In this LinkedIn Live, we’re joined by the incredible Jen Smollett, one of the UK’s leading Women’s Leadership Coaches. In this chat, Jen and Elizabeth Willetts tackle the age-old concept of the ‘glass ceiling’ and the myriad challenges women face in their quest to shatter it. One thing’s for sure: navigating the complex web of gender, motherhood, and biases in the workplace is no walk in the park.
Jen is candid about her inspiration for entering the realm of women’s leadership coaching. She emphasises the pivotal role of feedback, resilience, and the art of being an authentic leader. And for those grappling with bias and barriers, Jen has a treasure trove of advice to help you rise above.
Jen introduces her game-changing coaching programme, designed to empower women to become confident and conscious leaders. Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Dive right in!
If this conversation resonated with you, why not check out our blog on Gender Disparity in Shares & Options: Why Women Need to Demand More for more expert tips?
Timestamps
The definition of the glass ceiling [00:00:55] Liz and Jen discuss the meaning of the glass ceiling and its impact on women in the workplace.
The impact of motherhood on the glass ceiling [00:04:17] They explore the role of motherhood in creating barriers for women in their careers and the biases that come with it.
Advice for facing bias in the workplace [00:07:11] Jen offers advice on how to identify and address bias in the workplace, including looking for signs of bias and gaining a deeper understanding of the situation.
Navigating challenges in the workplace [00:09:07] Discussion on the common challenge of being told to work full-time for a promotion, feeling unfairness, and the difficulty of understanding why others are chosen over you.
Seeking and utilizing feedback [00:09:35] Importance of asking for feedback and specific questions to gain a better understanding of promotion decisions, considering gender biases and motherhood as potential factors.
Building resilience and accepting feedback [00:12:57] Exploring ways to build resilience in the workplace, taking constructive feedback less personally, and developing self-acceptance and self-compassion to grow and learn from weaknesses.
The challenges of receiving feedback [00:18:06] Discussion on the difficulty of accepting feedback and the importance of self-acceptance and self-compassion.
Men and the pursuit of perfection [00:19:01] Exploration of whether men also strive for perfection and experience imposter syndrome.
Avoiding burnout and gaining perspective [00:21:27] Advice on how to take care of oneself while striving for success, including creating blank space for thinking and gaining perspective.
The self-awareness, resilience, and inspiring leader [00:27:33] Discussion on the qualities of a successful leader, including self-awareness, resilience, and motivation.
The importance of authenticity in leadership [00:28:17] Authenticity is the key to breaking the glass ceiling and becoming an effective leader.
Contact information and program details [00:29:23] How to get in touch with Jen Smollett and learn more about her leadership program.
Show Links
Connect with Jen Smollett on LinkedIn
Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn
Find out about Jen’s Coaching Programme
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board and Recruitment Site