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Break the barrier…

The Broken Rung isn’t just a metaphor—it’s the career barrier keeping women from advancing from day one. We sat down with Lareina Yee, Senior Partner at McKinsey and co-author of The Broken Rung, to talk about why fixing this early career promotion gap could close the gender equity gap in a single generation.

We cover the data, the hidden career tax women face, the power of experience capital, and why sponsorship—not mentorship—is the game-changer leaders need to embrace now. Whether you are navigating your own career or leading others, this is a must-listen playbook for how to advance, advocate, and unlock opportunity at every level

In this episode, we hang out with Lareina Yee, senior partner at McKinsey and absolute powerhouse who's helping crack the code on women's career advancement. As co-founder of the Women in the Workplace Study and co-author of "The Broken Rung," Lareina breaks down the shocking truth about the earliest career barrier holding women back (hint: it starts way earlier than most of us realize).

We get REAL about why that first promotion is such a make-or-break moment (would you believe for every 100 men promoted, only 81 women get the same opportunity?), why building the right kind of network matters more than just working hard, and how motherhood might actually be your secret career superpower if you play it right. The best part? This isn't just theoretical talk – Lareina shares actual tactical moves that could help achieve gender parity in one generation instead of waiting 150+ years.

Listen for:

  • The eye-opening truth about the "broken rung" and why fixing it could slash the gender parity timeline from 150 years to just 10

  • Why you absolutely need to grab some "experience capital" (especially P&L roles) if you want serious career advancement

  • How to build a powerful sponsorship network even if you're totally not the networking type

  • Real strategies for turning parenthood into a career boost instead of a career killer

  • The critical difference between being mentored (which most women have plenty of) and being sponsored (which most women desperately lack)

  • Practical moves to jump career hurdles no matter where you are on your journey

Episode Highlights 

⏰ 5:20 The Broken Rung Reality Check: Where the gender gap actually begins (and it's not where you think) 

⏰ 11:45 Experience Capital 101: The business skills that literally determine half your lifetime earnings 

⏰ 15:30 Sponsorship vs. Mentorship: Why one coffee chat buddy isn't the same as someone opening actual doors for you 

⏰ 22:30 Motherhood Game Plan: Tactical moves to avoid the "motherhood penalty" and maybe even get ahead 

⏰ 27:15 Career Pep Talk: Why you're never "off track" – just taking a more interesting route to success

Whether you're just starting out, drowning in the "messy middle," or eyeing that corner office, this conversation gives you an actual playbook for breaking through career barriers at any stage. This isn't just for women either – it's essential listening for anyone who wants to create more equitable workplaces or navigate their own career path more strategically.

About Lareina Yee: 

Lareina Yee is a senior partner at McKinsey who advises companies on growth, technology, and transformation. She co-founded the Women in the Workplace Study with Lean In.org, chairs McKinsey's Technology Council, and hosts the podcast "At the Edge." She's also a mom of three and serves on the San Francisco Ballet board – basically, she knows a thing or two about navigating complex career paths!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

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