The packaging industry, like many others, has long been a male-dominated space. But what happens when female leaders challenge the norms and bring their unique perspectives to the forefront? In a recent conversation, a seasoned leader in the packaging sector shared her journey, the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated industries, and how women can reshape leadership to be more inclusive and supportive.
Breaking into a Male-Dominated Industry
Our guest, Elizabeth Corbett, who now leads a packaging business group, shared her experience of navigating industries where women are often underrepresented. She recalled her husband’s experience at a tech training program: “He goes to this session, and there were, like, 100 people in the room. I asked him how many women were there. He said, there were four. And I said, let me guess. Did they all go sit together? He said, yes, they did.” This scenario is all too familiar in industries like tech, cannabis, and packaging, where women are frequently isolated and lack the necessary mentorship and support to thrive.
The Importance of Authentic Leadership
One of the key insights shared was the evolution of female leadership. In the past, women in leadership positions often felt compelled to “act like men” to gain respect, but this approach didn’t always foster the kind of mentorship or support needed by other women.
“When I was starting out, the mentors that I had who were women felt like they had to act like men. They would dress like men. They were harder on the other women. They didn’t lift them up.”
However, as our guest progressed in her career, she recognized the value of being authentic. She emphasized that women don’t need to “act like a dude” to be effective leaders. Instead, they can lead with empathy, authenticity, and inclusivity, setting a new standard for leadership across all industries.
Building a Supportive Network
Understanding the value of community, Elizabeth has made it her mission to network with women across different industries—from cosmetics to cannabis to packaging—to create spaces where women can support one another. “I’ve started networking with women in other groups, other industries, whether that be cosmetics, whether that be cannabis, whether that be packaging. It’s our responsibility to help that next generation come up.”
She now leads a team that is predominantly female, which is rare in the packaging industry.
“I’m really fortunate to have built a team that’s primarily women—there are nine of us, and only three guys. And I thank them all the time for being part of my female-centric team.”
This dynamic allows for a culture that values respect and inclusivity, which has directly contributed to the team’s success.
Overcoming Challenges and Sharing Wisdom
Despite the progress, Elizabeth acknowledges that sexism still exists. She recalls a previous job where she faced blatant discrimination: “I had someone literally say to me, as they were messing around with my compensation, that they couldn’t understand why it was a problem because my husband had a good job, and it wasn’t like I needed my money to pay the mortgage.” Experiences like these underscore the need for women in leadership to know their worth and advocate for themselves.
Through her career, she’s learned valuable lessons that she now shares with others: don’t stay in a job too long if it’s not right for you, know your value, and recognize when it’s time to move on from an unproductive situation. These are mistakes many women make, even at the highest levels. “If you interview any CEO of a Fortune 500 company, most of them will say, ‘Yep, I did the same thing.’”
Transforming Leadership and Workplace Culture
As more women step into leadership roles, they have the power to reshape workplace culture. Our guest credits a transformative leadership program for helping her become a more empathetic and effective leader. The program involved intensive self-assessment and feedback from colleagues at all levels.
“You may think of yourself in a certain way, but how do people really look at you? It was a big slap in the face when you realize that how you thought you were impacting people around you is completely different than the way they look at you.”
This experience taught her the importance of transparency, kindness, and fostering genuine connections. “I realized that the people who work with you and for you, they want to know you. And now I’m the opposite—I’ll tell you anything.”
Key Takeaways for Female Leaders
Be Authentic: You don’t need to conform to outdated standards of leadership. Lead with empathy and stay true to yourself.
Build Supportive Networks: Connect with women across industries. By sharing experiences and offering support, you can help lift others as you rise.
Know Your Worth: Understand your value and don’t be afraid to advocate for what you deserve.
Create a Culture of Respect and Kindness: Prioritize a workplace culture that values people—both employees and clients. This not only leads to better business outcomes but also fosters long-term success.
The Future of Leadership
The experiences shared in this conversation highlight how female leadership can redefine industries. By embracing authenticity, building strong networks, and prioritizing a respectful and inclusive culture, women in leadership roles are setting new standards that benefit everyone. As Elizabeth emphasized, “If we can’t make this place better than we left it, why else are we here?”
If you’re a woman in a leadership role or aspiring to be one, consider joining industry-specific networks and seeking out mentorship opportunities.
"The more we support each other, the more we can collectively change the landscape for future generations."
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