As a senior executive in financial services (not Citibank), I’ve watched time and time again as high-performing, driven women have been pushed out of the organization. I fell for the company line about early retirements and decisions to pursue other interests, but now I know these women were targeted.
My own story is this: decades at a firm, stellar performance reviews, promotions to the senior ranks, high team engagement, strong financial outcomes, happy partners and clients…and then I discovered I was being paid less than my male peers. Despite having a stronger track record and more responsibility.
I raised the issue with HR and suddenly I was a problem. Meetings cancelled, career-discussions over, I was fast-tracked to a severance package and walked out the door. All that “family” talk? Gone.
Watch your back ladies. These guys are always ready with the knife.
Sandy