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#Conversation: It’s time to tackle the subject of toxic colleagues

‘There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women.’ - Madeleine Albright

Despite evidence that men participate in similar or higher rates of indirect aggression than women, the perception exists that women turn into mean girls at work.

Why, if women experience sexism in the workplace, do they resort to ‘queen bee’ behaviour? This is the ‘pink elephant’ in the room which will be discussed at SheSays Cape Town’s 5th event.

In collaboration with the Vega School of Brand Leadership, one of the foremost branding schools in South Africa, and newly formed Cape Town agency, HelloFCB, the SheSays Cape Town event will take place at the Vega campus at 5.30pm on Thursday 23 May.

‘As always, we choose topics based on direct feedback from attendees who share their ideas in post-event surveys. The topic of toxic colleagues has been a constant, so we welcome the opportunity to unpack this with a hand-picked panel of women in what promises to be another thought-provoking and entertaining evening, ‘explains chapter director, Anelde Greeff.

For its fifth event panel, SheSays Cape Town has brought together a number of industry heavyweights, such as John Brown’s Group Managing and Executive Director, Lani Carstens, HelloFCB’s MD, Robyn Campbell and The Friday Street Club Owner and MD, Emma King. They will be joined by editor-activist Palesa Kgasane (formerly from Between10and5) and 3verse strategic director, Kay Orlandi.

‘Most of us will have to deal with toxic colleagues at some point in our careers, whether it’s a queen bee boss, backstabbing teammate or backchatting junior. The best way to deal with these ‘anti-mentors’ is for women to support women and to build your pack,’ added panellist Emma King.

Tickets for SheSays Cape Town are free and can be booked on Eventbrite. Join the conversation and keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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