There is no “glass ceiling” – only the opportunity to shatter your own internal barriers. To achieve personal authenticity and master your life and career path toward genuine fulfillment requires a look inside.
“The only ceiling is the one you create in your own mind” – Brigitte Hyacinth
Are you destined for leadership? Has your professional trajectory stalled unexpectedly? Do you sense you are meant to lead the department, run the organization or drive innovation? Or have you lingered too long in your current role (or relationship), feeling the weight of untapped potential?
Do you yearn for deeper fulfillment and more authentic living exactly where you are or in a new space? Are you seeking the courage to confidently and strategically forge a more empowered path ahead?
It is time to emerge from the shadows where you’ve been hiding. Abandon the excuses keeping you “stuck.” Address your “unfinished work.” Start advocating for yourself. Take command of your journey. Accelerate your momentum. Lead boldly into your life. Leave no room for future regrets!
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity”– Amelia Earhart
If any of these descriptions resonate with your inner experience, recognize that you are far from alone. I have personally navigated this path. I transitioned from a position of power to someone who allowed societal expectations and cultural norms to influence me. I also let outdated beliefs, disempowering relationships, and self-doubt create a downward spiral into living a “lie.” Because of this, I understand the way through. The forces that eroded your original confidence include ignoring your heart’s whispers, your intuition and red flags. These things occur sometimes unconsciously and are examples of surrendering your power.
What does that look like? You have been passed over for a promotion you earned. You were denied an opportunity for cross-training, leadership development or adoption of an innovative solution or breakthrough process. There could be a legitimate reason for this. Alternatively, you might have diverted from your authentic path of sharing your unique gifts by staying silent.
There is a way forward, a path through these challenges, and it resides within you – you know this, if only you would embrace it.
Structured glass ceilings still exist in certain industries and organizational cultures in 2025. Nonetheless, the most important breakthrough begins with shattering your own internal barriers. Some of these limitations will be obvious. Others may be more subtle because you have been the proverbial “frog in the pot.” Through the discovery process, you will identify these barriers. You will develop possibilities, strategies, and vision to advance toward your goals.
Breaking free requires reclaiming your authentic power. Start with transformed thoughts and “mind your mind.” Develop a renewed vision and a shifted mindset. Engage in dedicated practice and clearly focused visualization. Pair these with persistent, consistent, strategic actions.
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
It takes courage and tenacity to overcome the ruts, get out of the place you have settled into and rise to your vision. It is never too late to change the course of your history. You can make the finish line look as you have always imagined.
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, AI collaboration and shifting organizational structure, the chance to redefine leadership is very accessible. The digital transformation has created unprecedented pathways for visibility and impact.
“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” – Andre Gide
Your work is first internal to rise beyond what you’ve settled for.
Everyone benefits from support on their path to empowerment. This support comes from someone who helps you reclaim your strengths. It includes a champion guiding you through your next steps. This person recognizes who you really are and sees your capabilities. Seek out these firelighters and breakthrough today.
Thank you for reading! Enjoy the journey – Kathy Holdaway