Who Needs Shoulder Pads When You Have Shoulders to Lean On?

Once upon a time—not in a fairy tale, but in a fluorescent-lit office somewhere—spotting another woman at work was about as rare as finding a fax machine that still functioned. And if you did find one (a woman, not the fax), chances were she was either mastering shorthand or balancing coffee cups like a barista with a briefcase.

And the fashion? Oh, the fashion. Shoulder pads so bold they could’ve had their own LinkedIn profiles.

Back then, those padded shoulders weren’t just a style statement—they were armour. A silent declaration: “I belong here.” We marched into meetings with the posture of linebackers, not because we felt powerful, but because we had to look powerful. There weren’t many women to lean on, so we leaned into the padding.

Fast forward to today: the shoulder pads are out (bless), but we’ve gained something far more powerful—each other.

Now, we’re not just sharing office space—we’re sharing wisdom, wins, and the occasional emergency chocolate stash. We’re mentoring, collaborating, championing, and celebrating one another. We’re not the only woman in the room anymore—we’re building rooms full of women. And instead of elbowing for one seat at the table, we’re pulling up chairs for our sisters.

Because here’s the truth: empowered women empower women. We’ve swapped out the shoulder pads for real shoulders—ones that lift, support, and carry each other through the highs, lows, and “Did I really just hit ‘Reply All’?” moments of work and life.

So this Women’s Month, let’s raise a toast (or a coffee mug, or a very full water bottle—we’re hydrated queens) to the women who:

• Fix each other’s crowns without announcing they were crooked.

• Whisper “You’ve got this” before the big pitch.

• Share opportunities, not just office gossip.

• Celebrate each other’s wins like they’re their own (because they kind of are).

Let’s keep showing up for one another—not just in the boardroom, but in the break room, the brainstorms, and the brave conversations. Because when women support women, we don’t just break glass ceilings—we design skylights.

And honestly? Who needs shoulder pads when you’ve got a whole sisterhood to lean on?

Share pictures of the sisterhood in your workplace with the hashtag #shouldersforsisters.

As a 53% women-owned QSE, this Women’s Month, we're proud to announce that most of our articles feature the brilliant women of GBS- trusted experts and inspiring thought leaders in the workplace and beyond. Reach out to the right consultant for your needs via their profiles here.

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