“She’s too ambitious. Too assertive. Money-driven. Status-seeking.”
Or…
“She’s not ambitious enough. Too distracted by family. Lacks drive. Can’t devote the time that it takes.”
Have you heard these assertions about women? Or, maybe you’ve said (or thought) them yourself, unaware of their innate gender bias 🤔.
Ambition has long been a dirty word when it comes to women and their careers 👩💼. It’s not surprising that many women are uncomfortable being as unapologetically ambitious as men. And this “dirty word” mentality has contributed to the dearth of women in C-suites, on boards, in the Senate or as POTUS because we haven’t allowed women’s ambition to be culturally acceptable.
The good news?
Gen Z is rejecting this outdated mentality by reclaiming ambition and reframing it based on their values.
According to McKinsey’s 2022 Women in the Workplace Study, women under 30 are more ambitious than ever, raising the bar for their expectations from their employers. At least 66% of them want to become senior executives – but, not at all costs. Gen Z women are demanding more flexibility, time for responsibilities outside of the workplace, and opportunities to grow and develop – while pursuing success. Not instead of success. And, if they don’t get it, they will leave 🙅♀️.
Older generations might feel jealous or resentful of this new attitude. Don’t.
Instead, let’s admire and applaud a long overdue reformulation and non-gendered take on ambition 👏. And watch the impact. This modern view of ambition will help create stronger corporate cultures, happier and more engaged employees, and better long-term results.
And more women in the C-suite, without apology. Hell yeah 🔥!
Now is the ideal time to reset. Own your ambition. Unapologetically 💖
