Advice from 10 Amazing Women on Overcoming Obstacles  

Everyone encounters obstacles in their career, from overcoming self-doubt to presenting to your peers and leadership team on a big project. The key is to find ways to overcome those fears and obstacles. So, we asked ten incredible female leaders “What has been your biggest obstacle in your career and how did you overcome it?” and here’s what they had to say:

Anne Fulenwider, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire
“Lack of confidence in myself. Not trusting that I could do something. I don’t feel like I’ve been held back in my career, but whenever I look back at the times I hesitated or was unsure, it’s because of my own insecurities.  And the answer always comes down to, “go for it.” Even if you’re scared. I almost didn’t take the job at Marie Claire and in the end, of course…!”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Cynthia Stoddard, CIO & SVP at Abode
“Like many people, especially working mothers, I face obstacles every day. However, one of my biggest challenges was returning to work after my youngest daughter, Emily, was born. When the day came to return to work, I was nervous and had a lot of choices to make for myself and my family. As a working parent, I’ve learned that you have to make choices that are right for you; otherwise you will have regrets. There also needs to be a balance between work and family. I learned to balance my work calendar around my daughters’ activities. Like all parents, it’s tough for me to juggle things, but balance is what has always worked for me.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Meredith Walker, Co-Founder & Producer of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls
“Myself, probably — not knowing myself enough to be okay with changing course or not changing course. That’s why we have Smart Girls! It’s just repair work on things that I wish I had. My limiting beliefs in myself were my only obstacles.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Emily Gould, SVP of Consumer Marketing at Showtime
“I hate presenting and speaking publicly; my nerves take over and I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience. I’m still working on mastering this skill and have taken seminars on the topic, but I think the best approach is to just face the fear and be present as much as possible.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Latondra Newton, Toyota’s Chief Social Innovation Officer
“Being the “first” (female, African American) or the “youngest” or the “only.”  Those situations sometimes elicit doubts from people. I have found that overcoming them is a matter of good performance and good sponsorship – for me, sponsors have been people who have not only advised me, but championed my efforts.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Catherine Courage, VP, Ads & Commerce User Experience at Google
“Early in my career, I was shy and quiet; I often would feel uncomfortable speaking up in a large room, especially if there were people more senior or experienced than me. I quickly learned that if I have good ideas to contribute — and learned to use my voice.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Jocelyn Mangan, Chief Operating Officer at Snagajob
“Moving abroad for work was tough at first. I had to really start from scratch to prove myself with a new team. At the time, technology companies were still very new, and there was resistance to how it would all play out. I tried to stay focused on the work that had to be done, stay true to the type of startup working environment I wanted to grow, and with time, the team learned how to thrive with old and new ways of working.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Joni Arison, SVP at AT&T
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is embracing new roles, new teams and learning new parts of the business. Sometimes even new parts of the country! At the same time, this change also comes with great responsibility and can be challenging as well.  I overcome this by diving in to learn about the people and the business, and I embrace the talent and the knowledge of the team I join.  “Look, listen and learn” is always how I approach it.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Lori McFarling, CMO and SVP at Discovery Education
“I would never use the word “obstacle,” but probably the biggest challenge has been attempting the work-life balance. Some days I succeed, some days I don’t. I do know, however, that I’m fortunate to work for a company and a leader that really walks-the-talk when it comes to supporting parents and caregivers.  I also happen to have the world’s best husband!”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview

Hannah Gordon, Vice President of Legal for the San Francisco 49ers
“I had one job where a person in my line of reporting excluded me; I had always been a “pleaser” and the situation shook my confidence.  From that, I got two different and helpful pieces of advice.  First, in response to my failed attempts to be accepted, my aunt told me, “That man is never going to like you.”  Second, my father told me, “Ever since you were a little girl, you were an advocate for justice for others.  You have to fight for yourself like you fight for other people.” I gained the courage to address the problem, but ultimately the solution was to recognize a toxic situation and get out.”
>>Read her Sharp & Savvy Interview