Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors: Shatter Limiting Beliefs - Redefine Success - Chase Big Dreams
The "Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors" is the empowering podcast dedicated to the modern woman navigating the complexities of today's world.
This is where we tackle the paradoxes women face daily: being told to lean in but not too far, to speak up but not too loudly, and to balance the demanding roles of professional and motherhood with grace and strength.
Hosted by Erica Anderson Rooney, a seasoned HR executive with over 15 years of experience, this podcast is your go-to source for breaking through the 'sticky floors' – those limiting beliefs and toxic behaviors that keep you STUCK.
Erica's mission is to empower you to shatter limiting beliefs and toxic behaviors to uncover infinite possibilities! And her biggest life goal is to get more women into positions of power and KEEP THEM THERE.
We delve into the tough topics here: Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, fear, and burnout, providing not just insights but actionable strategies to help you navigate these challenges.
Erica’s personal journey and expertise, combined with stories from inspiring female guests, offer a wealth of wisdom on overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities.
Each episode is packed with tactical tips, strategies for career advancement, and mindset shifts essential for taking bold leaps in your career and life.
From uncovering corporate secrets to sharing real stories of women who have broken ceilings, the "Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors" podcast is an invitation to join a community of ambitious women ready to take inspired action.
Welcome to "Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors!" Let's embark on this journey together and transform our aspirations into achievements and go SHATTER SOME CEILINGS.
Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors: Shatter Limiting Beliefs - Redefine Success - Chase Big Dreams
Stop the "Head Down, Work Hard" Trap with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer
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What happens when the "pinnacle" of your career suddenly disappears?
In this powerhouse episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney connects with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, a former Chief People Officer and author of the groundbreaking book Now Near Next. Cynthia reveals the "quiet but costly" mistake high-achieving women make: doing excellent work today without a clear plan for tomorrow.
They discuss the "restlessness" that plagues mid-career women and how Cynthia’s own "encore career" was fast-tracked when her C-suite position was eliminated—proving that even at the top, the floor can shift.
Inside the Episode:
- The Restless Reality: Why mid-career women (from ages 28 to 60) often feel bored or stagnant despite their success, and why this is actually a call for self-actualization.
- The Serendipity Trap: Research shows women often attribute their success to "right place, right time" rather than intentional planning. Cynthia explains why we need to "steal a page from the men’s playbook" and advocate for our own human capital.
- The "Now Near Next" Framework: * Now: Energizing your self-agency today.
- Near: The "two-thirds" phase where you chip away at goals in the margins of a busy life.
- Next: The "one-third" accelerator phase where you hit the gas on your aspirational goals.
- The Seven-Minute Pivot: How spending just 7 minutes a day—a total of 2,555 minutes a year—on your future can build unstoppable momentum.
- The 4 P’s Loop: Cynthia’s "cousin" to Erica’s SNAP method for fighting internal barriers:
- Pause: Interrupt the negative spiral.
- Protest: Challenge the validity of your self-doubt.
- Pivot: Turn toward a positive, productive thought.
- Pray: Enlist your higher power for strength.
- Playing the Game vs. Being Played: A candid look at corporate politics and the necessity of being visible and vocal about your aspirations so people can "say your name in rooms you aren't in."
Key Takeaways:
- Mid-Career is a Mindset: It’s not about age; it’s about the decades spent on the "hamster wheel" where life is busy and your own growth often takes a backseat.
- The "Roses" Danger: If your job is going perfectly, that is the exact time you need to be planning your next move. Disrupters are everywhere.
- Letting Go of the Anger: Cynthia shares a raw reflection on her exit from corporate life, advising her past self to let go of the "how" it happened to preserve energy for the "what’s next."
🔗 Resources:
- Buy the Book: Now Near Next: Move from Professional Serendipity to Intentional Advancement on Amazon.
- Free Resource: Download Cynthia’s career blueprint at cynthiabentzenmercer.com.
- Listen More: Check out Cynthia’s podcast, Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel.
- Join the Community: Visit JoinHerCollective.com to connect with ambitious women shattering ceilings together.
BUY THE BOOK - Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors
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