In this episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Martin who recently earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Dr. Martin’s dissertation explores perfectionism in women leaders, shedding light on how this trait manifests in leadership, its strengths and challenges, and its unique impact on women of color in the workplace.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Dr. Martin’s journey to earning her DBA and why she pivoted her dissertation topic to perfectionism
• The three types of perfectionism and how they show up in leadership
• How perfectionism can be both a strengthand a liability in professional settings
• The impact of organizational culture on perfectionism in women leaders
• The unique pressures faced by women of color in leadership due to stereotype threat
• How leaders can cultivate self-awareness and manage perfectionistic tendencies effectively

Dr. Wilson’s Key Takeaways:

• Perfectionism is not inherently bad—it can be a superpower when managed effectively
• Women often experience higher expectations in leadership roles, which can compound perfectionistic tendencies
• Organizational culture plays a key role in reinforcing or mitigating perfectionism in leaders
• Self-awareness and balance are critical in navigating perfectionism to avoid burnout and improve team relationships

Her Research:

Read Dr. Martin’s dissertation "Under The Surface ofPerfectionism: A Qualitative Examination of Perfe" by Rachelle Martin

Connect with Us:

LinkedIn: DBA Chronicles

Website:www.dbachronicles.org

Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on perfectionism in leadership? Have you experienced similarchallenges? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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