The feeling that you are not qualified for an accomplishment or that you don't belong in a situation. It can cause people to doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud.  

Five types of imposter phenomenon 

1. Perfectionist. 
2. Expert.  
3. Natural genius.
4. Soloist. 
5. Superhuman. 

 Normalize the Feeling: you are not alone.  Up to 82% of us feel the same way at one point in their lives  

Arlin Cuncic, M. (2024, September 23). This one common phenomenon is holding you back from success. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469  

Oldfield, N. D. (2024, August 12). Council post: Leading in a virtual environment: Ten new guidelines. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2020/05/27/leading-in-a-virtual-environment-ten-new-guidelines/  

Clinic, C. (2025, February 5). Impostor syndrome may be holding you back. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-psychologist-explains-how-to-deal-with-imposter-syndrome 

 A leadership mindset is a way of thinking that empowers individuals to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward achieving common goals. It's not about a job title or position but rather about embodying certain attitudes, behaviors, and traits that drive effective leadership  

 Leaders with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are static traits that cannot be significantly developed. They see these qualities as inherent and unchangeable. 

 Leaders with a growth mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning. They see challenges as opportunities for growth.  

Courtney E. Ackerman, MA. (2024, November 6). Positive mindset: How to develop a positive mental attitude. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/positive-mindset/ 

Scott Jeffrey. (2025, January 22). How to change your fixed mindset to growth: 4 proven steps. https://scottjeffrey.com/how-to-change-your-mindset/ 

 What's My Mindset?  

 Working remotely offers several benefits including increased flexibility in work hours, reduced commuting time and costs, improved work-life balance if done correctly but we all know this can be hard to do, the ability to access a wider talent pool for employers, and potential cost savings for companies due to reduced office space needs; however, it can also present challenges like maintaining communication and setting boundaries between work and personal life.   

• Communication and trust are the gateway for success 
• Empathy is crucial with emotional intelligence 
• Set expectations from the beginning so everyone know what is expected  

Oldfield, N. D. (2020, May 27). Council Post: Leading in a Virtual Environment: Ten new guidelines. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2020/05/27/leading-in-a-virtual-environment-ten-new-guidelines/ 

indeed. (n.d.). Working from Home: 18 benefits for employers [Software] 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/working-virtual-tips  

28 tips for working virtually to improve your productivity. (n.d.). Indeed. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/working-virtual-tips 

 Systemic barriers to women in the workplace include gender bias, discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay. These barriers can affect women's career progression and job satisfaction.

 Networking is crucial for career growth, particularly for women in leadership positions, because it provides access to valuable information, mentorship opportunities, potential sponsors, and a support system to navigate the challenges of the workplace, particularly the glass ceiling, allowing them to gain visibility and advance their careers more effectively than relying solely on their individual performance.   

Women leaders make work better. Here’s the science behind how to promote them. (2018, July). apa.org. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls/female-leaders-make-work-better 

Krivkovich, A., Field, E., Yee, L., McConnell, M., & Smith, H. (2024, September 17). Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace 

Radulovski, A. (2024, June 20). 80% of women leaders use networking to drive career success. Women in Tech Network. https://www.womentech.net/blog/80-women-leaders-use-networking-drive-career-success 

 According to webster, an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions,

Why do we even have to be here needing to discuss this?  Well, we are slowly moving in the right direction to equality with our male counterparts.  Being part of the #theleadershipsisterhood is a great start for paving the path for our daughters, sisters, mothers, nieces, and every woman we can stand with.   

The gender pay gap persists, with women in leadership roles earning approximately 81 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts  

 Women make up 47% of the entry-level workforce. However, only 25% advance to senior management roles.  

We will continue to go forward with change. 

• Building a strong support network 
• Seeking out mentors and sponsors 
• Developing leadership skills 
• Advocating for oneself and negotiating for better opportunities 
• Embracing continuous learning and self-improvement 

 What Is the Glass Ceiling? Brief History - 2025 - MasterClass  

 Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Why It’s Still a Problem and How We Can Fix It – HCM Folks  

 https://www.empoweringwomeninindustry.com/post/women-in-leadership-current-statistics-and-future-outlook\  

 This podcast episode explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is perpetuating gender disparities in the workplace. It delves into the mechanisms of bias in AI systems, the uneven access to AI-related education and opportunities for women, and the risks of automation disproportionately affecting female-dominated industries. The episode also highlights organizations working toward gender equity in AI and provides actionable steps listeners can take to address these challenges and advocate for inclusivity. Through data, real-world case studies, and expert insights, this episode empowers listeners to understand and tackle the systemic barriers women face in an AI-driven world.

 First UNESCO recommendations to combat gender bias in applications using artificial intelligence | UNESCO