Quick Win: The million-dollar moment that tested Catriona Wallace’s integrity

Quick Win: The million-dollar moment that tested Catriona Wallace’s integrity

September 6, 2026 · 9 min

About this episode

Dr Catriona Wallace shares her experience of being offered a million dollars to remove her nose ring and discusses the importance of staying true to oneself in leadership.

When Dr Catriona Wallace was offered a million dollars to take out her nose ring, she didn’t hesitate. Her response wasn’t defiance - it was clarity.  In this Quick Win, Catriona shares how she dealt with the sexism and double standards she faced as a tech CEO, from being told to “brush her hair” to being offered a million dollars to look more like the kind of leader investors expected.  Her story is a reminder that staying true to yourself is sometimes the most strategic move you can make.  Catriona and I discuss:   The moment Catriona was offered $1 million - if she removed her nose ring  The everyday misogyny she faced while leading a listed tech company  Why she refused to compromise, even when it cost her  How staying authentic became her greatest advantage as a leader  The ripple effect of saying “no” from self-respect, not rebellion  KEY QUOTE:   “The moment you start to compromise and change, more things will compromise and change — and you lose who you are.”  Connect with Dr Catriona Wallace on Instagram , LinkedIn , and via her website .  Check out her…

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