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Have you ever wondered why it feels harder to build a business as a woman? It’s not just you, and Anna Gifty has the stats to prove it. This conversation will explain exactly why… and what we can do about it.
Anna is a Harvard-trained economist and the author of The Double Tax, a bold new book that breaks down the invisible costs women—especially women of color—pay just to participate in society.
But what makes this conversation essential for entrepreneurs?
Anna shows how these “taxes” sneak into your business, your brand, your pricing, your funding, your time, and what you can do to push back.
From the cost of motherhood to beauty standards in the workplace to why generational wealth-building still feels out of reach, this episode is a masterclass in economic empowerment. And it’s not just theory; Anna gives us the tools to change things.
If you’re building a business and wondering why it still feels this hard or you want to be part of rewriting the rules, this conversation is your permission slip and your playbook.
And if you want to dive deeper into this topic, order your copy of The Double Tax now!
When I first connected with Anna Gifty, I knew our conversation was going to be one of those “you’ll never see the world the same way again” moments. Let’s dive in!
The Double Tax: What It Is and How It Shows Up in Business
To begin, what even IS the double tax? Anna describes the “double tax” as the compounded cost of sexism and racism.
“It’s the cost that comes from being a woman, plus the cost that comes from being a racial minority—and for women of color, those experiences happen at the same time,” she explains.
In business, the double tax shows up in who gets funded, which products get created, and even which problems are seen as worth solving. If the decision-makers don’t see themselves in your product or service, they may not value it.
That lack of representation at the top doesn’t just limit opportunities for founders… It also means entire markets never get served.
Anna shared a powerful analogy: “When you build a ramp for someone in a wheelchair, it’s designed with them in mind, but anyone can benefit from it. That’s what happens when you solve problems for the most marginalized. You end up helping everyone.”
The Wealth Gap Is a Starting Line Problem
Anna makes it clear: the wealth gap isn’t just about how much money we have, it’s about where we start.
Some entrepreneurs are handed a head start in the form of family resources, inherited property, or connections that open doors. Others are told to run the same race from far behind the starting line.
She uses a racetrack analogy: “Imagine you’re all lined up to run a race, but before the gun goes off, some lanes are moved forward several steps. When the race starts, who’s more likely to win? The people who started closer to the finish line.”
The result? Your ability to bootstrap your business, survive a slow season, or take risks depends heavily on your proximity to wealth; something shaped by generations of opportunity or lack thereof.
Anna’s advice for those without a deep personal safety net? Lean into collective wealth. Pool resources, share opportunities, and support each other.
“No one is self-made here,” she says. “Everyone started from something.”
Caregiving: The Unpaid Tax on Women’s Time and Income
Caregiving (whether it’s motherhood, elder care, or caring for a sick loved one) carries an enormous and often invisible economic cost.
Women are statistically more likely to step into these roles, and when they do, it can limit career opportunities, reduce earnings, and drain both time and energy.
Anna doesn’t shy away from naming the reality: “Women are punished for choosing motherhood, and also punished for not choosing it.”
She calls for systemic solutions like paid family leave and expanded child tax credits: policies that would protect income and make it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate care responsibilities without sacrificing growth.
She also urges us to rethink the way we approach care on a community level. In Ghana, where Anna is from, caregiving is a shared responsibility: neighbors, extended family, and friends all pitch in. Rebuilding that sense of community care, she says, could be transformational for women in business who are juggling it all.
Solidarity That Works
For Anna, solidarity is more than a hashtag or a one-time public statement, it’s about taking real, tangible action. That might look like funding women’s organizations in your community, advocating for policies that protect underrepresented entrepreneurs, or sharing opportunities and introductions.
One of her biggest calls to action is for women to practice radical transparency.
“Talk to one another,” she urges. “If you know what someone else is getting paid or the deal they landed, you can negotiate from a place of power. When we keep quiet, the only people who benefit are the ones paying us less.”
Solidarity, she reminds us, doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as checking in with your neighbor, offering to help with a project, or sharing what you know so someone else can succeed faster.
The Truth About “Self-Made” Success
Anna leaves us with a reality check: “Anybody who says they’re self-made is lying.”
Behind every headline-worthy success is a network of support: assistants, mentors, collaborators, friends, and family. Even the so-called “lone geniuses” had people around them making the work possible.
I can definitely say from experience that she is absolutely right! I wouldn’t be close to where I am today without the women on Team JK.
Anna believes your future is shaped by how much credit you give to the people who help you along the way. “If you allow yourself to be a vessel for other people to succeed through you, that success is just going to keep on coming. It’s the moment you start to say, ‘This is all me,’ that you start to see the problems.”
Final Thoughts
This episode is both a wake-up call and a permission slip. The playing field isn’t level, but when we understand the forces at work, we can stop blaming ourselves, start building smarter, and link arms to create something better.
Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, pooling resources, or simply being transparent with each other about what we earn, change happens when we stop going it alone.
Loved this conversation? Be sure to order your copy of The Double Tax here and connect with Anna on Instagram!
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