From Rivalry to Revelry: How Women Supporting Women Wins Every Time
What do Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Julie Andrews, and Carol Burnett all have in common? Nope, it’s not just that they’ve made their mark in history. (Though, kudos to each!) It’s that each has also been a powerhouse supporter of another woman — at times when the world expected rivalry, these ladies chose camaraderie instead. Like how Hillary is enthusiastically supporting Kamala in her presidential bid as the media tries to pit them against each other.Or when Julie Andrews teamed up with her comedy soulmate Carol Burnett for their iconic prime-time special Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall in 1962 (and continued to collaborate for 60 years!). Instead of vying for the spotlight, the two shared the stage as co-stars in a time when only one leading lady was typically given top billing.
As the trio of women behind Ditching the Ditty, we have learned that success is a team effort—it’s in those moments when we support and challenge each other that we create our best work.
So, we’ve gotta ask: Is it time to ditch the idea that women should compete instead of collaborate?
Did you know?
History is full of narratives that pit women against each other, from the ‘catfight’ clichés to the age-old tale of the ‘Queen Bee’ boss who doesn’t help other women rise. But research shows that’s not the norm — it’s just the story we’ve been fed.
Social scientists point to what’s called the “Collective Resilience Effect.”Studies suggest that when women are in the presence of other strong women, they experience less burnout, are more likely to speak up for each other, and show greater well-being. The impact is so powerful that the presence of even one female mentor can reduce a woman’s likelihood of quitting her job by up to 25%.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: This support has ripple effects. Women who receive support are more likely to become supporters, creating a ripple that multiplies. It’s like Julie and Carol’s example — Carol Burnett shared that Julie’s generosity inspired her to pass on that same spirit of support to the next generation of women in comedy, from Vicki Lawrence to Amy Poehler.
Our Ditty Duh Moment
If even in the competitive worlds of politics and entertainment, women like Kamala, Hilary, Julie, and Carol can show up for each other, what’s stopping us from giving a little more “You go, girl!” in our own lives?
The outdated myth that “there’s only room for one woman at the top” is so last century. Whether in the boardroom or in the break room, supporting other women doesn’t diminish our own potential — it amplifies it. So, let’s ditch the mindset of rivalry and replace it with a commitment to revelry — lifting up and celebrating the brilliance we see in one another.
An Invitation to Dabble with Ditching
To embrace a spirit of support, experiment with these small shifts:
Celebrate a win that isn’t your own: Next time a friend or colleague shines, make a point to publicly acknowledge and celebrate her success.
Host a ‘Lift Up a Lady’ Lunch: Invite 3-4 women you admire for a casual lunch where the only agenda is to share one professional achievement and one goal they’re striving for.
Write a ‘You Inspired Me’ Note: Think of a woman who has impacted your life — a friend, a mentor, or even that high school teacher who saw something in you — and send her a message to let her know her impact.
Ditch the ‘Small Talk’: Instead of the usual “How’s work?”, ask women you meet what they’re most proud of right now. You might be amazed at what you learn.
And finally, channel a little Julie and Carol energy and ask yourself: Who’s one woman I can bring along with me the next time I’m given an opportunity? Because the more we show up for each other, the less room there is for the old ‘queen bee’ trope and the more room there is for all of us to fly!
Yours in Loving Irreverence,
The Ditty-Ditching Divas | Lindsey, Molly & Miriam
