Have you ever aspired to achieve more than others thought possible? Have you faced barriers in your career that had nothing to do with your skills? For many women, professional growth is not just about climbing the corporate ladder, it’s about breaking down invisible walls. While external challenges persist, often our biggest barrier is the voice inside our own heads, questioning whether we truly belong.
Two weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 34th annual Women in Business Conference at Harvard Business School, an inspiring event featuring women leaders from diverse industries. But this wasn’t just another discussion on networking and career strategies. It was a space for raw, vulnerable conversations about overcoming impostor syndrome, embracing risk, and tackling one of the greatest challenges for women in business: being heard.
As a first-generation student from Peru and the first woman in my family to step into professional spaces like these, being surrounded by such accomplished women, each with their own journey of resilience, was priceless. Their stories provided models to aspire to and invaluable lessons to carry forward.
One of the most impactful speakers for me was Niki Leondakis, CEO of CorePower Yoga. After losing her career, husband, and home within a year, she rebuilt her life through yoga, gratitude, and resilience. She shared how, in her professional journey, she initially battled impostor syndrome by trying to fit in, only to realize that true strength comes from authenticity. Her story reinforced the power of self-connection, purpose-driven leadership, and fostering cultures that allow individuals to thrive as their true selves.
Another powerful session was ‘Managing the Glass Ceiling and the Glass Cliff.’ The key takeaways? Ask strategic questions to position yourself as a valuable contributor. Seek mentors and sponsors. Build a strong, visible reputation. Female leadership, especially in crisis, is strengthened by empathy and adaptability. To break barriers, we must cultivate diverse, genuine relationships, embrace discomfort as part of growth, and remain intentional about career goals and life priorities.
Among the many inspiring speakers, Amy Weaver, President and CFO of Salesforce, left a lasting impression. One phrase resonated deeply: ‘Kindness is power,’ but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak up when needed. She emphasized that in rooms where only 16% of the voices belong to women, it’s crucial to speak up early, own your tone of voice, and not allow interruptions to diminish your presence. She also highlighted the importance of risk-taking, reminding us that opportunities never arrive at a ‘perfect’ moment. Don’t wait for the stars to align. Take risks. First, have the courage to leave your comfort zone. Then, build the confidence to take charge of the new.
Attending the 34th Women in Business Conference at Harvard was an unforgettable experience, one that not only provided valuable insights but also allowed me to connect with extraordinary women from around the world.
If you’re reading this, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and explore opportunities to attend conferences like this one. Beyond learning, they provide a unique setting to network with like-minded individuals and gain perspectives that challenge and inspire you.
At Saïd Business School, every MBA student has the opportunity to apply for funding to attend conferences aligned with their career aspirations. Thanks to Oxford Saïd, I was able to travel to the US for the first time, experience its culture firsthand, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with Harvard students and professionals.
If you ever doubted whether you belong in spaces of leadership and influence—let this be your reminder: you do.
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