Welcome & Warm-Up
Hello, empowered leaders! Today, we’re diving into a crucial habit that can transform your journey to the executive suite: identifying potential barriers and strategizing around them. Let me start with a story. Imagine you're climbing a mountain. You’re equipped, determined, and the summit is in sight. But suddenly, a boulder blocks your path. What do you do? Do you turn back, or do you find a way around it? This is the essence of what we’ll explore today—how to recognize those boulders in your career path and strategize to overcome them.

Set the Scene
In today’s business landscape, women are breaking barriers and reaching new heights. Yet, the journey to the top is often fraught with unique challenges. Despite advancements, gender status beliefs continue to create obstacles. While both men and women face hurdles, the reactions and strategies to overcome them can differ significantly. Our goal today is to equip you with the tools to navigate these challenges effectively.

Core Content
Identify Self-Limiting Beliefs:
Let’s start by addressing the internal barriers—self-limiting beliefs. These are the silent saboteurs that whisper, "You're not enough," or "You can't do this." They stem from societal conditioning and personal experiences. For instance, consider the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She faced countless rejections and doubts but chose to see them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Her belief in her vision, despite the odds, propelled her to success.

Boosting Self-Confidence:
Now, how do we combat these beliefs? By boosting our self-confidence. Confidence is not about knowing it all; it's about trusting your ability to figure things out. Practice positive affirmations, visualize your success, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Remember, confidence is contagious—when you believe in yourself, others will too.

Recognizing Typical Barriers:
Next, let’s identify the external barriers. These include gender bias, work-life balance challenges, and the glass ceiling. Gender bias can manifest in subtle ways, like being overlooked for a promotion or not being taken seriously in meetings. Work-life balance is another hurdle, especially for women juggling multiple roles. Understanding these barriers is the first step to overcoming them.

Strategizing Solutions:
Finally, let’s strategize solutions. For gender bias, consider mentorship and sponsorship as powerful tools. Seek mentors who can guide you and sponsors who can advocate for you. For work-life balance, prioritize and set boundaries. Remember, it’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most. Encourage open dialogue in your workplace to address and dismantle these barriers.

Interactive Activity
Now, let’s put this into practice. Break into small groups and discuss a barrier you’ve faced or anticipate facing. Brainstorm strategies to overcome it. Then, role-play these scenarios to gain confidence in handling them.

Conclusion
Recap & Reflect:
Today, we’ve explored the barriers women face in the business world and how to strategize around them. Reflect on your personal barriers and consider how you can apply these strategies in your journey.

Call to Action:
Before our next session, identify a personal barrier and develop a plan to overcome it. Share your insights with a peer or mentor for accountability.

Closing
Q&A Session:
Let’s open the floor for questions. What barriers have you identified, and how can we support each other in overcoming them?