Breaking Barriers – Ambition, Confidence, and Allies in the Workplace – An Event Recap
I recently hosted an incredible event, “Breaking Barriers – The Ambition Penality & Confidence Gap” on behalf of pro-manchester.
To see so many people register for the event and attend confirmed what I already knew—this is still a vital and important conversation. Stephanie O’Connor Rodriguez originally wrote about this in 2023.
The Ambition Penality and Confidence Gap isn’t a theoretical conversation for us. It’s our lived experience on a regular basis. I loved seeing and experiencing passionate individuals come together to tackle the pervasive issues and challenges of this topic that women often face in their careers.
Here is a recap of my key takeaways, powerful insights, and actionable strategies from our discussions. Whether you attended the event or not, I hope you’ll find valuable information and inspiration to fuel your journey towards a more equitable and fulfilling career.
Understanding the Challenges
The Ambition Penalty and Confidence Gap are deeply rooted in societal expectations and workplace cultures. Women can often be penalised for exhibiting ambition and labelled as aggressive or bossy, while their male counterparts are praised for the same traits. This can lead to women hesitating to pursue leadership roles or negotiate for what they deserve.
Conversely, the Confidence Gap manifests in women underestimating their abilities, attributing success to external factors, and holding back from sharing their ideas. This can hinder their career progression and limit their impact.
The Power of Positive Storytelling
Throughout the event, we heard incredible stories of women who have successfully navigated these challenges. Their experiences highlighted the importance of resilience, determination, and finding supportive allies.
One speaker shared how she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on her accomplishments and seeking mentorship from women who had already broken through the glass ceiling.
Another speaker spoke about the power of building a solid network of supportive women who celebrate each other’s successes and offer encouragement during setbacks.
Actionable Strategies for Women
The event wasn’t just about identifying the problems but empowering women with practical tools and strategies to overcome them.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Own your ambition – Don’t shy away from expressing your career goals and aspirations.
- Find your voice – Speak up, share your ideas, and contribute confidently in meetings and discussions.
- Build your network – Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, mentors, and sponsors who will champion your success.
- Negotiate effectively – Learn to advocate for yourself and negotiate for the salary, promotions, and opportunities you deserve.
- Embrace challenges – View setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to build resilience.
- Celebrate your achievements – Acknowledge your accomplishments and give yourself credit for your hard work.
The Crucial Role of Allies
We also emphasised the importance of allyship in creating a more equitable workplace. Men have a crucial role to play in actively challenging bias, advocating for women, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Here are some ways men can be influential allies:
- Listen and learn – Educate yourself about women’s challenges and be open to feedback.
- Speak up – Challenge sexist language and behaviour when you witness it.
- Advocate for women – Support women’s leadership aspirations and sponsor them for promotions and opportunities.
- Amplify women’s voices – Make space for women to share their ideas and ensure their contributions are recognised.
- Mentor and support – Offer guidance and support to women in your workplace.
Creating Lasting Change
The event concluded with a powerful call to action. We can all be agents of change in our workplaces and communities. By challenging bias, supporting women, and advocating for equality, we can create a world where everyone can achieve their full potential.
Resources and Next Steps
If you’re looking for more information or support on this topic, here are some valuable resources:
- Follow along on LinkedIn HERE
- Find out more about our women’s leadership programme HERE
- Read the original article that inspired the event HERE
We encourage you to continue the conversation, share your experiences, and take action to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Together, we can break barriers and build a brighter future!