There are still many challenges that female executives face, different from the past but just as compelling. We are in a sandwich generation where the home dynamic has got a lot more complex. On the one hand there are parents that are ageing and becoming a responsibility, and on the other, young children at home or at college that are coming back home, a complex dynamic that usually falls to women to handle.

In our complimentary webinar “Success Factors for Female Executives”, four expert panelists discussed the current challenges that face women in business and what is needed to crack the glass ceiling. The panel discussed challenges and opportunities for female executives, regional recruitment trends and work/life balance. A collection of their tips can be found below and a full recording can be viewed online.

Network and make yourself known
Developing your network should be a top priority. Whether it is heading to the pub for after work drinks with your colleagues or attending a business breakfast or lecture, if you want to be a rising star you have to be known in your industry. Make sure the right people know who you are and that they like you, always ask good questions or add value to conversations and make sure that you have a tidy and professional appearance.

Balancing work and life commitments
Firstly, let go of the notion of perfection - nobody is perfect. Secondly analyze what is important to you personally, there are always going to be trade offs. Prioritize key elements in your private life that cannot be sacrificed. Do those things that are crucial for your relationship with your family and do the same with your job. It is not an easy thing to do but you have to make that list and be strict about the things that are important in your family life and in your career.

Re-entering the work force
Once you have made the decision to go back to work, take some time to reassess your career goals. Take a look at your strengths and talents, and articulate the value that you can bring to an organization. The game may have changed since you got out of the rat race, do your research, match your talents up with realistic and viable opportunities, consider obstacles and challenges, and ensure that you have the right level of support from your family.   

If you would like to hear more about overcoming these and other challenges, listen to our complimentary webinar.

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This article was written by Sarah Wright, Marketing Assistant at the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC).

BlueSteps is the exclusive service of the AESC that puts senior executives on the radar screen of over 8,000 executive search professionals in over 70 countries. Be visible, and be considered for up to 75,000 opportunities handled by AESC search firms every year. Find out more at www.BlueSteps.com.