Breaking the Glass Ceiling (From Both Sides)

We’ve all heard of the “glass ceiling,” the invisible barrier that holds women back from obtaining leadership positions. But in terms of the path to senior leadership, the biggest hurdle for women lies at the very bottom; it’s that first step up to manager that’s often the most difficult. That’s what’s referred to as the “broken rung.”

This broken rung results in more women getting stuck at entry-level. And it's much more difficult for women of color.

The stats are staggering. A study by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org found that for every 100 entry-level men promoted to manager, only 80 Latinos and 58 Black women see the same advancement. It's clear - the first promotion to a leadership role is a major obstacle for women of color.

Here's the thing: some might think we don't ask for promotions enough. But trust me, that's not the whole issue. A large part of the problem lies in unconscious bias and a system that doesn't readily recognize our potential.

So how do we break through??

My Glass Ceiling Experience

In my 35+ year journey to my current VP role, here's what I've learned:

Believing in myself was the first step towards overcoming the barriers I faced in my career journey. I had to cultivate a strong sense of self-confidence, firmly believing that I deserved that promotion and possessed the skills and experience required for a leadership role.?

I realized that waiting in the shadows wasn’t going to cut it. So instead, I learned to advocate for myself, boldly articulating my career aspirations and making a compelling case for why I was the ideal candidate for advancement.?

But words alone weren't enough; I realized the importance of demonstrating my worth through action.?

This meant actively seeking out opportunities to showcase my leadership potential, eagerly embracing new challenges, and doing my best to knock it out of the park.

It wasn’t easy, but these strategies have helped me navigate the broken rung.?

Tips for Breaking Through

Looking to work your way up to the C-suite? Here are a few quick tips:

• Speak Up: Don't be afraid to express your desire for leadership roles. Be clear about your career goals and what you want to achieve.
• Raise Your Hand for Opportunities: Volunteer for projects that stretch your skills and showcase your leadership abilities. This is your chance to shine!
• Build Your Network: Surround yourself with mentors and sponsors who can advocate for you and champion your career advancement.

And to those in leadership positions, I urge you to:

• Build Inclusive Workplaces: Create a culture where every rung on the ladder is strong and accessible for everyone, regardless of race or gender.
• Recognize Potential: Look beyond traditional markers of leadership and identify potential in all your employees, especially women of color.

Let’s shatter the ceiling together.

The broken rung is a reality - but it doesn't have to define our future.?

By being proactive, advocating for ourselves, building strong relationships, and reaching back to help more women climb the ladder…we can break down this barrier and enjoy the view from the top together.

I'll be diving into how to break barriers and unlock your full potential at The Being Conference, which takes place April 26-28 in Royal Oak, Michigan. Join me as I guide you through strategies to enhance your self-confidence, Emotional Intelligence, and Executive Presence—the essential tools Black and Brown women need to climb the career ladder. I can’t wait to see you there!