Ever wondered why women are more prone to certain injuries in sports, or why burnout rates are higher among female professionals? This week, Dr. Jen Wagner, an expert in human performance, breaks down critical physiological differences between men and women that have been overlooked for too long. She shares actionable insights on how women can build resilience and excel in their careers and personal lives. Tune in to learn about the real-world impacts of gender bias in research and how you can be part of the change. Let’s ensure women are supported, healthy, and thriving in every aspect of life.
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Key Quotes:
- “Women are not just different-shaped men; they have unique physiological needs that are often overlooked.”
- “Our goal is to help women build resilience so they can bend, not break, in the face of workplace- and societal pressures.”
- “It’s crucial to bring visibility to the differences in how men and women are treated in both research and practical applications like gear design.”
Connect With Dr. Jen Wagner
- Website: We Prosper
- Instagram: we.are.prosper
- Linkedin: Prosper
Connect with AGEIST
Dr. Jen Wagner is at the forefront of a critical movement to address the often overlooked physiological and professional needs of women. As the co-founder of Prosper, Dr. Wagner’s work is centered on bridging gender gaps. She focuses on various fields, particularly health and workplace resilience.
The Problem of Gender Inequality in Research
One of the most striking points Dr. Wagner makes is the persistent gender bias in research. Despite the advances in medicine and technology, a staggering 94% of performance research is still based on male physiology. Unfortunately, this lack of dedicated research on women has led to a significant gap in understanding and addressing their unique needs. For instance, the design of sports equipment and military gear rarely accounts for the physiological differences between men and women. This leads to higher injury rates and decreased performance among women.
Prosper’s Approach to Building Resilience
Dr. Wagner’s company, Prosper, aims to counteract these disparities by focusing on resilience training specifically tailored for women. The program helps women manage the additional pressures they face both in and out of the workplace. By fostering resilience, Prosper equips women with the tools they need to remain engaged, effective, and healthy throughout their careers. Lastly, as Dr. Wagner aptly puts it, the goal is to “bend, not break” under the weight of these pressures.
Practical Implications
The implications of ignoring women’s specific needs are far-reaching. In the workplace, failing to support women adequately can lead to burnout and high turnover rates, especially in leadership roles. Next, Dr. Wagner notes that replacing a woman in a C-suite position can cost up to 200% of her salary, underscoring the economic impact of this issue. Moreover, the broader societal and cultural expectations placed on women, from caregiving responsibilities to the expectation of being the primary nurturers, further exacerbate these challenges.
Conclusion
Overall, Dr. Jen Wagner’s work with Prosper is a vital step towards addressing the gender gaps in research, health, and professional development. By highlighting the unique needs of women and offering practical solutions to support them, Dr. Wagner paves the way for a more equitable future. As more attention is brought to these issues, we hope industries and institutions prioritize gender-specific research and product development, ultimately leading to better outcomes for everyone.
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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