What Women Want: Setting Aside Stereotypes to Lead Without Boundaries - Part 1

The Myth of the Glass Ceiling

We, as women, often become our own worst enemies. While society may perpetuate stereotypes, the obstacles that hold us back are frequently the ones we create in our own minds. These self-imposed barriers not only reinforce outdated stereotypes but also keep us from achieving the extraordinary. In this series, we’ll explore three significant culprits that hold us back: believing in the glass ceiling, taking things personally, and the fear of failure.

The Myth of the Glass Ceiling

I first heard the term “glass ceiling” as a young private in the Army, up all night painting the First Sergeant’s office with some women from my platoon. They spoke about how women can only advance so far before hitting an invisible barrier. At the time, I didn’t understand—it seemed so far removed from my reality.

My mother, a single parent of two young girls in 1974, had every reason to fear failure. With limited skills, she needed to earn an income and took a bold risk by entering the commission-only world of real estate. Every Saturday morning, she’d pull my sister and me out of bed to help distribute her advertising in her designated “farm.” It was a terrifying time, but she worked tirelessly, selling over a million dollars in property her first year, back when homes sold for around $40,000 each.

Her success didn’t come without obstacles. I remember her late nights at the kitchen table, poring over paperwork and working the phones to find clients. When a deal fell through, she didn’t crumble—she pushed forward. She adapted to her clients’ needs, whether it was helping an elderly client with a malfunctioning hearing aid on the way to sign escrow papers or riding on the back of a motorcycle with a Vietnam veteran who wouldn’t drive in her car. Her determination paid off. During her rise to becoming one of the top realtors in her office, my mother never once mentioned a glass ceiling.

In my own career, I saw how the glass ceiling narrative could influence women’s perceptions of their potential. While working in male-dominated environments like the military, law enforcement, and corporate leadership, I encountered many women who had all the reasons in the world why they couldn’t be promoted. For whatever reason, I never let those reasons apply to me.

The same can be true for you. The glass ceiling is only as real as we make it. If we believe we’re limited, we will be. But if we refuse to accept those limits and focus instead on what’s possible, we can rise above them.

How to Shatter the Glass Ceiling

1. Reframe Your Mindset Ask yourself: What would I do if I didn’t believe in limits? Often, we hold ourselves back because we’re convinced there’s a cap on our potential. Focus instead on your capabilities and what you bring to the table.? If there is an actual obstacle in your path, what problem-solving skills are needed to reroute??
2. Seek Opportunities, Not Permission Don’t wait for others to recognize your potential—create your own opportunities. Volunteer for challenging projects, speak up in meetings and showcase your value through action. Men often apply for jobs they aren’t fully qualified for, while women hold back unless they meet every requirement. Break that pattern.
3. Find Role Models and Allies Surround yourself with people who believe in your abilities and inspire you to push forward. Seek out mentors and ask for their guidance. You’d be surprised how eager people are to share their experiences for the greater good.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Perfectionism often holds women back, making us hesitant to take risks. Progress matters more than perfection. Each step forward brings you closer to breaking through the barriers you’ve placed in your mind. In fact, it’s our imperfections that make us extraordinary.

Breaking the Barrier

The glass ceiling is a myth we don’t have to live by. Whether societal expectations or our own doubts influence us, the limits we face often start in our minds. By reframing our mindset, creating our own opportunities, and embracing progress over perfection, we can shatter the stereotypes that hold us back. Success isn’t about waiting for someone to open the door—it’s about walking through it with confidence, resilience, and determination. This is just the beginning. In the next articles, we’ll explore how letting go of personal grievances and embracing the possibility of failure can further unlock your extraordinary potential.?

About Gina L. Osborn

Gina L. Osborn is a former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, former Chief of Safety for LA Metro, and recognized expert in security, crisis management, and leadership. With extensive experience combating international terrorism, cybercrime, and violent crime, she is committed to helping organizations develop effective, proactive safety strategies and shares lessons on authentic leadership, challenging the status quo and making maverick moves, leading through chaos, crisis, and change, and rising to the top in male-dominated fields. To learn more, visit www.ginalosborn.com.