Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Unveiling the Broken Rung and Empowering Women for Positions of Power

Prioritize personal growth

When faced with tough choices, we must prioritize our core values and have the courage to pursue what we truly deserve.

Have you ever wondered why some women find it difficult to climb the corporate ladder or start their own businesses? In a recent episode of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Erica Anderson Rooney, an inspiring entrepreneur who shared her experiences and insights on this topic. Erica shed light on the judgment and backlash she faced from other women when she left her organization to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the reasons why women get stuck, explore the societal conditioning and biases they face, and discover ways to overcome these challenges.

The Impact of Judgment and Backlash:

One of the key factors that hold women back from reaching their full potential is the judgment and backlash they face from others, especially when making significant career changes. Erica explained that this judgment often stems from limiting beliefs and individuals' unwillingness to address their own issues. However, both Erica and I agreed that comparing ourselves to others and worrying about their opinions only hinders our personal growth and progress.

Societal Conditioning and Biology:

It is essential to acknowledge the societal conditioning and biological factors that contribute to women caring deeply about what others think of them. As I pointed out in the episode, women are often raised and socialized to be givers, prioritizing the needs and opinions of others. This conditioning can make women feel the need to seek validation and conform to societal expectations, which can create internal barriers to pursuing their ambitions.

The Challenges of Corporate Life:

Women face numerous challenges when aiming to reach positions of power and success in corporate life. Corporate America, as Erica highlighted, is predominantly built by and dominated by men, leading to gender disparities. The "broken rung" phenomenon, which occurs at the first step into management, is a significant barrier where women struggle to catch up and advance. Taking time off for children also sets women back in their careers, widening the pay gap between genders.

Superficial Diversity and Middle Management Struggles:

Despite organizations prioritizing diversity on the surface, there is still a lack of substantial effort to fix the broken rung and address gender disparities. This discrepancy is especially evident in middle management, where many women feel stranded and unable to advance further. Erica noted that women often settle for less out of love for the company or fear of change, leading to stagnation and a lack of fulfillment.

Choosing Courage and Growth:

Erica shared an empowering message about the importance of prioritizing personal growth and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who support and encourage positive change. She bravely made the decision to leave her current position and pursue a C-level role where she could make a difference. Erica's story serves as a powerful reminder that, when faced with tough choices, we must prioritize our core values and have the courage to pursue what we truly deserve.

In conclusion, the challenges women face in climbing the corporate ladder or starting their own businesses are multi-faceted and deeply rooted in societal conditioning, biases, and limited opportunities. However, it is crucial to remember that there is not just one solution or path in life. By being courageous, embracing personal growth, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can overcome these obstacles and thrive. If you'd like to hear more about Erica Anderson Rooney's journey or other inspiring stories from female entrepreneurs, listen to the full episode of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here: https://bit.ly/thedrivenwomanpodcast