Can women CEOs curse in the boardroom? The bias that still faces women in the workplace

I love to f*cking swear. Always have and always will. 

At the same time, I know how to curse with colleagues while always maintaining my professionalism. Running the show means I must lead by example, and how I behave sets the tone for the whole company. So swearing must have value, and I believe it does. I curse for emphasis, humor and yes, even for shock value, but not out of anger or disappointment. And you know what? I believe it benefits my business.

Profanity in the workplace has long been a controversial topic and it is no secret that women face a double standard when it comes to using explicit language. Studies have shown that when men curse in the workplace, it is perceived as a sign of assertiveness and expresses a level of social hierarchy, ultimately leading to promotions and a welcome feeling of dominance in the boardroom. Women who do the same, are seen as unprofessional, overly emotional, and lacking self-control. 

This bias against women who swear is rooted in stereotypes that associate explicit language with masculinity. Women who swear are seen as transgressing these norms, leading to negative perceptions and judgments. The commonly used terms “ladylike language” and “ladies don’t swear” have propelled this unconscious bias, launching a ripple effect on workplace culture. 

The negative perception associated with cursing makes it difficult for women to express themselves authentically without fear of repercussion on their careers, as it may lead to limited professional growth, being overlooked for projects, or even fired. Moreover, this double standard can result in women becoming less engaged in their work and less likely to share their ideas and opinions. 

However, with profanity in the workplace now commonplace, women should be allowed to be as authentic and passionate in their expression as they see fit, without being downgraded for their choice of language. Personally, I have embraced profanity in the workplace despite the fact that I am a woman serving as a CEO of a century-old family business. I often refer to my team as “Team Amaze-Balls,” and while not a true swear word, such phrases – both fun and descriptive – enable the team to connect on both a personal and professional level.

The average American – male and female alike – curses 80 to 90 times a day. Embracing this reality gives me the support I need to encourage self-expression and creativity among my employees. I do not see it is an indication of carelessness or lack of respectability. Regardless of whether a CEO is female or male, leaders can play a unique role in breaking down stereotypes around profanity and gender bias that persist. 

Profanity & Professionalism: A Delicate Balance

Swearing can be beneficial – and even healthy. Research has shown that cursing can help an individual to better tolerate physical pain, build emotional resilience and is even a means of creative expression. In the professional setting, studies have shown that the wherewithal to know when cursing is appropriate is a sign of intelligence. Profanity creates a more relaxed, approachable atmosphere in the workplace. It solidifies a culture that values diversity and individuality, where authenticity, humor and self-expression can coexist without sacrificing professionalism. Beyond self-expression, profanity can help employees relieve tension while feeling a sense of workplace camaraderie. 

As both a leader and individual, it is essential to be authentic and honest, and if swearing is a part of one’s expression, there needs to be room for this to take place. 

One of my first Mortonisms (lessons learned from Morton Charlestein, 2nd generation CEO of Premier Dental and my grandfather) was “Remember who you are.” When I was a small child, I took this literally, memorizing my name, address, and telephone number. But as I grew up, I learned its deeper meanings. Among other things, it is a reminder of the importance of authenticity – revealing and reflecting your genuine self rather than trying to develop a persona to impress other people.  As a CEO, I’ve discovered that simple honesty and transparency are two of the most powerful tools I can use to make strong lasting connections and lead in the way my grandfather envisioned for his company. 

And I’ve also discovered that swearing is part of who I am, and my employees wouldn’t have it any other way, if they felt I was not being authentic with them. Business leaders impact their company’s work culture through both their vision and their actions. As a female business leader, I would never sacrifice my impact on my team, for the sake of reducing how much I swear. I owe it to them, as their CEO, to be myself. So I love to swear, but I also appreciate the positive it provides for my company.

Written by Julie Charlestein.
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