Female Leadership & Breaking the Glass Ceiling

“We don’t always get the job or start the businesses we want, but it’s about the journey” and teachable lessons, said Graham.

Clinton showed courage but her experience on a national platform highlighted the inequities in how interviews and media stories were structured and how qualifications were framed, said Brady. “At the end of the day it’s a call for action.”

Harris noted Clinton ran a traditional campaign while Donald Trump dominated social media, where women drive 75 percent of what happens on it.

“The next woman who comes will knock it out the park,” Harris said.

Other takeaways the panelists shared include:

Adapt to connect. Authenticity does not mean being immovable. Leaders need peers, teams and partnerships to succeed. These connections sometimes require bravery as well as vulnerability.

Be prepared for meetings. “I go into meetings knowing all the answers,” said Harris. Make your comments factual and concise. “We don’t get the same liberties males often do.”

Explain your style. Ensure management understands how you operate. If you like to ask questions, make it clear you are not challenging anyone, that’s your process.

Resist Imposter Syndrome. Stop repeating your qualifications. “Don’t get caught up in the noise, focus on what your capabilities are,” said Graham.

Expect and learn from failure. Failure is a part of success because it helps you take the next step. It is not the end. Expect it, prepare for it and understand why you missed the mark.

Take credit for your work. “Make sure your work is associated with you, find techniques,” which include sending emails highlighting impactful work, said Brady.

Network. The relationships you build will move your career forward. Even if you are juggling family life, find time to have a breakfast meeting or some other contact.

Ensure your brand is clear on LinkedIn. Lose the photo of you raising a glass of bubbly at a wedding. “Social media can find or kill opportunity,” said Brady.