Shattered
Expectations: A View from the Top (and Underneath) of the Glass Ceiling
My
career has been a masterclass in shattered expectations. I’ve served my country
in the military, built a multi-state business from the ground up, and navigated
the labyrinth of state government. I’ve written the rules, led the teams, and
watched others reap the rewards of my vision.
I’ve
been “brain raped by the best” – my ideas, my strategies, my sweat
equity fueling the luxury cars and exotic vacations of those who followed my
lead. Yet, my compensation never reflected the value I brought to the table.
Like
many women, I’ve encountered that invisible barrier—the glass ceiling. In some
cases –the concrete ceiling. But my experience goes beyond simply hitting it;
it’s about the shattering disillusionment that comes when you realize the game
is rigged.
This
blog is about those shattered expectations. It’s about the new reality of the
glass ceiling – one that’s less about outright exclusion and more about
insidious inequities. It’s about the women who, like me, have been told they
have a seat at the table, only to find out it’s a child’s seat tucked away in
the corner.
I’m
here to share my stories, insights, and hard-won lessons. If my experiences can
help even one woman navigate this treacherous terrain, then maybe—just maybe—we
can start changing the game’s rules.
The glass ceiling, once a
symbol of systemic sexism blocking women’s advancement, is evolving. Today, men
and women find their careers stalled, not due to an old boys’ club but a
complex web of factors.
Why Are So Many Hitting This Barrier?
Economic Shifts: The
middle class is shrinking, competition is fierce, and fewer high-level
positions are available.
Skill Mismatch:
Rapid technological change demands constant upskilling, leaving many behind.
Work-Life Balance: The ideal of “having it all” often
leads to burnout, making the climb unsustainable.
Corporate Culture: Risk
aversion and focus on short-term profits stifle innovation and career growth.
The glass ceiling is not gone,
but it is no longer solely a gender issue. Addressing these new realities
requires recognizing them and creating a workplace where talent, not outdated
assumptions, determines success.
The Glass Ceiling in Action
Tech Industry:
Despite qualifications, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. They
often face a “bro culture” that hinders advancement.
Finance: Women
make up a significant portion of the workforce but are less likely to reach
executive positions, often hitting a “concrete ceiling.”
Academia: Despite
similar publications and research achievements, women professors are less
likely to be granted tenure than their male counterparts.
Blue-Collar Jobs: Even
in traditionally male-dominated fields, women face barriers to promotion and
equal pay, often hitting a “sticky floor.”
These examples highlight that
while the glass ceiling’s nature may have shifted, its impact remains. It’s no
longer just about gender but a complex interplay of factors limiting career
progression for many.
The military has made strides
in promoting gender equality, opening combat roles to women, and implementing
policies against discrimination. However, an actual level playing field remains
elusive. Women still face biases, stereotypes, and a culture that favors
traditional masculinity.
While policies have changed,
mindsets evolve slowly. Women are still underrepresented in leadership and
often face harassment and unequal treatment.
The military’s progress is
significant, but more work is needed to create a truly inclusive environment
where all genders have equal opportunities to thrive and advance.
Remote work has the potential
to create a more level playing field by removing physical barriers and offering
flexibility. However, it doesn’t automatically guarantee equal opportunities
for all.
Potential Benefits
Reduced Bias:
Remote work can minimize conscious and unconscious biases related to gender,
race, or appearance.
Flexible Schedules: This
can benefit women and minorities who often bear greater caregiving
responsibilities.
Level Playing Field:
Performance becomes the primary focus, potentially reducing discrimination.
Potential Challenges
Visibility: Out
of sight, out of mind. Remote workers may miss out on opportunities due to
reduced face-to-face interaction.
Isolation: This
can disproportionately affect women and minorities, hindering mentorship and
networking.
Unequal Access: Not
everyone can access reliable internet and a quiet workspace, creating
disparities.
AI’s impact on job security
is complex and varies across industries:
Threatened Jobs
Repetitive Tasks:
Automation replaces manual labor in manufacturing, customer service, and data
entry.
Predictable Patterns: AI
excels at financial analysis, legal research, and medical diagnostics.
Low-Skill Jobs:
Those requiring minimal training are most vulnerable, leading to potential
displacement.
Safe Jobs
Creativity: AI
struggles with original ideas, artistic expression, and complex
problem-solving.
Emotional Intelligence: Jobs
requiring empathy, interpersonal skills, and human connection remain secure.
High-Skill Jobs: Engineering,
medicine, and scientific research experts are less threatened.
New Opportunities
AI Development: Demand for AI
specialists, data scientists, and machine learning engineers is growing.
AI-Augmented Jobs: AI tools
enhance productivity, creating new roles in data analysis, content creation,
and marketing.
Overall Impact
AI is reshaping the job
landscape, not necessarily reducing jobs overall, but changing the skills
required. Adaptation and upskilling are crucial to thriving in this evolving
environment.
To Skill Up in the Competitive Field of AI — Consider These Options
Online Courses: Platforms
like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer comprehensive programs in AI, machine
learning, and data science, often taught by industry experts.
Bootcamps: These
intensive, short-term programs provide hands-on experience and practical
skills, making them ideal for career changers or those seeking quick
upskilling.
Micro-credentials:
Focus on specific AI skills like natural language processing or computer vision
through shorter, targeted courses.
University Programs:
Consider a master’s degree in AI, data science, or a related field for a deeper
understanding and research opportunities.
Self-Study:
Leverage free resources like online tutorials, blogs, and open-source projects
to learn at your own pace.
Networking:
Attend conferences, meetups, and online communities to connect with AI
professionals and learn from their experiences.
Internships: Gain
practical experience and build your portfolio by working on real-world AI
projects.
Mentorship: Seek
guidance from experienced AI practitioners to accelerate your learning and
career development.
Remember, the best option
depends on your background, career goals, and learning style. Choose a path
that aligns with your interests and resources for a successful journey into AI.
The Glass Ceiling in Action
Questions to consider: Are
changes in the military’s mindset and policies giving all genders an equal
chance to advance in their chosen fields?
With AI on the rise, how does
this advanced technology affect job security across all disciplines?
What options would you
recommend if workers need to specialize in AI?
Conclusion: While remote work promises
equal opportunities, its success depends on intentional policies and inclusive
practices. Companies must actively address potential biases, ensure equal
access to resources, and foster a culture where everyone feels valued and included,
regardless of gender, race, or location.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions
expressed in this blog are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect those
of any organizations or individuals mentioned.
