Catalyzing

Catalyzing is the Catalyst blog, bringing together and amplifying diverse voices that share Catalyst’s mission to expand opportunities for women and business. Catalyzing reflects the wide range of opinions, ideas, and experiences of Catalyst employees, incorporating perspectives from our offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. It also features non-Catalyst industry leaders, experts, and academics committed to changing workplaces and lives. 

  •
    Catalyzing
    Take Five: LGBT Inclusion in India

    “I’m not a eunuch, I’m a homosexual! It’s not wrong to be a eunuch, and it’s not wrong to be gay!”

    Hearing the lines above in the opening scene of “Bombay Talkies,” a recent film released as a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema, brought to mind the frustrating paradox of life for...

    June 19, 2013 by Aarti Shyamsunder, PhD

  • Catalyzing
    Blind Woman Walks Into a Bar (Exam)

    As a legally blind young lawyer, I have not always found the legal profession especially welcoming. First, there’s the “problem” of my being a woman. Nearly half of all law school graduates are women; far fewer remain in the profession, let alone go on to be partners or judges.

    And then...

    June 14, 2013 by Anne Blackfield

  • Catalyzing
    What My Dad Taught Me about “Women’s Work”

    As a ninth grade student, I went with my Dad to Take Your Kids to Work Day.  Instead of having me follow him around for the day, he set up meetings for me with many of the women in the office.  I asked them questions, and learned about their jobs.  They told me why they loved working, what about...

    June 13, 2013 by Kerry Goodenow

  • Catalyzing
    #WomanCan Spotlight: Chantal Glenisson

    Welcome to the latest in our series of #WomenCan profiles, highlighting executives who are Catalysts for change in their careers and their companies. This week, the spotlight is on Chantal Glenisson, Senior Vice-President, Operations, Eastern Canada, Walmart Canada Corp., who learned about...

    June 11, 2013 by Catalyst

  • Catalyzing
    A Surprise Attack of Stereotyping

    I arrived at LaGuardia airport early one cold morning, shortly after Hurricane Sandy had paralyzed transportation throughout New York City. I felt proud of myself for being on time. Car services were raising their prices astronomically and I’d managed to get a ride to the airport without paying...

    June 7, 2013 by Jeff Barth

  • Catalyzing
    When It Doesn’t Pay to Wear the Pants

    This month, we’ll be focusing on LGBT issues and workplace inclusivity (“Everyone at the table”). We’re kicking off our coverage with today’s blog post—written by a former Catalyst intern!—which details obstacles faced by butch women in the workplace. As we delve into these important and timely...

    June 4, 2013 by Hannah Winsten

  • #WomenCan
    Catalyzing
    #WomenCan Spotlight: Shachi Irde

    Welcome to the latest in our series of #WomenCan profiles, highlighting executives who are Catalysts for change in their careers and their companies. This week, the spotlight is on Shachi Irde, Executive Director, Catalyst India WRC. Learn how she is helping to address stereotypes, change...

    May 30, 2013 by Shachi Irde

  • Catalyzing
    Who Took a Chance on You?

    When was the last time you took a chance on another person at your workplace? When was the last time you really advocated for a colleague? Or the last time someone did the same for you? Maybe you recommended a star performer for a high-visibility project, or perhaps a mentor sang your praises to...

    May 28, 2013 by Liz Mulligan-Ferry, Julie S. Nugent

  • Catalyzing
    In Death as in Life, Trailblazing Women Are Trivialized

    She was undoubtedly a leader and a trailblazer in her field. But when rocket scientist Yvonne Brill died and The New York Times recorded her life’s achievements in a prominent obituary, she was trumpeted as “the world’s best mom” who made a “mean beef stroganoff.” At a time when most women...

    May 23, 2013 by Cindy Skrzycki

  • Catalyzing
    #WomenCan Spotlight: Abbe Luersman

    Welcome to our new series of  #WomenCan profiles, highlighting exceptional female executives who are Catalysts for change in their careers and their companies. Learn how these smart leaders are rising up the ranks, changing corporate mindsets, and addressing and overcoming stereotypes about what...

    May 21, 2013 by Catalyst