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What happens when the leader who makes you feel smallest at work is another woman?
A mid-career professional working in tech, who we’re calling Maya, experienced that after a reorganization. After experiencing great support from female leaders, her new boss questioned her abilities and criticized her questions and her enthusiasm. And Maya began doubting herself.
In this “That’s a Good Question” episode of Women Amplified, host Lisa Bennett talks with Sophie Mann, Chief Marketing Officer at Furnished Finder, about how to recognize gatekeeping, respond to vague or shifting feedback, and protect your confidence.
Sophie also shares what leaders can do to widen access to opportunity and help more women advance.
Lisa Bennett
Lisa Bennett is the host of the Women Amplified podcast and Editorial Director for the Conferences for Women. An award-winning journalist and longtime communications director for mission-driven organizations, she is also the editor of Women Amplified and co-author of Ecoliterate with emotional intelligence pioneer Daniel Goleman.
Sophie Mann
Sophie Mann is a marketing executive with deep expertise in consumer strategy, lifecycle marketing, and two-sided marketplaces. She currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Furnished Finder, the leading platform for monthly furnished rentals. Over 15+ years, she’s built and scaled marketing functions across Travel, Telehealth, and Dating — including 11 years at Vrbo (Expedia Group), rising from intern to Global Marketing Director, followed by leadership roles at Bumble and Hims & Hers.
Her background spans global growth, retention, CRM, and customer engagement, with a track record of turning insights into action across complex marketplaces. Outside of work, she serves on the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, supporting Mother/Baby Services and NICU at Ascension Seton Medical Center, and mentors high school students and early-career marketers. Sophie holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, and lives in Austin with her husband, two-year old son, and two dogs.
