How I Shattered the Corporate Glass Ceiling (Without Breaking a Nail)
“The glass ceiling doesn't apply when you're building your own house.”
-Heidi Roizen, Venture Capitalist & Stanford Lecturer
In 2004, I entered the world of broadcast news. I was in my mid-20s, and my goal was to secure a six-figure salary as an on-air news reporter so that I could live decently in my hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area, by the time I was 30-35. Based on the California economy and the fact that I had no family wealth being passed down to me, I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I was determined to make it happen.
I said YES to every opportunity that came my way, even if I didn't know how to fully do it. I made it a point to learn how to do things I didn't have "experience" in. I wanted to become a hard-to-replace asset, and I was willing to put in the work to get there.
I didn't waste time with office politics, gossip, or drama. I surrounded myself with mentors who could teach me and guide me in my career. And whenever I learned something new, I put it into immediate action. I positioned myself as a go-getter, a leader, someone who could be counted on.
Despite all of this hard work, I still couldn't seem to fully break through that invisible glass ceiling. I was never able to secure a coveted full-time on-air position, and it was frustrating. I felt resentful that I had put in all this effort and yet, I still wasn't where I wanted to be. I questioned myself on many levels and wondered what I had done wrong. How had I done everything "right," but still somehow failed?
It wasn't until later that I realized that the problem wasn't me. It was the system. I was a hard-working, dedicated professional, but there were still forces beyond my control that were holding me back. I was a victim of the industry's ageism, sexism, colorism and other biases.
It was a tough pill to swallow, but it was also empowering. It meant that I wasn't the problem, and I wasn't alone. Other women were experiencing the same frustrations, and it was time to do something about it.
I started seeking out women's groups, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals who were facing similar challenges. I learned that there were things I could do to improve my situation, such as reevaluating my goals, seeking feedback, and finding a mentor who had experience in my industry. I also learned the importance of focusing on my strengths and being patient and persistent.
During my career, I tried everything to break through the invisible glass ceiling and achieve the success I desired. While all of the skills and strategies I learned were valuable, one skill, in particular, was a game changer for me: making clear and complete requests. As an outspoken and direct person, I thought I was communicating effectively, but I realized that I wasn't always clear and they certainly weren’t “complete”, especially during difficult conversations.
Learning to make clear and complete requests that highlighted what I really wanted out of my career and what would serve me best made my job a much more pleasant experience. I didn’t get everything I wanted but I certainly received a lot more. It's easy to fall into the trap of doing instead of asking for what we need, but once I learned to make clear and complete requests, relationships and situations in my life began to improve - and I started moving UP!
Today, I'm proud of what I've accomplished. While I may not have secured a full-time on-air position, I built a successful 15 year career as a freelance journalist and now run a thriving coaching and consulting company that I love. I celebrate my successes, no matter how small they may seem, and am crystal clear in communicating what I want.
If you're struggling with feelings of frustration and disappointment in your career, know that you're not alone.
Download my free one-page guide outlining the 9 key elements to keep in mind when making a clear and complete request.
With the right mindset, approach and strategic communication skills, you can break through the glass ceiling and achieve the level of success you desire. Don't give up on your dreams – keep pushing forward!
