The Queen Bee Effect: Uncovering the System Behind the Myth

Following her impactful presentation at the Women in Leadership Conference, Synthosys co-founder Dr Vanessa Pozzali was invited to deliver a dedicated webinar on the Queen Bee Effect and its systemic impact on women’s advancement in leadership.

Vanessa challenged the oversimplified view that women in senior roles deliberately hold others back. Instead, she revealed how the so-called “Queen Bee effect” is often a symptom of deeper cultural and organisational dynamics that foster competition rather than collaboration.

Her session resonated strongly with participants, offering a reframed perspective: it’s not about “fixing women,” but about fixing the systems that constrain them.

Takeaway: The Queen Bee effect is not an individual flaw — it’s a cultural signal. Organisations must address the hidden dynamics that create rivalry if they want to build inclusive pathways for women in leadership.