Removing obstacles to success for women in the workplace

I was fortunate to grow up having an intelligent, empowered woman in my life. You guessed it, she is my mother.

We were not your typical Italian household. It was my mother who left the house every day to go to work as a journalist for one of Italy’s internationally renowned newspapers. She was supported by my father, of course, whose schedule afforded him the opportunity to be at home when needed. I’m grateful that I lived in a household where such a situation was even a possibility.

You could argue that my mother was ahead of her time. But let’s remember that it’s not time that makes life better for women. It is the actions of people like us and the pioneers who were willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals.

In a Phocuswright gender study, the biggest obstacle to rising to a leadership position in the travel industry was seen as the absence of a leadership plan to cultivate talent (76% of respondents).

If the company you work for doesn’t have a talent nurturing and leadership program for women, it’s time to start that conversation. You might also be surprised at how many networks exist outside your workplace to help you connect with women role models.

Bias among management was seen as the second biggest obstacle to success (52% of respondents). Bias is like the undercurrent of a river: It may not be visible on the surface, but it is seen and felt over time.

One proven way to erode bias is through education and communication. Sometimes I find that women in the workplace speak too softly about their successes. There are times when you need to shout and celebrate success and dance like no one is watching you.

Another obstacle identified in the study was a lack of work-life balance (cited by 46%). While we recently celebrated 50 years since humans set foot on the moon, I believe one of the greatest advancements in technology has been the freedom it has given women in the workplace. Technology has enabled the creation of virtual teams and remote working. Not being tied to a physical office five days a week has afforded women the flexibility to continue developing their career and raise a family at the same time if they choose to do so.

What I learned from my mother is a life without limits. Women have the right to make choices and follow their dreams. Businesses have an obligation to all employees to help them achieve their goals, which is a win‐win situation as it results in a highly engaged and talented workforce.

Are we there yet? No. But by having a clear direction and the support of other successful women leaders and by tirelessly seeking to remove any obstacles in our path, I truly believe that women can grow and reach their full potential in the workplace.