Podcast Summary: Build with Leila Hormozi Episode: You’re Not Too Masculine, You’re Effective | Ep 287
Release Date: June 18, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 287 of Build with Leila Hormozi, Leila delves into the nuanced topic of masculine versus feminine energy in the workplace. Addressing the frequent questions and critiques she receives about her own energy presentation, Leila aims to shed light on the misconceptions and societal biases surrounding gendered traits in professional settings.

Defining Masculine and Feminine Energy

Leila begins by challenging the conventional definitions of masculine and feminine energy, emphasizing the need for clarity and measurability. She states:

“If you cannot define it, you cannot measure it. If you cannot measure it, you don't really know what it is.”
— Leila Hormozi [02:15]

She categorizes masculine energy as encompassing direction, structure, logic, and action, while feminine energy comprises receptivity, creativity, intuition, and empathy. Importantly, Leila views these energies not as fixed identities but as "energetic modes"—bundles of skills that can be employed as needed.

Energy as Skills, Not Identities

Leila emphasizes that individuals are not inherently masculine or feminine but can flexibly use various traits depending on the situation. She elaborates:

“You are not masculine or feminine as a person. You are using masculine or feminine skills, traits depending on the situation.”
— Leila Hormozi [05:30]

She underscores that both energies exist on a spectrum, and no one is entirely one or the other. This flexibility allows for effective adaptation to different environments and tasks.

Practical Application in Business

Drawing from her personal experience in building businesses, Leila discusses the necessity of leaning into masculine energy in professional settings to ensure effectiveness and prevent being taken advantage of. She recounts her initial struggles with being too empathetic and passive, which hindered team performance and business growth:

“I was incredibly empathetic, soft, passive... it did not build the best team, it did not build the best business.”
— Leila Hormozi [10:45]

By adopting more decisive and action-oriented traits, she was able to foster a stronger, more efficient team and achieve better business outcomes.

Balancing Energies in Personal Life

Leila also explores the importance of shifting energies outside of work. She shares how her approach changes when interacting with her husband, highlighting the need for different energies in personal relationships:

“When I come home and I'm with my husband, I am not in that place [masculine energy].”
— Leila Hormozi [15:20]

This balance ensures that her personal relationships thrive without the rigidity that professional settings might require.

Critique of Societal Labels and Judgments

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing the societal tendency to label individuals based on perceived energy traits. Leila argues that such labeling is restrictive and often rooted in hypocrisy:

“Nobody is going to question when a guy taps into his intuition or creativity... But the moment that a woman becomes decisive or assertive, we see so many women now saying, oh, she's too masculine.”
— Leila Hormozi [00:02]

She emphasizes that labeling oneself as too masculine or feminine hampers personal growth and reinforces unnecessary shame.

Encouraging Flexibility and Self-Respect

Leila advocates for viewing energy as a tool rather than a fixed trait. She encourages listeners to focus on aligning their actions with their values and maintaining self-respect:

“Energy is not who you are. It is how you deploy effort.”
— Leila Hormozi [35:10]

By using the appropriate skills for each situation, individuals can achieve their goals without being confined by outdated binary perspectives.

Conclusion

In closing, Leila Hormozi passionately argues against the rigid categorization of masculine and feminine energies. She calls for a more nuanced understanding that prioritizes effectiveness and personal authenticity over societal labels. Her message empowers listeners to embrace the full spectrum of their abilities, fostering both professional success and personal fulfillment.

“You just owe yourself the truth. And you owe yourself the self-respect you give yourself when you use the skills needed for the job at hand.”
— Leila Hormozi [48:50]

Leila concludes by urging listeners to discard harmful labels and focus on leveraging their diverse skills to become the individuals they aspire to be.

Key Takeaways

1. Energy as Fluid and Contextual: Masculine and feminine energies are not fixed identities but flexible modes that can be adapted based on situational needs.
2. Rejecting Labels: Avoiding rigid labels prevents self-imposed limitations and societal judgments, promoting personal and professional growth.
3. Skill-Based Approach: Success stems from utilizing the right skills for the task at hand, regardless of whether they are traditionally labeled as masculine or feminine.
4. Balanced Personal Relationships: Shifting energies appropriately in personal life nurtures healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
5. Self-Respect and Authenticity: Maintaining self-respect by aligning actions with personal values is crucial for long-term fulfillment and effectiveness.

Notable Quotes

• On Defining Energy:
  “If you cannot define it, you cannot measure it. If you cannot measure it, you don't really know what it is.”
  — Leila Hormozi [02:15]

• On Energy as Skills:
  “You are not masculine or feminine as a person. You are using masculine or feminine skills, traits depending on the situation.”
  — Leila Hormozi [05:30]

• On Overcoming Passivity:
  “I was incredibly empathetic, soft, passive... it did not build the best team, it did not build the best business.”
  — Leila Hormozi [10:45]

• On Societal Hypocrisy:
  “Nobody is going to question when a guy taps into his intuition or creativity... But the moment that a woman becomes decisive or assertive, we see so many women now saying, oh, she's too masculine.”
  — Leila Hormozi [00:02]

• On Self-Respect:
  “You just owe yourself the truth. And you owe yourself the self-respect you give yourself when you use the skills needed for the job at hand.”
  — Leila Hormozi [48:50]

This episode serves as a compelling commentary on the fluidity of gendered traits and the importance of adaptability in both professional and personal spheres. Leila Hormozi effectively dismantles harmful stereotypes, encouraging listeners to embrace a more flexible and authentic approach to their energies and behaviors.