Career consultant Alma Dreković highlights the tendency for highly gifted girls to downplay their intelligence in order not to overshadow their peers, leading to potential issues with self-esteem and career development.
In a recent discussion, career consultant Alma Dreković emphasized the persistent perception that high intelligence is predominantly associated with men, which unfortunately leads to the underrecognition of women's giftedness. This societal bias can have detrimental effects on women's self-esteem and their professional trajectories. Dreković's insights shed light on a pervasive issue where gifted women may suppress their abilities to avoid intimidating their colleagues or peers.
Dreković's clientele comprises predominantly of leaders, academics, and artists, many of whom are highly gifted individuals themselves. This specialization allows her to observe first-hand how the dynamics of intelligence manifest in professional settings, particularly among women. She notes that highly gifted women often feel pressured to conform to social expectations, which entails minimizing their accomplishments and intelligence to maintain harmony in group settings.
The consequences of this behavior are far-reaching, influencing not only individual careers but societal perceptions of female intelligence and capability. Dreković’s findings call attention to the need for greater awareness and support for women in recognizing and embracing their intellectual gifts, which could help shift stereotypes around intelligence and promote a more equitable professional environment.
