Episode 001: Five Things I Wish I Knew

Show Notes: Dreams and Ladders – Episode 1 Host: Lori Kranenburg Episode Overview: In this debut episode, Lori shares her personal journey navigating male-dominated professions over 30+ years. She discusses the challenges women face in the workplace, from microaggressions to systemic barriers, and introduces the mission of Dreams and Ladders: empowering women to rise as leaders and close the gender gap. Key Topics Covered: Lori's motivation for starting the podcast and her background The reality of entering the workforce as a woman in male-dominated fields The World Economic Forum's gender gap statistics and the urgency for change Five essential lessons Lori wishes she had known earlier in her career: Protecting Self-Worth: The importance of guarding your confidence and filtering feedback. Being Smart Isn't Enough: Why relationships, communication, and self-advocacy matter as much as competence. Seeking Mentorship and Coaching: Looking beyond your organization for support and growth. Value of Women's Communities: The power of connecting with other women for support and shared experience. Organizational Awareness: Assessing if your workplace offers real opportunities for advancement. Actionable Takeaways: Be your own advocate and protect your self-worth. Develop relationships and communication skills alongside technical expertise. Seek mentors and coaches both inside and outside your organization. Don't underestimate the value of women's networks and communities. Regularly evaluate if your organization aligns with your career goals. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with women in your network who may benefit from these insights. If you'd like to explore whether Lori is the right coach to help you achieve your full leadership potential, you can book a complimentary consultation session to discuss your goals and obstacles. Coaching works best when both the coach and coachee are comfortable having open dialogue with one another; the only way to know if that comfort exists is to have an initial chat. Grab a coffee or your favourite beverage and let's say hello. Book a Consultation Call Stay tuned for future episodes where Lori will dive deeper into each of these topics.