Breaking Barriers: Leadership Lessons and Gender Equity Insights from Briana Scurry

Over the summer, during my internship at New York Life Insurance Company, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a fireside chat with Briana Scurry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion. Her journey, triumphs, and candid reflections on resilience left a profound impression on me. I was inspired by her story to dive deeper into the themes she explored, uncovering broader lessons about leadership, resilience, and the power of representation.

During the fireside chat, Scurry shared her journey, from her crucial role in the 1999 Women’s World Cup to her more recent work as a motivational speaker and advocate for women in sports. One of the most memorable moments she described was the game-changing penalty save she made during the World Cup final – a moment that set the stage for Brandi Chastain’s iconic goal. One of the most compelling aspects of Scurry’s story is her experience as the only person of color on the U.S. Women’s National Team at the time. She spoke candidly about the challenges of being “the only,” both in her athletic career and growing up in a predominantly white suburb of Minneapolis. Today, the landscape has evolved, with the current women’s team featuring a more diverse roster. Scurry expressed optimism, noting that “generations of young girls are going to see women who look like them playing on that field,” (B. Scurry, personal communication, July 10, 2024) highlighting the importance of representation in inspiring future leaders.

Scurry’s honesty about her struggles after retiring from soccer was particularly moving. She shared how a career-ending concussion led her into a period of depression but ultimately became a turning point in her life. “Success is not a straight line,” (B. Scurry, personal communication, July 10, 2024) she said, reminding us that setbacks are often opportunities to grow stronger, that highs and lows often accompany a successful career, and personal growth frequently occurs alongside failures and obstacles. This perspective resonated deeply with me, prompting a reflection on the non-linear nature of success, the value of perseverance, and defining your own path.?

Reflecting on Scurry’s insights led me to explore the broader challenges women face in leadership roles. Research indicates that women often grapple with perfectionism and a lack of confidence, which can hinder their professional advancement. For instance, many women feel compelled to meet all the qualifications listed in job descriptions before applying, whereas men are more likely to apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “confidence gap,” suggests that women may underestimate their abilities, potentially limiting their career opportunities (Mohr, 2021). Additionally, societal expectations and internalized perfectionism can exacerbate feelings of imposter syndrome among women leaders. The pressure to maintain a fa?ade of perfection not only undermines self-confidence but can also lead to mental and physical exhaustion (Duggan, 2013). Addressing these challenges is crucial for unlocking potential and enabling women to lead with authenticity and confidence.

Furthermore, the importance of utilizing technology to advance women’s careers is becoming increasingly apparent. Platforms like LinkedIn, though dominated by men (with 56.4% of users being male), can serve as powerful tools for women to showcase their skills and network with industry leaders (We Are Social, & DataReportal, & Meltwater, 2024). Yet, women often underutilize these platforms due to societal pressures and the aforementioned confidence gap. Similarly, online learning platforms such as Coursera and edX provide unprecedented opportunities for women to acquire new skills and advance their careers. According to Coursera, the percentage of women enrolled in online courses globally has risen from 38% in 2019 to 42% in 2022, demonstrating the growing role of digital education in empowering women (Ikonomou, 2022). These platforms allow women to pursue knowledge in areas such as leadership, negotiation, and public speaking, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in leadership roles. The accessibility of online learning has been particularly impactful for women balancing careers with other responsibilities, such as parenting, enabling them to continue their professional growth without compromising their personal lives.

Another significant challenge women face in the workplace is balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities. As noted by Sylvia Hewlett, 43% of women leave the labor market when they become mothers, often due to inflexible work environments (Hewlett, 2014). However, initiatives like SheWorks! are helping to bridge this gap by providing flexible, remote work opportunities and support networks for women, allowing them to remain in the workforce while managing family commitments. These resources are essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

While these insights highlight key strategies for addressing gender equity in the workplace, they also relate directly to the themes discussed in the fireside chat. Scurry’s journey illustrates the nonlinear nature of success, the value of perseverance, and the importance of defining one’s own path. Just as she navigated setbacks and carved her way forward, leveraging technology, online learning, and support networks allows women to do the same in professional environments. These tools enable women to overcome barriers, develop their leadership potential, and advocate for themselves in traditionally male-dominated spaces. By tying these themes together, we see how both personal resilience and systemic change play important roles in advancing gender equity in leadership.

Briana Scurry’s story, coupled with these broader societal insights, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, representation, and self-advocacy. Her ability to define her identity and carve her path, even when others tried to impose limitations, is an inspiration to women striving to lead in their respective fields. As she emphasized during the fireside chat, it’s not about waiting for permission or validation but about deciding who you are and taking ownership of your journey. As we continue to navigate a rapidly evolving world, leveraging technology, education, and support networks will be critical in empowering women to break barriers and redefine leadership. By embracing these tools and fostering resilience, women can transform challenges into opportunities and lead with confidence and strength in any area.

Works Cited

Duggan, M. (2013, September 12). It’s a woman’s (Social Media) World. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/09/12/its-a-womans-social-media-world/

Hewlett, S. A. (2014, August 21). Executive women and the myth of having it all. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2002/04/executive-women-and-the-myth-of-having-it-all

Ikonomou, M.-N. (2022, April 1). Coursera Women and Skills Report indicates a narrowing gender gap in online learning. Coursera Blog. https://blog.coursera.org/coursera-women-and-skills-report-2021/

Mohr, T. S. (2021, November 2). Why women don’t apply for jobs unless they’re 100% qualified. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified

We Are Social, & DataReportal, & Meltwater. (February 22, 2024). Distribution of LinkedIn users worldwide as of January 2024, by gender [Graph]. In?Statista. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/933964/distribution-of-users-on-linkedin-worldwide-gender/