Women’s Lib. Betty Friedan. Rowe v Wade. Helen Reddy. What would you say are the three most significant changes for women that have taken place in the last 30 to 40 years? And what do they mean for women today and tomorrow? Our guest this week is Dr. Debra Kaufman, Director of Womens’ Studies at Northeastern University. Music heard on this show includes “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy and “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by Zindy.

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Cindy called to say her work situation is going south, after more than twelve years. She is a Senior Vice President who had aspirations of gaining the top position in her department. But nine months ago Bob was hired to the post- ahead of Cindy. (more…)

Personal reactions to Hillary Clinton have been increasingly on my mind. I’m not referring to her political stances or affiliation, but rather to the organized and not so organized emotional responses to her as the first US woman to make it this close to the front door of the Oval Office. Hillary is a trailblazer. As such, she is perceived and judged differently than a man.

No matter what Hillary says, wears, or does, she provokes unending criticism. (more…)

As metaphors go, this is one of the best for teaching us how to succeed at virtually anything. Sometimes we are all that prevents true happiness in our relationships and careers. Here’s how to connect to your soul. Take this cello lesson, tap into your inner-self, and discover all you are, all you were meant to be. My thanks to fellow podcaster, Heidi Miller from “Diary of a Shameless Self-Promoter” for relating this story, and to author John David Mann for playing the notes. Music heard in this episode includes “Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major” by yo-yo Ma.

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How do you define retirement? Craig Jennings calls it “a nap on the way to the big sleep.” And at age 74, and running three businesses himself, who has time to nap? Today, many younger workers envision their “after work” years as adventure-filled. As a small business coach who went from CBS sales exec to African deep sea diver, Mr. Jennings is here to cheer you on! I guarantee your views on retirement will change dramatically when you hear this interview! Music heard on this show includes Gone Fishin’ by ‘The Chairmen of the Board’.

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The title of this post sounds like a disease (Ken wants to know if there’s a cure), because we - in particular, we women - can be afflicted with one form or another of this workplace malady. If it is true that GenY is driving a sea change of career attitudes and policy, why are young women still being held back? The answers are, like the subject, complex. My guest is author, journalist and career advice expert, Hannah Seligson. The book that spawned this interview is “It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor,” by Rebecca Shambaugh.

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Don’t you deserve The Best? Here’s how to get it. Simple steps you can take to turn dreams about the perfect worklife into your own Career Breakthrough! Hint: think BIG! My guest is successful career coach, Michele LoBianco. Music heard on this show includes ‘The Best’ by Tina Turner. If you have a comment please e-mail me at AskNow@askdrharriet.com

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Ring in 2008 with a look back at our favorite moments of Ask Dr. Harriet. Ken and I hope you get as much enjoyment from listening to the very best of 2007 as we had bringing them to you! We’re excited about what’s cooking for our second season. Happy New Year my friends! Thanks so much for your loyalty! ~ Harriet.

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Every workplace has one - or six. They suck up to senior management. They steal your ideas and waste your time. They constantly criticize, spread malicious gossip and get good people in trouble. And that’s just minor bad behavior compared to the damage they can do. Fear not! Here are some simple steps you can take to detox your office environment.

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Andy and John are upset. She is one strong woman. He’s a minority. They’ve worked together for years in the same financial services firm. Last year both earned Vice President Titles. Then Bob came onto the scene. Since he’s taken over, the department turned toxic. They thought they were insiders. Now they find they’re outsiders.

Bob is accusatory. He routinely changes course. Then he goes at them for being too slow. He gossips behind their backs. He allows and encourages young hires to make unfounded accusations.
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