Mentee Case Study: How Lenna helped a C-Suite executive break their glass ceiling
At a glance: Learn about how a C-level board executive broke the glass ceiling and ick of networking after working with Lenna.
Background: FTSE100, C-level board executive in professional services.
Location: London, UK.
Explore this case study if:
You’ve accomplished a lot and you’re unsure what’s next.
You’re thinking about your first Non-Executive Director role and unsure how to start.
You need a trusted advisor to help you create a strategy roadmap to reach your aspirations.
Challenges
Hitting the glass ceiling at C-suite level
A C-level executive got in touch with Lenna through LinkedIn in an effort to break their glass ceiling. Having already accomplished a lot, they weren’t sure what was next: they earned well beyond their peers and lost a lot of passion along the way. What was the way forward, being already at C-suite level?
Fighting fires at work and home
On top of work achievements, they also had to fight fires every day in-between work and family life. Both were equally disruptive leaving them no time to carve space out to figure out the best way forward.
Imposter syndrome
After several sessions, through the safe space held for their 1:1 they found that the mentee actually had imposter syndrome. With a lot to contend with between work and home, they didn’t have space to acknowledge their achievements once a goal was attained. They would swiftly move onto the next without giving it much thought.
Solutions
A dedicated strategic roadmap to reach their aspirations
Throughout the sessions, Lenna was super supportive, thinking of solutions and ways forward. She built a strategic roadmap together with them to help them reach their aspirations. It took time, effort and dedication, and challenged them to try things they would never have considered. She brought them to prestigious networking events and was their wing person, putting them in front of relevant people.
Leading to their very first NED role
Lenna slowly introduced them to contacts who were looking for Non Executive Directors on their boards. They looked at roles that didn’t require previous Non Executive Director experience, and how to activate their own network strategically – something they never did before.
Bonus: their very first speaking engagement
Thanks to Lenna’s active encouragement, they slowly came out of their shell and became a passionate speaker on topics they were already an expert on, but never thought of pursuing as a speaker because of imposter syndrome.
One day or day one, you decide.
Fed up of the same negative narrative you feed yourself despite being a high achiever? If you want to reach your inspiration, and figure out a strategic way forward – perhaps it’s about time you had a chat with Lenna. Having a trusted mentor like Lenna comes in useful. She specialises in working with senior executives who need a safe space and someone experienced to turn to. Learn more here.
What to expect:
A safe space between yourself and a trusted advisor who’s been through a similar journey.
Confidentiality. A lot of FTSE listed senior executives we work with trust us. You’re in good company.
A strategic way forward that makes sense for you.