54:51 minutes
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January 9, 2026
#35 Women, Work, and Power
Inside Patriarchy, Inc. with Cordelia Fine
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About The Speaker
Professor Cordelia Fine is an acclaimed writer and scholar of science in the History & Philosophy of Science Program at the University of Melbourne. Her work challenges familiar misconceptions about brains, evolution, gender, and diversity, offering a “witty corrective” (Nature) and “keen precision and sharp humor” (New York Times). Her books, including Delusions of Gender, Testosterone Rex, and Patriarchy Inc., have been described as “essential reading” (Financial Times), “provocative and often fascinating” (Economist), and “important” (The Australian).
Cordelia’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Royal Society Science Book Prize. She was named a “living legend” of research by The Australian newspaper and awarded the Edinburgh Medal for her contributions to public debates about gender equality. Her most recent book, Patriarchy Inc., was listed in the Financial Times’ “What to Read in 2025 non-fiction” and “Best Summer Books of 2025: Business” and on the Grattan Institute’s Prime Minister’s Summer Reading List.
Episode Description
In this episode, Senthil speaks with Professor Cordelia Fine about women in the workplace and the ideas behind her new book Patriarchy, Inc. They explore how gender norms, power, and status shape modern work, why the “business case” for gender equality can fall short, and what real workplace reform could look like.
