BREAKING BARRIERS

ELLEN CONNELLY TAAFFE is a former Fortune 500 executive turned professor, board director, leadership coach, and author on a mission for women to have more seats and voices at the table of workplace decisions. In addition to teaching Personal Leadership Insights at the Kellogg School of Management, she is the Director of Women’s Leadership Program there. In her new book, The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier that Locks Successful Women in Place, Taaffe uses her vast experience to help women understand and navigate through internal and external obstacles to create the careers and futures they desire.

What has been the most significant barrier in your career and how have you persevered? The barrier I faced was invisible to me for much of my career. I faced opportunities and held back waiting for the perfect time or perfect me. I’d stack up all the reasons that I was not ready yet. We don’t realize how ready and worthy we are to move forward as we are right now.

What was a pivotal moment in your career? When getting turned down for a CEO role, a recruiter said I answered their questions about past roles with people results first; not business results. I reacted with frustration but soon, realized they were right. The people were what mattered most. I see them as the key to business results. This influenced me to become an executive coach, leadership professor, and advocate for women.

How can this generation of leaders support the next generation of leaders? Help them to see their potential. Encourage them when they struggle so they know they can figure it out. Pull them up with an open helping hand. Amplify their needs and their voices. Celebrate them when they change the world.

For more information, visit ellentaaffe.com.