To continue reading this article in full click here: What is the ‘Rapunzel’ theory – and why is it so important for our careers?
23rd January 2025
Workplace Growth: What Is The ‘Rapunzel Theory’?
The Rapunzel theory promotes supporting others as you climb the career ladder, creating inclusive opportunities for women in the workplace. By fostering collaboration, leveling the playing field, and benefiting businesses, this approach empowers individuals and challenges systemic barriers, demonstrating that success is about uplifting others alongside personal growth.
This article was written by Anna Bartter, featuring Sophie Attwood, Francesca (Check) Warner, and Eleanor Kaye, and published in Stylist.
We’re all familiar with the traditional fairytale of the beautiful young woman locked in a tower, letting her hair down for Prince Charming to come and rescue her. And while the story is problematic on many levels (don’t get us started on needing a man to come and save us), the theory behind it is being hailed as key to challlenging some of the systemic misogyny lingering in workplaces.
In 2024, the fact is that women are still paid less than men, are less likely to be promoted, and find it harder to raise finance to support business ventures than their male counterparts, not to mention having to manage the hundreds of daily micro-aggressions women can face in the workplace.
And while lots of us are able to point to a mentor who has helped us thrive at work, many of us are also able to recall a boss or senior woman at work who hasn’t given other women the easiest of rides, for whatever reason (more on this, later). But there’s good news: the ‘Queen Bee’ era is falling out of favour, making way for the Rapunzel theory, allowing women to thrive at all levels of their careers.
What is the Rapunzel theory?
First things first: what on earth is the Rapuzel theory? Well, it’s pretty simple. You know how Rapunzel throws her hair down to help the prince climb up the tower? It’s that, but instead of hair, we’re throwing down lifelines and aids for women following us through the ranks at work.
“The Rapunzel theory means taking conscious steps to ensure you’re helping others succeed in their careers, as you build yours,” explains Eleanor Kaye, managing director of the Newton Venture Program. “It’s the concept of laying down routes for others to follow or extending a hand to help people up, rather than focusing solely on what lies ahead for your personal career path.”
This is in direct contrast to the ‘Queen Bee’ concept, where women in authority are critical of their juniors and quick to distance themselves from them. This in itself is a fascinating phenomenon rooted in patriarchy, as research shows that it stems from gender inequality and discrimination, but the Rapunzel theory is the opposite and it moves us all away from a scarcity mindset to one of alliance and empowerment.
“The Rapunzel theory beautifully captures this idea of ‘throwing down the ladder’, and it really is crucial for women in leadership to craft pathways for others to follow,” notes CEO and founder of SA Communications, Sophie Attwood. “When we invest in the growth and development of the next generation, the benefits ripple far beyond the individuals we mentor.”
Why is the Rapunzel theory important?
“Women continue to break barriers and rise through the ranks in various industries. However, the journey to success is rarely a solitary one, and the importance of women supporting women in the workplace cannot be overstated,” notes Jenny Segal, workplace culture expert and author of On Motivation: Women & Workplace Culture. “Regardless of their current positions or levels of seniority, women have a unique opportunity to create a supportive network that fosters growth, equality and empowerment for all.”
And the theory is particularly important in tackling career accessibility for underrepresented or disadvantaged women, who may lack a ‘way in’ to many professions.
“Keeping this concept in your head can be a great reminder of the impact we can all have on paying it forward and, ultimately, helping level the playing field across the world of work,” agrees Kaye. “Otherwise, the risk is that only people with strong networks or ‘friends in the right places’ get the leg-up.”
It’s crucial to remember that, no matter what our job entails, we all leave a legacy and create an impact – even if we don’t realise it.
“Where we can, we should all be reaching out a hand to guide someone along a path we ourselves have walked,” agrees founder and CEO of beauty tech platform Yuty, Simi Lindgren. “When women come together, it creates magic. In a world that often pits women against each other, it’s important to remember how powerful it is to uplift and support one another.”
What are the benefits of the Rapunzel theory?
How long have you got? In an ideal world, working in this way would be a given. Let’s take a look at how we can all win when we work together.
1. It fosters a culture of collaboration
“Having role models to pave the way for us isn’t just important, it’s transformative,” says Attwood. “It creates space for collaboration, boosts confidence in younger colleagues and creates a much healthier environment for all.”
