Not Made For You—30 Years of Startup Leadership as the Only Woman in the Room

Nov 12

NOVEMBER 12, 2025 | 00:34 | Episode 95

Kae Williams, Software Marketing Executive

Kae Williams is a global software marketing executive on a mission to empower women in their careers through her work and her forthcoming book, Not Made For You. She raises awareness about bias and hostile work cultures so every woman feels supported, respected, and enabled to achieve her full potential. She champions this cause through writing, speaking, coaching, and nonprofit work because when barriers are removed for women, everyone benefits.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Intro

The conversation with Kae Kronthaler-Williams delves into the nuanced challenges faced by women in the realm of startup leadership, particularly as she articulates her experiences navigating a landscape often fraught with unspoken barriers. Kae draws upon her extensive career to illuminate the systemic issues that hinder women's full participation and recognition within corporate environments. She emphasizes the necessity for women to develop pragmatic strategies to confront these insidious barriers while maintaining their career trajectories. Furthermore, Kae's insights extend to her forthcoming book, "Not Made For You," which aims to provide a voice to these challenges and offer actionable guidance for women striving for success in their professional endeavors. This discourse not only underscores the importance of gender representation in leadership roles but also serves as a clarion call for organizational awareness and cultural transformation.

Conversation

The discussion between Jothy Rosenberg and Kae Kronthaler-Williams presents a profound exploration of the challenges encountered by women in the startup ecosystem. Kae, with over three decades of experience in startup leadership as a woman of color, articulately shares her insights on the barriers that often remain unspoken yet significantly hinder women's career progress. Through her personal experiences and her new book, 'Not Made For You', she sheds light on the pervasive issues of sexism, ageism, racism, and microaggressions that women face in the workplace. Kae emphasizes the necessity for women to navigate these challenges with resilience and strategic acumen, providing practical approaches to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. This episode serves not merely as a narrative of struggles but as an empowering guide for women aspiring to thrive in their careers, offering them tools to confront biases and advocate for themselves effectively.

Takeaways

Kae Kronthaler-Williams emphasizes the unspoken barriers women face in their careers and how they can navigate these challenges effectively.
The discussion highlights the importance of equal gender representation in leadership roles, which significantly impacts workplace dynamics and decisions.
Kae shares her experience of advocating not only for herself but also for her team, showcasing the need for visibility and recognition in male-dominated environments.
The podcast underscores the necessity of building one-on-one relationships to overcome biases and foster authentic connections in professional settings.
Kae's insights reveal that women's experiences in the workplace can differ drastically from men's, necessitating unique strategies for success.
The significance of addressing issues like sexism, harassment, and microaggressions is paramount, as these factors contribute to the challenges women encounter in their careers.