Want to shatter the glass ceiling? Look for a company that invests in women and for women (and men) who want to see change
In many places, women still encounter the glass ceiling, an invisible barrier that limits their advancement in the workplace. However, as a woman who has spent more than three decades in the corporate world, I have been fortunate to work for an organization, Sempra, that has a long-standing history of supporting women, as evidenced by the presence of female leaders in its C-suite and board of directors.
Sempra has a unique high-performance culture that connects me and more than 20,000 colleagues through a shared mission, vision and set of values – do the right thing, champion people and shape the future. Together, we strive to help each other be the best that we can be for each other, our company and the communities where we work and live. This high-performance culture is not just a statement; it has been proactively cultivated for over 25 years.
The company is invested in creating opportunities for women, and all its employees, to contribute their best work and reach their full potential because it creates a more engaged workplace and a stronger business. To support career advancement, Sempra offers a wealth of resources and tools, which I have leveraged throughout my career, including mentorship programs, online learning and development opportunities, training and workshops, internal events and Employee Resource Groups for informal networking.
However, not all organizations are at the same stage of the journey towards equality for women and so, I would encourage women looking to advance their careers to seek out companies that have a proven track record of supporting women. Look for organizations that not only talk about diversity, equity and inclusion but also demonstrate it through their leadership and policies.
Additionally, women should endeavor to support and uplift each other in their career aspirations. When women support and guide one another, it creates a sense of community and empowerment that can break down barriers and open doors to new opportunities. Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to find women leaders who have shared their experiences, knowledge and advice to help me navigate my career. They have also helped to expand my circle of influence through networking and facilitating connections with others, helping me to grow and succeed.
Men also play a crucial role in this effort. As allies, men can promote gender equality by making sure women’s voices are heard in the corporate world. They can foster equitable career growth by mentoring women, championing their progress and establishing development opportunities.
I believe that breaking through the glass ceiling requires a collective effort. By building a strong support system and advocating for one another, we can collectively push past the glass ceiling and achieve our professional goals.
