Corporate Success

I just came across an article in the Minnesota Women's Press (here) that highlights some of the challenges women face as they climb the corporate ladder. The article noted that while women have maintained their ground in corporate management due to family friendly benefits and flexible working options, a stigma still exists for women taking advantage of such options.

As a result, we have seen little progress in diversifying the top ranks of corporate America, with women only holding about 5% of the top spots in medium and large companies. Further, if we continue progressing at the same rate, it will be another 40 years before women achieve parity with men in these top spots.

So what is the answer here? Do women who want to have happy family lives have to drop out of corporate America? I did, and I am happy about my decision. I, like many other moms (and dads), have found that success by my own rules is much more satisfying and a lot less frustrating.

But, what about those that enjoy the corporate game? What will it take to give them the ability to work in more flexible arrangements and still have success at the office? Will it ever be possible?