UNM Anderson associate professor releases new book on gender and leadership

Anderson Associate Professor Lisa Marchiondo is bringing renewed attention to critical issues through her recently released book, Gender and Leadership: Shattering the Status Quo. Serving as editor, Marchiondo collaborated with leading scholars from around the world to present research that challenges common misconceptions and examines structural barriers shaping leadership opportunities.

The project originated when publisher Routledge, part of Taylor & Francis, approached Marchiondo about the state of available teaching materials in the field.

"I realized there was a need for a fresh, comprehensive resource, especially as the field has grown," said Marchiondo. "One of my main goals in editing this book was to bring together a collection of experts in different subareas within the gender and leadership research field. But also, to make it engaging and leverage their personal perspectives and opinions on where the field has been and where it's going."

The result is a text designed not only for students, but also for business leaders and practitioners seeking to better understand gender dynamics in organizational settings. The book explores a wide range of topics, including negotiation, networking, leadership styles, the experiences of women of color, workplace mistreatment, the work-life interface, and other related issues.

Marchiondo brings years of research and applied experience in gender and organizational behavior to this work. She currently serves as associate director of ADVANCE at UNM within the Office of the Provost and has published extensively on gender issues in organizations, leadership, workplace mistreatment, and age-related topics at work. Marchiondo also teaches graduate-level courses related to gender and leadership.

A key focus of the book is addressing persistent misconceptions about gender equity in the workplace. While progress has been made, Marchiondo emphasized that significant gaps remain, particularly at higher levels of leadership.

"People often assume that because we've seen gains in representation, the problem has been solved," she said. "Women have made a lot of strides in getting closer to or even exceeding 50-50 representation when it comes to certain managerial roles. But this representation is often in entry-level management positions, and the higher you go or when you turn to the most powerful organizations, the fewer women you see," said Marchiondo. "Even when women reach upper echelons, their paths getting there and the challenges they face in those positions are often distinct from those of men (e.g., the glass cliff)."

Marchiondo highlighted a few chapters that are particularly unique and thought-provoking including the chapter written by Jennifer Berdahl, professor at the University of British Columbia, titled, "Masculinity Contest Cultures: Academia as an Exemplar," as well as a chapter by Siri Chilazi, senior researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School, titled, "Moving Forward: What Works-and What Doesn't-to Advance Women at Work."

"Dr. Berdahl draws attention to how routine interactions and policies, grounded in the historical foundations of organizations, often reward displays of strength and stamina, putting work first, showing no weakness, and dog-eat-dog competition that ultimately undermine organizational effectiveness," said Marchiondo. "Chilazi distinguishes between evidence-based methods, whose effectiveness has been established through rigorous research, versus popular but unsupported strategies for women's advancement in organizations."

In addition to her role as editor, Marchiondo co-authored a chapter with Anderson Lecturer Nicole Capehart, which focuses on case studies highlighting complex workplace scenarios.

Marchiondo approached Capehart for her extensive teaching experience and expertise in course design. In 2025, Capehart was awarded the UNM Online Teacher of the Year for her excellence in online pedagogy, student engagement, and course design.

"Lisa really gave me the creative empowerment to write what I wanted to write," said Capehart. "So, I thought about my classes, and what I wish that I saw in case studies to better represent our student body."

Their cases feature perspectives and experiences often underrepresented in traditional teaching materials, including individuals navigating challenges related to race and identity in professional settings.

"We wanted to create cases that reflect the realities people actually face at work," said Capehart. "These situations are often nuanced, without a clear right or wrong answer, and require thoughtful analysis."

The textbook emphasizes practical application, offering discussion questions, projects, and flexible teaching approaches for use in classrooms or professional development settings. Marchiondo and Capehart hope the book will serve as a valuable resource across a wide range of audiences.

"I hope that it builds empathetic leadership. We all come into the workplace with our own perspective, our own understanding of the world, and I hope it presents a well-rounded perspective of how people experience the workplace," said Capehart.

"My hope is that readers walk away questioning assumptions they didn't even know they had - and with real tools to do something about it," Marchiondo added.

The book has earned praise from distinguished scholars and practitioners. Lilia Cortina, University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor of Psychology, Women's & Gender Studies, and Management & Organizations at the University of Michigan, calls it "essential reading for anyone interested in leadership - be they students, scholars, supervisors, or senior leaders."

Paolo Gaudiano, Founder of Aleria, a NYC-based firm for the science of inclusive meritocracy, highlights the book's "emphasis on redesigning systems rather than 'fixing' individuals," praising its blend of rigorous research and real-world relevance.

Steven Rogelberg, Chancellor's Professor of Organizational Science, Management, and Psychology at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and Past President of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, echoes that enthusiasm, describing it as a "fantastic book" that delivers "critical insights into key topics" in an "approachable style" suited for scholars and senior leaders alike.