What are the most effective ways for women to break through the glass ceiling in male-dominated fields?

As women, traditionally we have been taught to listen and accommodate, in this process we stop believing or exploring our own potential. We feel lost with so many voices around us where majority of the discussions are not for us. Breaking these voices; finding and accepting your true value can be challenging but this is the first step.

In the funeral profession, a historically male dominated profession, over the past 10+ years, the profession starting to see your shift into more women entering the field. We see this first-hand with mortuary classes at @Miami Dade College, Funeral Service Education program. One area that still is problematic is the salary. Not all funeral homes, across-the-board but in many, that I have become aware of, this is true. I believe the associations and organizations from top down management have an influence in the industry specific conversations, and can influence this significantly .

In my experiance women do not sell themselves as well as their male counterparts. We need to talk up our achievements and our colleagues and give them the confidence to talk about their successes. Allyship is also importtant, get your leaders to talk you up too.

Think about it: Coca-Cola's success wasn’t just about the product; it was their marketing genius. This applies to us too, especially for women in the workforce. I've seen how we often overdeliver and remain unsung. It's time to change that narrative. Actively showcase your achievements to everyone – peers, managers, your pets, anyone who’ll listen! You're not just doing your job; you're acing it. Continuously highlight your work at every opportunity within your organization. Don’t let others claim credit for your efforts. Speak up, stand out, and take charge of your career trajectory. Your success isn't just about hard work; it’s also about how you present that work. Embrace this, and you’ll see your career reach new heights!

Of course you need to know your value to be taken seriously and demonstrate your credibility - this comes with knowledge, skills and experience. But underlying it is confidence in how you come across and what you say. I coach many women lawyers in the legal profession and they always have to go the extra mile to get buy-in, especially in male dominated practice areas. Many men are supportive and will champion your ambitions - that's where you want to be. But, know your value. If you can't see career progression because of what feels like an 'old boys network' - move on. There needs to be systemic change first which starts with those in charge.

Breaking through the glass ceiling in male-dominated fields requires a combination of strategies. First, women should actively seek mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and advocate for their advancement. Building networks and alliances with like-minded individuals is also crucial. Second, acquiring relevant skills and knowledge through education and professional development is essential for building confidence and credibility. Third, challenging gender biases and stereotypes by showcasing competence and highlighting achievements can help shatter preconceived notions. Additionally, promoting workplace diversity and inclusion through initiatives and policies can create a supportive environment for women to thrive.

Lack of self-confidence and double burden are the two leading reasons why women opt out of executive careers. For the first, companies should focus on mentoring programs and sponsorships in order to provide female talent with strong role models that may empower them in face of applications and promotions to new roles which represent the next step on their journey through the corporate ladder. For the second, it is more of a complex issue as societal stigmas play a key role in dictating gender roles at home. Companies can then provide female talent with flexibility on their work journey and their career path. This makes it more likely that a female employee will be able to balance her personal and professional roles.

Si no empezamos por aquí no hay manera que tengamos resultados esperados! Tres de cada Cuatro mujeres ha tenido el Síndrome del Impostor. Para romper el techo de cristal y esa manera aprendida de nuestro valor, es esencial reconocer una y otra vez todo el potencial que tenemos y que no se compara con el de nadie mas.

Find sponsors and advocates rather than relying on mentors. This means building relationships with some of the male majority to ensure that your name comes to mind as easily as the rest of the male majority.

Simply be better. Be smarter Be more compassionate Be a more attentive listener Be a more graceful loser Focus on you and your individual role in the organisation. Play your part so well you become indistinguishable from your role.

Joining a supportive network such as one that we have created at GirlCode is key. You not only get to see other women doing what you are doing which builds confidence but you are also included in conversations and meet-ups that you wouldn't otherwise be part of! By connecting with others and being visible within the community you build you profile within the tech space and provide role model like status to other women in the industry.

You need visibility. Prioritise your mentoring and network relationships. They will compound, as you build your network you will find new mentors, and you will be able to be a mentor of great value. Your mentors will be able to introduce you to others to extend your network so you have a rich and broad group of people to draw on and to learn from. Think about a brand plan for yourself - that will help determine what groups to join. What reputation do you want to have? Why do you want your voice heard? What are your strengths (to enable you to pick the right networking groups)? Don't waste your energy in joining groups that won't actually add value just because they have 'Women' or 'Girl' in the title. Do your research.

Start your own business. Problem solved. Surround yourself with success people and be confident. You may stumble, but never give up.

Gain an understanding of how you approach conflict & what you might deploy to become successful in having the challenging conversations that are important to have. Money: “I have worked here for <x> years, you know i'm loyal. I have been here through high and low times, my aspiration is to grow even more within the organisation . Can you help me with a path that gets me to this salary of =<x>.? “ That way it's not a yes or no answer/question. It is allowing for conversation and to enable that person to recognise that you view your own career within the organisation as a continuum - essentially “can you invest in me”. Rather than meet my demands. It enables 'this is what I need budget wise to enable me to keep working here'.

There have been plenty of times I have been met with a, let me speak with “him” statement. Only to respond with a, “you’re looking at her!” We collectively make the rift and change we want to see, when we are unapologetically ourselves.

Research, ideate and chat to people about how you think and feel about your leadership authority. What tools do you have to manage tensions, what is your source of power and how might you use it.

Es stimmt: Die Welt braucht mehr Frauen, die souverän demonstrieren, dass die Gesellschaft auf ihren Beitrag nicht verzichten kann, doch ebenso wichtig wäre es, Männern mehr Freiraum für ihre persönliche Entwicklung zuzugestehen und damit einen Annäherung der Geschlechter zu erreichen.

One huge way I have found has been to fine tune and utilize my natural talents; however, the fastest way to grow is to learn from your peers and those above you. When I started to ask for help, I found a wide variety of new things out about my field, and instead of being met with resistance or competitiveness, I was enriched and watered! When we work together we all learn, and we all grow! I have found out so much in my career. Engineering, HR, Strategy, Compliance, Safety, and so much more. The biggest constraint to your growth will be your own pride, so don’t hold yourself back. Always ask the “stupid” questions! Continue to learn, and stretch yourself into areas of seeming discomfort, it’s in those bold movements you grow the most!

Simply “Be Visible”! Most women by nature shy away from snatching any opportunity to be in the limelight, due to many factors such as society expectations, peer pressure, or lack of interest or confidence. Whatever the reason might be, there is a strong need in most women to conform and be likeable. That’s all ok as long as it doesn’t stand in the way of your own interest as a thriving professional and compromise your well deserved need for recognition and self-actualisation. As you progress in your career journey,you will need to start positioning yourself as a leader and an ambassador in your area of work and expertise not only for your own sake; but for the sake of all other women out there who may be inspired by your courage to be seen!

Ich möchte auf ein Schlüsselproblem von Frauen hinweisen, das viele überhaupt nicht auf dem Schirm haben, da sie sich selbst als gleichgestellte Person sehen und fehlende Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten eher im Außen suchen: Dem problematischen Umstand der weiblichen Idee von Partnerschaft, sozialen Beziehungen und Familie. Dummerweise fängt der Wunsch zum Paarlauf bereits so früh an, dass sich die meisten Frauen selbst noch gar nicht ausreichend entwickeln konnten. Die geforderte Chancengleichheit kann so nicht zum Tragen kommen. Denn Chancen können nur ergriffen werden, wenn Frauen eigene Ziele definieren, ihr Handeln selbst besser verstehen und bewusster steuern können.

It can be easy to lose sight of your goals, remember your aspirations and goals are worth notice and consideration, and your voice matters. Don’t be afraid to use them. Often times the “problem” seems too big, and we are but a drop in the big ocean, but even a drop can make waves if it wants to! Don’t forget your power!