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In today’s fast-paced professional world, there are numerous challenges women face in the workplace. While some are obvious, like unequal pay and limited opportunities for advancement, others are more subtle, often manifesting as unconscious bias, ingrained gender norms, or a lack of institutionalized support for women. These barriers can prevent women from realizing their full potential. Dee Poku, Founder and CEO of the WIE Suite, and Jennifer Justice, Founder and CEO of the Justice Dept., are two powerful voices advocating for systemic change and the creation of a more inclusive, supportive business culture for women.
Cultural Attitudes and Barriers to Women’s Success
Both Dee and Jennifer recognize the invisible barriers women face, particularly within ingrained cultural norms. Dee shares her personal experience, reflecting on how cultural expectations shaped her approach to work early on. “I was raised in a culture that valued humility and hard work, believing that success would follow,” she explains. “But when I entered the workforce, I realized that it wasn’t just about working hard; I had to advocate for myself, make sure my work was visible, and put myself in the right rooms. It’s not enough to be competent; you need to be noticed.”
Jennifer’s perspective echoes this sentiment. Having worked alongside Jay-Z for 17 years, she saw firsthand the disparity in how men and women navigate professional environments. “I started my company because I realized women weren’t advocating for themselves the way men were,” she says. “Women were being offered lower pay for higher-level roles, and they weren’t negotiating to get what they deserved. It’s not about a lack of desire; it’s the absence of a supportive culture and system that empowers women to speak up.”
Encouraging Women to Speak Up and Advocate for Themselves
Jennifer, who helps negotiate executive contracts for women, highlights the importance of women learning to advocate for their worth. “If you can afford to hire someone to help you negotiate, do it. But for those who can’t, we need to start talking to each other about our salaries and compensation packages,” she says. “For some reason, women have been taught that discussing money is taboo, but it’s okay for men to do it. We need to normalize these conversations.”
She also stresses the importance of solidarity among women. “In my work, I’ve seen women who are dissatisfied with their pay, but none of them had ever discussed it with each other,” Jennifer adds. “We need to share information, support one another, and advocate for each other. When women lift each other up, we all succeed.”
Building Transactional Relationships and Shifting Cultural Norms
Dee emphasizes the need for women to engage in more transactional relationships. This means moving beyond the typical friendships and support networks to foster professional relationships that can benefit both parties. “We shy away from terms like ‘transactional’ and ‘networking,’ but these are action words that help you get ahead,” Dee explains. “Friendships are important, but we also need to be active in helping each other with introductions, referrals, and opportunities.”
She adds that these types of relationships are key to creating an empowered women’s business culture. “When women are too protective of their resources or networks, they miss opportunities to help each other grow. It’s important to ask for what you need and to be open to receiving help,” Dee says. “I built my business on this ethos—helping women engage in transactional relationships, making the ask, and not being afraid to receive.”
Leveraging Social Platforms for Advocacy
Both Dee and Jennifer understand the power of social media in today’s business world, particularly when it comes to using platforms to support other women. Jennifer encourages women to use their social media platforms to lift others up by sharing their achievements and promoting one another. “Social media can be a great equalizer. It democratizes information and gives everyone a chance to be seen,” she says. “Reposting someone’s win, promoting their work, or simply sharing information can make a huge difference. The more eyes on their work, the more opportunities they have.”
Dee agrees, emphasizing the importance of telling our stories. “Social media is about sharing both successes and struggles. It’s important to talk about the challenges we face and the victories we achieve. By being vocal about our experiences, we can help others who are navigating similar paths,” she explains. “The more we normalize these conversations, the more we break down the cultural barriers that women face.”
The Future of Women’s Business Culture
Both leaders are optimistic about the future of women in business, but they stress that for lasting change, women must take proactive steps toward empowerment. Jennifer envisions a future where women have equal social, financial, and political power. “For true feminism to succeed, women need equal access to power. We control 80% of purchasing power, but we need to negotiate pay and opportunities just as men do,” she says. “Only when women have equal power will we see the systemic changes needed for true gender equality.”
Dee shares a similar vision, focused on increasing representation of women and people of color in positions of leadership. “We need more women, particularly women of color, in power. When we bring our diverse experiences to the table, we create a more inclusive and just work culture,” Dee says. “By leveling the playing field and ensuring that women are at the top, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive.”
Practical Advice for Women in the Workplace
Both Dee and Jennifer have valuable advice for women navigating their careers today. Dee urges women to embrace transactional relationships. “Don’t shy away from making the ask,” she advises. “And don’t be afraid to ask for introductions or referrals. That’s how you move forward.”
Jennifer advises women to take ownership of their careers, starting with negotiating their worth. “If we don’t ask for what we’re worth, we’ll never get it. We need to advocate for ourselves, educate ourselves on compensation packages, and not let the fear of rejection hold us back,” she says. “And most importantly, we need to lift each other up and create a culture of support and accountability.”
Looking Ahead: Global Expansion and Impact
Both Dee and Jennifer are working on initiatives that will shape the future of women’s business culture. Dee is expanding the WIE Suite into Europe, creating a global network for women to collaborate, learn, and grow. “It’s important to understand the world beyond our own cultures. By creating relationships and opportunities globally, we can make an even greater impact,” Dee says.
Meanwhile, Jennifer is focusing on her new course, “Be the Boss of Your Career,” which helps young women understand the importance of negotiating compensation packages and advocating for themselves. “I want to help women understand that they deserve more, and I want to give them the tools to get it,” she says.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Both Dee and Jennifer are passionate about creating a women’s business culture that is inclusive, supportive, and empowering. Through advocacy, collaboration, transparency, and proactive efforts to break down invisible barriers, they believe women can achieve equality in the workplace. “It’s not about doing it alone,” Dee concludes. “It’s about doing it together. When women support each other, we all succeed.”
Watch the full interview below:
