Yes, I think I have some experience of this. And I know my wife used to experience it a lot as a woman executive. I recall her saying numerous times that she would say something in a meeting & it would be ignored. But, then, if one of the men, or even one of the other women who were more "popular", brought up the same idea, suddenly it was GREAT!

I guess I don't really know anything about the dynamics of this. I have sometimes thought perhaps there's an underlying popularity factor at work. It may not even be evident to the people who are being influenced by it. But if someone they like says something, or does something, the fact that that person is popular gives added weight to what they say or do. If someone is not popular... not in with the "in crowd", so to speak, then what they've said or done has less value. At least that is my theory...