SM: What can we do when we’re being patronized?
Stefani Schaeffer: That will happen in business, especially if you’re a young female professional, but I would say always take the high road. Don’t sink to the level of condescension or being sarcastic. No one can ever fault you for being too professional. People don’t usually remember what you say to them, but they will definitely remember how you make them feel.

SM: Many female leaders get a reputation of being power-hungry or a bitch. How can we overcome that image?
Stefani Schaeffer: People make a quick judgment call about how they think you are personality-wise and you have no control over that. But what you do have control over is [knowing] that being professional doesn’t mean you have a chip on your shoulder. There’s no excuse for being less than professional, there’s no excuse for being nasty to people. “Oh, she’s the b-word or she’s snobby;” people might think that, and you can’t control that, but you can smile, you can be friendly and you can go about your business. And don’t worry about the people who are going to think ill thoughts.