I have grown accustomed to, but it just doesn’t make sense. I have always felt underdressed without heels, but that needs to change.
All of this leads me to think about the name of my blog. Does it promote the stereotype that women must wear high heels to be successful? To be honest, when I started this blog, I didn’t give too much thought to the name. Heels of Success was suggested to me, and it sounded like a memorable play on words. However, as time has passed, I believe it misrepresents my purpose in writing these posts. I am considering a change to the name, and I’d like to hear from you. What do you think of the name? Do you have any ideas for a future name? With all of the challenges still facing women in the workplace, uncomfortable feet should be an easy one to overcome!
Interestingly, I just responded to a Facebook survey asking for self-care strategies. The only one I listed was comfortable shoes. I do my best work when I’m comfortable. I don’t feel pressured to wear heels, but I do like the way they look on others.
Name Suggestions
Sister Success
Sister Squad Soundbites for Success
Success for Sisters
Sisters Share Success
Soles of Success
This is a thoughtful post! As a young professional (and someone who has been following this blog for about a year) I appreciate you using your influence to pose this important question. The blog’s title gives a clear indicator of the subject matter but can also be seen as confining. I see no harm in keeping the name (or changing it, really) as long as the actual content of the blog represents the numerous ways women can be successful in the workplace. And, gendered appearance expectations aside, there is nothing inherently wrong with recognizing heels as a valid choice for presenting oneself.
“With all of the challenges still facing women in the workplace, uncomfortable feet should be an easy one to overcome!” And yet, easier said than done!…which is why I personally don’t have a problem with the name. I think you can take it as playful, tongue in cheek and not a setback for women in the workplace. My 2 cents! I read this blog after an NY Times digest that had a pic of Amy Klobuchar “changing into more comfortable shoes” before an event and I couldn’t help but think “why no pics of the men changing shoes?” Oh, right, because they don’t need to. I think there’s still a point to be made.
Good Morning Madeline!
I recently started subscribing to your blog after hearing you as keynote to a National Diversity Council sponsored event at Blue Cross. My recently formed company Prism Therapeutic Consulting wishes to be part of the D and I conversation as it pertains to Disability Awareness and that is why we were present at the event. As a clinician, I also know the challenges we currently face breaking into the corporate culture as credible businesswomen, reminding ourselves we are climibing a boulder, so tread steadily and stay your course.
Along the same vein, women leadership in healthcare is also a boulder and I think that is why I enjoy your blogs so much because I appreciate your perspective as a woman, as well as former clinical professional.
In light of your most recent post, I found it to be really thoughtful and also rings so true to where I see myself professionally too. As I have shifted into this business world, I too, have had to wrestle with the notion of “professional wear”. As a PT, my go to is yoga pants and sneakers, my hair is uber curly and I work with children. Comfort is key to my persona. It is my identity,my truth. Suddenly at presentations, conferences and alike, I question myself,” do I need to blow out my hair, buy a power suit, wear heels?” None of which make me feel comfortable, but does that cloud my credibility if I do not?
I have decided that in an effort to stay true to myself, my beliefs (feet should always be comforted and coddled in good supportive footwear), and my professionalism, comfort reigns over heels and blowouts.In the meantime, I realize that my credibility comes from my work, my presentations, my patient/client care, not the height of my heels.
I am impressed with your professional journey and you model the capability and vision of other clinical professionals out there who feel they may never get out or have ability to get out of the “trenches” or voice from their world.
In response to your request on a name change, I think something that speaks to the work you are doing to move the needle or reshape the norm is both visionary and individuallly focused, exactly what your blogs have portrayed.
Here is what I have come up with :
Swinging the Bell
-Hashing along with Madeline
The norm shifts… one hash mark at a time to reach the exceptional…. Would love to know your thoughts. Have a great day!
Warm regards,
Stephanie
I have always liked the name of the blog and I would not want to see it change. The name resonates with me as I am a believer in high heels and paying the price with painful feet. High heels not only polish the look but give also a feel of authority, ambition, and grace. Once, I put on the high heels, I know that I am “on”. I think there is a special breed of woman to wear heels and I am proud of it. It is always easier, more comfortable, and more convenient to wear flats (anyone can do that..) – but I don’t think that this is who I am and what I want.