Frankel opens the introduction of the book by acknowledging that despite significant global changes, such as the election of the first African American president, the rise of social media, and shifts in political leadership, women’s progress in the workplace has been disappointingly slow. While some women have broken through barriers, leadership roles remain overwhelmingly dominated by men, and statistical data paints a bleak picture of gender disparities in business, politics, and earnings. Women continue to face systemic biases and continue to earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with the pay gap widening over time. Even highly educated women entering the workforce still find themselves earning less than men just a year after graduation.

Frankel underscores the persistence of gender stereotypes by sharing real-life accounts from women across different backgrounds. These stories illustrate the challenges they face, ranging from being overlooked for promotions and dealing with sexist remarks to facing family and societal pressures that discourage professional ambition. From a young girl in preschool told to “dress more like a girl” (xviii), to a lawyer subjected to her boss’s demeaning comments, these experiences highlight how ingrained gender biases continue to shape women’s professional and personal lives.

She also emphasizes how the modern workplace has evolved over the past decade, with increased competition, the necessity of social networking, and greater challenges in balancing work and personal life.