[beat]

And how is performance measured?

Aggressive behavior is considered admirable in men, and deplorable in women. Many women I know have noted comments in their performance reviews about their behavior - various words that can all be distilled to "bitchy".

[gspetr]

And then you take your experience, connections and expertise to leave and start your own company where none of this happens.

But is that what we see in real life?

I don't have data or sources at hand, but I'd bet top dollar that F-M ratio among employees is much more lopsided in male favor among founders[0].

[0] Not using the word CEO, because that can be appointed for somewhat arbitrary reasons.