Gender and Change

In a survey with More magazine, Susan Bradley, founder of the Sudden Money Institute, asked 222 women whether men and women manage transitions differently. A surprising 95% said yes. The differences fell into three categories:

• Confidence: Women tend to lose their confidence and a sense of self as they go through transitions.

• Seeking advice: Women seek advice and guidance. Men are socialized to think they should know how to manage a transition without needing help.

• Support: Women are more likely than men to look for support from friends, family and professionals.

“It’s important to understand these gender differences when you’re working with women in transition,” Bradley said. “Women are in many ways your ideal clients because they want the advice, they take the advice, and if it’s working well, they’re great referral sources. They’re appreciative, they implement and they refer.”