T here is still a glass ceiling despite companies performing better when there are women on boards. How can this be solved? In the UK only 19% of senior managers are women and 41% of UK companies have no women in senior management at all. People need to open their eyes to the fact that they should recruit and promote on the basis of talent, and not be prejudiced or have an unconscious bias against women. They need to be as flexible as possible and adopt a zero-tolerance policy to discrimination. Do you think women lack the confidence to go for promotions? Why do you think this is the case? It's about knowing that your value and self-worth are linked. Self-worth is defined as "the sense of one's own value or worth as a person". I think that is definitely one part of it, but the other aspect is being able to understand how much of a difference your contribution has made to your organisation. To have the best career you can, you need to have positive self-esteem, which means believing in and liking yourself. You must also see yourself as a peer to others, and feel you're equal to anyone you interact with - whether that is a client, boss, colleague, or friend. And never undercharge for your services. Often, fear of losing your job or rocking the boat prevents you from being paid your true value - and this is really not a place you want to be. You must work in a job that is engaging and fulfilling. And you have to believe you are good enough. People who are confident and believe in themselves stand out. 68 /// JOBS & CAREERS