Netflix Chief Talent Officer: I once believed that I had to look and act like a man to be successful

Tawni Cranz, Chief Talent Officer of online film streaming service Netflix, has called for female leaders to help dispel myths surrounding the relationship between femininity, looks and business acumen.

Writing on LinkedIn, Cranz explains how in the past she had changed the way she acted and dressed in an attempt to fit-in but had stopped after the birth of her daughter.

“As a woman executive working predominately with exec men my whole life, I once believed this lie too - that I had to look and act like a man to be successful. Only when I had my daughter in 2003 did I realise I wanted a different fate for her and I changed.

“Small changes at first: a little blush and eyeliner, no colour at all in my clothes though.  I even cut my beautiful long hair short to fit in and not draw attraction to myself. I took up golf and am naturally athletic so could always "keep up with the boys" and gain their belief in me that way."