u/ZealousidealBeyond50

I’d really value perspective from other women who’ve navigated this.

I’m in a professional role delivering strong outcomes, but I’ve noticed a consistent gap between my level of responsibility and how I’m perceived.. particularly in group settings.

I’m often read as more junior than I am.

For context, I’m 5’3, look younger than my age, and have had comments implying I benefit from “pretty privilege.” Whether intentional or not, it sometimes feels like it impacts how seriously my input is taken.

For those of you who’ve moved into more senior positions:

- What specifically helped you shift how others perceived your seniority?

- Were there changes in how you communicated, positioned ideas, or showed up in meetings that made a measurable difference?

-how did you reinforce authority without overcorrecting?

Looking for practical insights from experience rather than general advice.

This has been on my mind a lot lately.

I’m a woman in a professional role, and while I’m not junior, I often feel like I’m perceived that way. I’m 5’3, look younger than I am, and I’ve had comments about “pretty privilege” that don’t sit right with me, it can feel like my work gets discounted before it’s even evaluated.

I know I’m good at what I do, but I still find myself overthinking how I come across in meetings or feeling like I have to prove myself more than others.

I’m trying to handle this constructively. For those who’ve experienced something similar:

- Did you change how you communicate or show up?

- Were there small shifts that helped people take you more seriously?

- Or is this more about environment/culture than anything personal?

Would really appreciate hearing how others have navigated this.

I’m moving from the UK to Abu Dhabi next week for a new job and wanted to get some real-world advice from people who’ve done the same.

A few things I’m curious about:

What’s the work culture like compared to the UK?

Anything that surprised you when you first started working there?

How are working hours, expectations, and management styles?

Any tips for settling in (both work-wise and socially)?

Things you wish you knew before moving?

I’ve heard it can be more hierarchical and fast-paced, but would love to hear honest experiences the good, bad & ugly.