A few weeks ago, I rewatched the original 2004 Mean Girls before enjoying the new, unapologetically Gen. Z remake in theaters. Aside from reliving my childhood and appreciating the sheer artistry of the cult classic, I realized that it carries important lessons still prevalent for women in the business world.
As we walk down memory lane, why not reflect on the similarities between high school hierarchy and office politics? What does Cady’s tumultuous self-discovery journey teach us about workplace belonging and women’s empowerment?
Here are some of our takeaways.
1. If you try too hard to conform, you will lose yourself.
We know the Mean Girls rundown. Cady Heron meets the Plastics, changes herself to fit their high standards, and eventually loses touch with who she really is. It’s a classic conflict we see all too often, in media and real life—and it isn’t limited to the high school experience.
We may find ourselves in workplaces that put people in a box instead of encouraging authenticity. When we’re in environments that require us to change to be accepted, we see a few outcomes playing out:
- We try to fix the culture from the inside out.
- When our attempts don’t lead to desirable outcomes, we search for other opportunities.
- If we’re not careful, we gradually conform to the status quo and become disillusioned.
Change is transformative, sometimes even necessary, but it can be harmful if it isolates us from our core values. Mean Girls teaches us to be wary of these possibilities and always prioritize genuine connections over surface-level relationships.
2. When people welcome you as you are, don’t take them for granted.
As Cady grows closer to the Plastics, she inevitably drifts apart from Janis and Damian before reaching an explosive point in their friendship. The duo had accepted her from the start, providing her with a roadmap of high school and its many cliques, so it was only natural to feel betrayed when she didn’t prioritize them.
Building a strong network, one that consistently shows up for you, is not an easy feat. When we’re finally surrounded by others who empower and embrace us, we must remember to appreciate their efforts and pay it forward. Who are the people who gave you the lay of the land, equipping you with the tools and insight to grow? What can you do to express your gratitude and become a source of support for someone else?
3. There’s power in accountability. Don’t shy away from it.
At the climax of the movie, Ms. Norbury holds a town hall with all the junior girls. Although she doesn’t entirely know how to direct the conversation, she leads the students through a powerful session of self-reflection. Most of them recognized the hurt they inflicted on others, and although they didn’t always have the perfect words to express themselves, their intentions felt real enough that the crowd gladly caught them.
No one likes admitting when they’re wrong, but it’s an absolute must if you want to maintain meaningful relationships. Honesty and accountability make way for introspection. Although the initial confession will be uncomfortable, it can open doors to solutions that enable you to better yourself.
4. Be loud and proud about your skills. They’ll take you far.
Cady is good at math. But her crush on Aaron Samuels makes her pretend she isn’t, and when she reveals the truth, he’s far from thrilled. In the end, she joins the Mathletes for extra credit and clearly thrives when she’s in her element.
Have you ever downplayed any of your accomplishments, only to realize that recognizing them might have benefited you more in the long run? Especially as women, we tend to minimize our talents and make ourselves small, whether because of imposter syndrome or our inability to self advocate. (One study even suggests that societal expectations pit confidence against us.)
So, how can we counter this? Simply put, we need to be comfortable taking up space. When we’re not always invited to the table, we stand our ground and say, “I have a lot to offer. If you don’t provide me a chair, I’ll bring my own.” We redefine confidence for ourselves not just to advance our career, but also nurture a brighter future for other women.
(Speaking of, we have our own CCW Excellence Awards category. If you’re a fellow luminary contributing to extraordinary impact in your industry, we encourage you to apply. We’d love to highlight your achievements!)
5. Always remember to share your wins with others.
Mean Girls offers a touching conclusion where Cady, having won as Spring Fling Queen, shares her crown with others, including Regina. She reflects on her journey and ultimately comes back to herself, winning back her friendships and even acceptance from her other peers.
When we reach pivotal milestones or fulfill long-term goals, we deserve to celebrate ourselves and our hard work. But it’s also worthwhile to uplift those who’ve walked with us, feeding our growth and providing support when needed. Women’s empowerment isn’t meant to be a one-person job—it’s a community effort, fought by a network of women and allies who want to contribute to our success.
Let’s break apart our metaphorical crowns and share the pieces with our circle; it makes the party more fun.
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