Career Growth, Leadership, and Breaking the Glass Ceiling

May 5, 2025

Walk into most boardrooms in Australia today and chances are, you’ll see more women in leadership roles than you would’ve a decade ago. That progress deserves celebrating. But let’s not pretend we’re there yet.

Getting to the top as a woman still often means navigating roadblocks that many men simply don’t face. The gender pay gap, outdated networks, subtle bias – they haven’t disappeared. They’ve just changed shape.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, fewer than 40% of key management roles in Australia are held by women. In sectors like education and healthcare, representation is stronger. But in tech, construction, and finance? Still a struggle.

That said, there’s growing recognition that diverse leadership isn’t just nice to have – it’s smart business. Teams with a mix of voices tend to make better decisions and perform better overall.

The Challenges Are Real

Ask any woman who’s climbed the ladder and she’ll probably have a few stories. Sometimes it’s the feeling of being the only woman in the room. Sometimes it’s being interrupted or underestimated. And often, it’s the juggle between ambition and family that doesn’t seem to weigh as heavily on male colleagues.

But through all that, many women still rise – and they don’t do it alone.

Some of the best advice I’ve heard from women leaders:

Talk about your wins. Visibility matters.
Build a support circle. Mentors, allies, sponsors – they’re game changers.
Know your value. If you’re not negotiating, you’re leaving money and recognition on the table.
Use what flexibility you have. Hybrid work isn’t a magic fix, but it opens new doors.

What Leadership Really Looks Like

We often assume technical skills get you to the top – and sure, they help. But the women who thrive in leadership also have soft skills in spades: They can read a room. They communicate clearly and listen well. They lead with empathy – and still make the tough calls.

These aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re essential.

A Few Women Who’ve Changed the Game

Australia’s had its share of trailblazers.

Julia Gillard, our first female Prime Minister, didn’t just break barriers – she challenged the culture head-on with that unforgettable misogyny speech.
Sam Mostyn, now Governor-General, brings years of experience in sustainability and governance – showing leadership comes in many forms.
Natasha Stott Despoja made history as the youngest woman in federal parliament and has spent decades advocating for women and girls.
Dame Quentin Bryce, our first female Governor-General, opened doors that had been shut for generations.

And now we’re seeing a new wave:

Dr Kirstin Ferguson, with her #CelebratingWomen movement.
Diane Smith-Gander, the first woman Chancellor at UWA.
Cassandra Kelly, advising global leaders with a focus on innovation and inclusion.

The Ripple Effect is Real

Here’s something I’ve noticed: when women see other women in positions of power, something clicks. It’s not just inspiration – it’s permission. Permission to believe they belong in those spaces too.

My daughter will grow up seeing female Prime Ministers, Governor-Generals, and CEOs as normal. That shift in what’s considered “normal” leadership? That’s how change really happens.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The women who’ve broken through aren’t hoarding their success. They’re actively building pathways for others. That’s what we all need to keep doing – mentoring, sponsoring, and yes, sometimes making the uncomfortable conversations about pay and promotion.

If you’re a woman working your way up, here’s my advice: the ceiling is cracked, not gone. Keep pushing. Keep showing up. And when you make it – and you will – throw down a rope for the next person climbing.

The future of Australian leadership isn’t just about having more women in charge. It’s about creating leadership that’s empathetic, inclusive, and representative of the people it serves. That’s a future worth fighting for.