Shattered Expectations: A View from the Top (and Underneath) of the Glass Ceiling

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 Addressing these new realities requires recognizing them and creating a workplace where talent, not outdated assumptions, determines success.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.