Bonnie Hammer discusses the misconceptions women face in the workplace and how she found her own unique success.

In a viral TikTok viewed over 3 million times, creator Jools Lebron suggests that professionalism means being presentable and subdued in the workplace. While some viewers see humor in this notion, many agree that it reflects an expectation to tone down our true selves.

Bonnie Hammer, former Vice Chairman of NBC Universal and author of: “15 Lies Women Are Told At Work: The Truth We Need To Succeed”, argues against this norm. She believes work doesn't require us to abandon our authentic selves.

Hammer asserts that adopting a more muted persona at work can hinder our progress. "Women often feel they must be serious and responsible to earn respect," she notes. "In contrast, men have long engaged in social activities like golfing and fantasy leagues with colleagues."

Women should embrace humor and camaraderie, celebrating both successes and setbacks together. Hammer emphasizes, "Being genuine and relatable doesn’t mean you’ll be taken any less seriously."

Here are three significant misconceptions Bonnie Hammer highlights that may be obstructing women's career advancement, along with her recommended approaches.

MYTH 1: PERSONAL WORTH EQUALS PROFESSIONAL WORTH

While closely intertwined, personal and professional value are distinct. "Younger generations are demanding better compensation and titles before proving themselves," Hammer explains. "However, in the professional realm, demonstrating your worth is essential first."

Once you’ve established your professional value, Hammer suggests you can pursue promotions confidently, stating, "You need to earn that opportunity first." Conversely, personal worth is inherent and cannot be diminished by others.

MYTH 2: YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL AT ONCE

The belief that women can manage every aspect of life simultaneously is “extremely damaging,” according to Hammer. "Between 30 and 40, it's a pivotal growth period in the career while also being a key time for family planning."

This conflict can lead to feelings of imbalance. The key is determining what matters most at different times and adjusting priorities accordingly, whether it's career advancement, family, or balancing both.

“Everyone’s definition of 'having it all' is unique,” Hammer states. “Understanding your personal priorities and accepting that they may shift over time is crucial.”

MYTH 3: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

Perhaps the most misleading advice is to relentlessly pursue our dreams. Hammer suggests we should focus on saying yes to new opportunities, regardless of whether they align with our perceived “dream job.”

Notably, LinkedIn's 2024 report reveals that four of the five fastest-growing job roles today didn’t even exist two decades ago. Hammer encourages exploring opportunities rather than fixating on dreams. This approach fosters horizontal growth, creating diverse experiences and broader opportunities as we advance in our careers.