Seasons Change. So Do We.

Vidya Narasimhan , Ph.D, PMP®

Published Aug 4, 2025

"It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do." — Jane Austen

Let me start with a confession.

I used to believe that hard work, qualifications, and consistency would speak for themselves. I thought the system would recognize value when it saw it. But I’ve also learned—sometimes painfully—that being good isn’t always enough, especially when you’re a woman, and even more so when you're a woman of colour in science.

Now, let me throw in the seasons.

Seasonal Shifts and Shaky Spirits

Anyone who has experienced a Canadian winter knows how the darkness exterior can sometimes reflect the fog within us. The chilly air sneaks in not only through your door but also into your calendar, motivation, and confidence. Just as spring gradually warms the earth, sunshine can also lift our spirits.

But what if seasons aren’t just about the weather, but about our emotions too?

Imagine if we stopped expecting everyone to operate at 100% all year, especially women balancing careers, homes, aging parents, toddlers, hormones, and ambitions. What if we recognized the natural cycles of energy, not just in the seasons outside but also within ourselves?

When Tenure Trumps Talent: A Silent Setback for Women at Work

In an earlier role, I reported to a leader whose experience at the company far exceeded mine, though our educational backgrounds and global experiences were quite different. She had been with the organization for over a decade and had risen through the ranks—often a reflection of dedication and tenure. I came in eager to contribute, bringing a broad perspective and a strong desire to make an impact.

Yet, despite my enthusiasm, I found myself navigating a challenging dynamic. There was little clarity about the direction of my role or opportunities for growth, and the ideas I brought forward often didn’t seem to gain much traction. Instead, I encountered a subtle resistance that didn’t manifest openly but made collaboration more difficult. Sometimes, insecurity can quietly influence leadership, leading to protective silos rather than open, empowered teams.

What made this particularly complex was that my leader was a woman who, on the surface, might have been expected to champion and uplift. It led me to reflect on a difficult question: In some situations, are we unintentionally holding back others, even those with similar experiences or identities? It’s not always about misunderstanding; sometimes it’s about our choices in supporting one another.

This is a conversation worth having—how can we foster environments where women lift each other, especially when it matters most?

The Weight of Representation—and the Power Within It

If you’ve ever been the only woman in the room—the only mother, the only immigrant, or the only one who doesn’t quite “fit the mould”—you’ll understand what I mean when I say: we carry the weight of representation. You’re not just doing your job; you’re doing it while quietly (or loudly) proving that you deserve to be there. Every. Single. Day.

It’s a strange space—invisible when it matters, hyper-visible when it hurts.

And yet, there’s power in that position. Because we know what exclusion feels like. We’ve lived it. And that gives us both the insight and the responsibility to change the game for those who come next.

We need to hold the door open, say people’s names in rooms they haven’t yet entered, and most importantly—make sure the ladder doesn’t vanish when we’ve reached the next step.

Not Burnout. Just a Bad System.

Let’s be honest. The workplace wasn’t designed with women’s lives in mind—let alone mothers, immigrants, or anyone with a uterus and ambition.

We’re told to lean in. But to what, exactly? To rigid 9-to-5s that don’t match with school pickups? To leadership paths that reward aggression over empathy?

And yet, we make it work. We show up. We mentor. We strategize. We innovate with compassion. We build entire team cultures on snacks, Slack messages, and sanity.

So, the next time someone says “women are emotional,” maybe we should reply:

Yes. We are. And that’s our strength. Because emotional intelligence is intelligence. And seasonal sensitivity is awareness. And building connections is leadership.

A Thought for Women (and Men) Reading This

If you're a woman who’s climbed up—look back. Who did you bring along? If you’re a woman just starting—look ahead. Who can you ask for help? If you’re a man—listen, without defensiveness. We’re not asking for extra. Just different.