Baleigh McCoin on Women In Leadership [Lessons in Leadership]

‍

Carrie welcomes Baleigh McCoin to discuss two critical challenges women face in the workplace—work-life balance and pay disparities. Baleigh shares her personal experiences navigating these barriers, from feeling pressured to always be "on" to challenging the double standards that exist between men and women in leadership. Now, as a leader herself, she is committed to fostering a culture where work-life balance is respected for everyone. If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries or advocating for equity in the workplace, this conversation is packed with insights and strategies to help you take action.

‍

Key Takeaways

• Work-Life Balance Looks Different for Women – Men are often praised for setting boundaries, while women may be perceived as less committed when doing the same.
• The Pressure to Prove Commitment is Real – Many women feel the need to be available 24/7 to demonstrate their dedication, leading to burnout.
• Leadership Plays a Crucial Role – Creating a culture where balance is normalized requires leaders who model and advocate for those values.
• Pay Disparities Still Exist – Addressing gender pay gaps requires open conversations, transparency, and systemic change within organizations.
• Leading by Example is Key – Women in leadership positions can drive change by setting boundaries, supporting flexibility, and pushing for equity in workplace policies.

‍

Why is work-life balance harder for women to achieve?

Baleigh McCoin highlights a common double standard—while men are often praised for setting boundaries and prioritizing personal commitments, women are sometimes seen as less dedicated when they do the same. Early in her career, she noticed that male colleagues who left work at reasonable hours were perceived as efficient and strategic, while women who prioritized balance were sometimes questioned about their ambition or commitment. This led her to overcompensate—working long hours, always being available, and never saying no. Over time, she realized that this pressure was unsustainable and that true leadership includes advocating for a culture of balance.

‍

How can leaders help normalize a culture of balance?

Baleigh emphasizes that the right leadership is essential for shifting workplace culture. She has learned that being vocal about the need for a balanced work environment is critical, not just for her own well-being but for the future of workplace norms. Now, as a leader, she intentionally models the behaviors she wants to see in her team—leaving at reasonable hours, setting clear boundaries, and promoting flexibility. By practicing what she preaches, she’s helping to create a culture where both men and women feel empowered to prioritize work and life in a way that is sustainable.

‍

How do we address gender pay disparities?

Along with work-life balance, Baleigh also touches on the persistent issue of pay gaps. She points out that systemic biases continue to impact women's earnings and career growth. Addressing this challenge requires transparency, open conversations, and leaders who are willing to push for change. She encourages women to advocate for themselves and their colleagues, engage in salary negotiations, and seek organizations that prioritize pay equity. While progress has been made, real change happens when leaders take action to ensure fairness and inclusion in compensation practices.

‍

Make sure to check out the full Lessons In Leadership Playlists today.

‍

‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Lessons In Leadership is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

‍

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!

The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.

Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025!