In today’s world, women are taking on roles that were once thought to be the sole domain of men—whether in business, government, or diplomacy. Megan Naylor, a senior economic officer for the US Embassy, is one such woman reshaping the face of international relations.
Her story reveals the challenges and opportunities women face in diplomacy, which often mirrors the experiences of women in business. Let’s dive into her journey and her perspective on the evolving role of women in leadership.
An Unexpected Journey into Diplomacy
Megan’s journey into diplomacy wasn’t part of her childhood dreams. Growing up in Texas, she had little awareness of international relations. Initially, she worked in economic development in the United States and pursued graduate studies in Business Administration and Economic Development. It was only after meeting someone passionate about a career in the Foreign Service that Megan was introduced to the world of diplomacy This “someone” later happened to become Megan’s husband. She followed him to Liberia, a post-conflict country, right after finishing her MBA.
For Megan, it was a challenging shift. Leaving behind her peers who were pursuing high-level corporate positions for an unfamiliar country with limited infrastructure. However, she saw this as an opportunity for growth and embraced it. Megan took on a role as a public affairs officer at the embassy.
“It led to a lot of soul searching and kind of thinking about what I wanted to do next,” Megan shared.
Working alongside Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is currently the US Ambassador to the United Nations, had a profound impact on her career.
“She has this wonderful, amazing personality, and is full of so much energy and is so authentic and engaging,” Megan said. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield showed Megan that diplomacy could be driven by authenticity, warmth, and genuine engagement with others.
Megan Naylor pri nahrávaní podcastu
Navigating Gender Challenges in Diplomacy as Women
Megan acknowledges that being a woman in diplomacy comes with its own set of challenges, similar to those faced by women in business. Historically, the US Department of State had rules that prevented women diplomats from working if they got married. It took lawsuits and significant societal changes to break down those discriminatory barriers.
Today, about 40% of American diplomats are women, but only 30% of ambassadors are female. This disparity highlights the lingering challenges women face in reaching senior positions, both in diplomacy and business.
Women still face institutional barriers, societal expectations, and challenges balancing work and family responsibilities. Megan pointed out how men often find it easier to navigate these aspects due to societal norms, where women are typically expected to prioritize family over career.
“As a woman in diplomacy today, I see myself as someone who is meant to be here,” Megan said.
The Importance of Setting Ambitious Goals for Women
Megan emphasizes the need for women to set “big, audacious goals”. A term she borrowed from a book she is currently reading, written by one of her business school professors.
She believes that while no one achieves 100% of what they want, it is important to aim high, even beyond what feels comfortable. “You’ll never get to 100%, but if you keep your ambitions low, it’s going to keep you down even further,” Megan said. Pushing beyond limits, even if it leads to some disappointment, ultimately results in greater success.
Megan also shared how women need to balance assertiveness with warmth. This can help them advance while maintaining good relationships with their peers. This balance is often key to navigating the complexities of leadership roles in male-dominated fields.
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Support and Mentorship for Women
A strong support network is crucial for women navigating challenging fields like diplomacy. Megan believes in the power of mentorship and allyship. Supporting each other, being there to guide and motivate, and acknowledging that sometimes the system is stacked against women, can help lift others up. It’s about showing empathy and setting an example. Example of what effective leadership looks like—combining decisiveness with care for the team.
“It’s so important for women to support each other in the workplace,” Megan emphasized. “We can support each other as we work against barriers.”
Women in leadership roles have the opportunity to break stereotypes by being both assertive and empathetic. Megan highlighted that in the past, some women in senior roles might have tried to emulate men by being more ruthless. However, there is a growing recognition that empathy and vulnerability, when combined with strength, make for a truly effective leader.
Balancing Work and Life
Balancing professional and personal life is another major challenge for women in demanding careers. Megan shared her own experience of managing her diplomatic duties while raising two children. She emphasized the importance of being conscious about choices—deciding where to spend time, and sometimes outsourcing tasks like childcare or household chores to focus on what truly matters.
“There are constant choices,” she said, “like last night, I really wanted to attend a diplomatic gathering, but my kids had a school bake sale, and I chose to be there for them.”
She also pointed out that work-life balance isn’t just important for women with families but for everyone. Employees should be able to pursue their hobbies and have time to relax, without feeling obligated to work constantly. Setting boundaries, such as limiting the time spent checking work emails, is key to maintaining that balance.
Megan Naylor pri nahrávaní podcastu
Changing Gender Roles and Leading by Example
Megan also touched on the evolving roles of men and women in both households and the workplace. She spoke about how, in her own family, responsibilities are shared equally between her and her husband. “We are partners,” Megan said. She believes in setting a good example for her sons. By teaching them from a young age that tasks like cooking and cleaning are normal and necessary for everyone.
This shift towards shared responsibilities and more egalitarian roles is something that Megan hopes to see more of in future generations. By involving children in household tasks and modeling equal partnerships, parents can help shape a future where gender roles are more balanced.
Megan’s experiences remind us that with determination, support, and the courage to aim high, women can achieve remarkable things—even in fields historically dominated by men.
This conversation was part of a podcast, and our readers can watch and listen to it on various streaming platforms.
