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Kamala Harris is giving us major Barbie vibes in the best way possible, and we're here for it. It’s been a year since the Barbie movie hit theaters, and while many expected a fun, light-hearted experience, we had no idea that the storylines would play out so spot on in 2024. I wonder if Vice President Kamala Harris knows a little something about being underestimated and challenging the status quo. Maybe you like me have noticed some gaslighting and underestimation in the 2024 election in the US between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Forget "Barbie World" - VP Harris is navigating the very real corridors of power, and the parallels are uncanny. I could not help but wonder how many of you may have experienced something similar in your professional life.
Barbie wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about dropping some serious gems that apply directly to our careers. Here are three key takeaways from the movie, a year later, that can still help you navigate your professional journey.
1. Gaslighting is Real—Especially at Work
One of the most powerful scenes in the movie takes place in a boardroom, where Barbie expects to meet a female CEO, only to be confronted by a room full of men. They try to convince her to ignore the glaring lack of female representation and instead, focus on getting back into her box—literally and figuratively. This scene is a perfect metaphor for the gaslighting that many of us experience in the workplace. When you raise a concern or point out an injustice, only to be told you’re overreacting or imagining things, that’s gaslighting.
It’s crucial to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t let anyone convince you that your experiences or feelings are invalid. If you find yourself in an environment that consistently gaslights you, don’t be afraid to leave. Sometimes, the best decision you can make is to exit a situation that doesn’t serve your well-being.
2. Don’t Let Others Put You in a Box
Throughout the movie, Barbie is pressured to conform to others’ expectations—whether it’s how she should look, act, or think. She is underestimated over and over again.This is a reflection of the real-world pressures we all face to fit into predefined roles or behaviors that make others comfortable. Whether it’s about the role you choose to apply for, how you dress, or even how you do your job, there will always be those who try to put you in a box that makes them comfortable.
But it’s up to you to decide whether you’ll stay there. Many women tell me that being underestimated happens so often at work that they are surprised when it doesn't happen. Staying true to your authentic self and believing in yourself, can have a powerful impact not just on your own life, but on those around you. By stepping out of the box you challenge the status quo and you silently give others permission to do the same.
3. You’re Always Allowed to Change Your Mind and Dream a New Dream
One of the most liberating messages from the movie is that it’s okay to change your mind and dream a new dream. Whether you’ve been on a certain career path for years or recently started a new role, you don’t have to stay stuck. Life is dynamic, and so are you. As you gain new experiences and insights, you might realize that your initial dream no longer aligns with who you are or what you want.
Don’t be afraid to pivot and grow into something outside of your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve been waiting until ‘the right time” to do something new or perhaps you’ve decided that you are the only one who is looking for a change at this stage in their life. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to evolve and change course and embrace who you are becoming in this season of your life.
Make your journey work for you.
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