Showing results for "The Door" in Women in Business

Nora Castro was invited to meet with the senior executive team at her new company. In a boardroom where Castro was the only female in attendance, the president asked for big ideas to save the firm from their shrinking footprint in the industry. Castro’s hand shot up. “I have the answer!” When she was ignored, she responded in a loud voice, “What percentage of executives in our firm are women?” Without acknowledging her, the president called an end to the meeting and the men walked out, leaving Castro sitting alone.

At some point in their careers, many women encounter the mirrored door—the place where, when presented with opportunities, we reflect inward and hesitate, deem we’re not ready or worthy enough to move forward whether that is to raise our hands or go for the next role. But there is a way to break through, and to overcome the gendered expectations that girls and women internalize over our lifetimes that create a hidden barrier that keeps us from reaching our full potential.