The Importance of Competing—and the Cost of Being Left Out

With the NFL season in full motion, I'm reminded that “competing” is about much more than the thrill of victory. It's about pushing limits, bouncing back from setbacks, and relentlessly pursuing excellence. This mindset goes beyond sports—it’s the same drive that defines success in corporate America.

For women and diverse talent, the opportunity to compete for roles with greater responsibility carries even more significance. It’s not just about recognizing past performance but acknowledging the journey, mentorship, and development that got them there. However, let’s be clear: being invited to compete isn’t a guarantee of advancement. Success must be earned through consistent performance, demonstrated potential, clear goals, and alignment with the company’s strategic vision. That’s what real competition looks like in today’s workforce.

Women and diverse professionals know this better than most. For many of us, it’s not just about excelling—it’s about proving, over and over again, that we deserve a seat at the table, even when the odds are stacked against us. We’ve been competing our entire careers.

But what happens when we aren’t even invited to compete? When the doors to opportunity remain closed, it’s not just the individuals who suffer—entire organizations miss out. The data is clear: companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability, and those with racial and ethnic diversity outperform their less diverse peers by 36%. Yet despite these advantages, women and diverse talent are still underrepresented in leadership positions. This isn't just a diversity issue—it’s a missed opportunity for innovation and long-term success.

So, what can be done? Two things are worth considering:

1. Companies can focus on improving the quality of career feedback and development provided by leaders. Transparent, actionable feedback is critical to helping women and diverse talent move through the pipeline within a reasonable timeframe.?

2. Professionals must proactively seek out mentors, advocates, and sponsors. You need to position yourself to be seen—not just for your hard work, but for the impact you’re capable of making at higher levels. The competition is tough, but the reward is worth it.

Ultimately, advancing in your career requires both organizational support and individual initiative. For companies, now is the time to invest in diverse talent and create real pathways for growth. For professionals, it’s time to compete with confidence, knowing that your value goes beyond what’s on paper.?

Let’s keep pushing for a workplace where everyone gets the chance to win!