Shattering the Mirrored Ceiling

Being a mother and raising kids while looking after a household is really tough right now. Throw in a full-time job, and life can seem pretty close to impossible some days. They say “the struggle is real” but so too is “the juggle” of being present as a mom and a working woman, especially when the cards are stacked against us in the corporate world. 

What exactly do I mean? According to a report by McKinsey & Company, women are promoted to manager at far lower rates than men, which creates a trickledown effect for formulating a gender-balanced foundation at the senior and executive levels. As of 2021, only a little more than 20% of women occupied C-suite roles, which is actually a 5% increase from 2016. 

Are we getting there? Maybe, but way too slowly. In fact, a recent study by The National Women’s Law Center showed that full-time working mothers were paid 74 cents for every dollar dolled out to dads. That’s $17,000 less just because of gender.

So what’s the deal? Why are women getting overlooked when it comes to that promotion, raise, or next step in their careers? If the corporate behemoth is still so fixated on the white male employee, what can we do to take matters into our own hands? Let’s find out.

My guest today is Anita Gatto, a mom of two and Co-Founder of The Board, a consultancy that connects C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs. Anita’s goal is to support women founders and leaders while creating a stronger, equity-driven, and gender-balanced business world.