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It was clear to me early on in life that I wanted to become CEO of a multinational company. I imagined traveling the world, working with all kinds of different people and achieving both success and respect from my peers. I knew one day that would be me.
However, I never realized how rare this type of thinking was—and continues to be—until I saw a recent Korn Ferry study that said only 12 percent of women said that becoming a CEO was a long-term vision.
Why is this the case? There are many reasons, but one, in particular, is especially intriguing to me: Girls don’t want it. The view that many young women are insecure is far too truthful. Women believe they are never going to make it to the top because the road is too long and unknown. With this fear, they sell themselves short. It is disheartening to me that they don’t aim high enough.
The numbers show it clearly. A recent study published by the Harvard Business Review noted that women still lack leadership roles in every major industry. Only 28 percent of senior executive roles filled by women in the technology, media and telecoms fields in 2017. And it’s even worse for women of color; black women continue to be sorely underrepresented in leadership roles in corporate America. Currently, they make up 12.7 percent of the U.S. population, yet they represent only 1.3 percent of senior management and executive roles of S&P 500 firms.
The report interviewed female managers who best described the many roadblocks, noting the host of difficulties that women encounter once promoted to management, such as having their legitimacy contested, their contributions undervalued and being excluded from powerful networks. These are too often the realities, but no matter the obstacle, the desire to succeed is the most important step.
So, what have I learned that I can pass on? How can I help girls aim higher and believe they can make it and to fight for what they deserve? The truth is, the way to the top is competitive, and you must run. Here are some things to keep in mind along that journey:
Build a support system
Always have a strong network of female friends and leaders, Amazons of the same tribe that will help, guide, nurture and cultivate you. At the same time, don’t forget about having also great men to support you. They need your perspective and vice versa. Remember that since there are fewer female leaders, being CEO can be a lonely place. You will often need to seek out partnership and support in other places.
Value your network
Activate and nurture your network. You will always need people to endorse you and bring you back to reality. The world is round, so remember that what goes around comes around.
Self-esteem is key
If you have some work to do in this department, do it sooner rather than later. It is important to seek help in this respect from your family, friends and peers. And don’t be afraid to pursue professional help if needed. Make all of the investments necessary to become confident and self-assured.
Take yourself seriously, but never too much. This is your life. Don’t forget to have fun.
Seek out your dream job
Get to know the things that make you happy. Choose a career aligned with it, and then map the opportunities available in that field. I don’t believe that anyone can be great at something they don’t love to do.
Once you land the job that you want, you’ll need to learn the games. Play them, and play them well. This means engaging, influencing and collaborating with people constantly. Keep updated on trends and don’t ever be outdated. You will always need to be needed. Remind yourself of that, and you will get there.
Women leaders have the responsibility to remove the obstacles in our companies so others can not only succeed but also believe that they can succeed. Frankly, if your employer is imposing difficulties because you are a woman, then the company doesn’t deserve you. You must let others know about that so that they can promote change within that organization. Gender blindness and gender awareness are both strategies for achieving equality.
Through it all, always remind yourself it requires will, dedication, work, partnership, sponsorship, clarity of purpose and the ability to lead your own path. Now set your sights high, and don’t let anything stop you.
