Pitch like a girl?

1 min read · March 28, 2025
New Power Labs

A 2019 research by Balachandra, Briggs, Eddleston, and Brush found that feminine behaviours decreased the likelihood of being a finalist in a pitch competition by 13%, regardless of the entrepreneur’s gender. 

Business competence, preparedness, and leadership are positively correlated with masculine-stereotyped behaviours and negatively correlated with feminine-stereotyped behaviours.

Entrepreneurs who display feminine behaviours are unfairly penalized, not for their business acumen but for how they present themselves. 

These biases are particularly challenging for transgender and non-binary entrepreneurs, who may not fit into traditional masculine or feminine stereotypes. Investors’ expectations around business competence are even more rigid when an entrepreneur’s gender expression challenges conventional norms.

Correlating masculine-stereotyped behaviours with perceived business competence is a flawed view of leadership. Traits often labeled as feminine—such as empathy, collaboration, and adaptability—are key drivers of business success. 

True competence isn’t about fitting into gender norms but about the ability to lead, strategize, and execute effectively.

Narinder

New Power Labs

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