Shattering the glass ceiling – embrace empowerment in your career journey

Meet Alex Young, an expert in career and workplace culture. She specialises in setting up shared workspaces across the UK, supporting thousands of organisations in their growth.

Alex Young is a Director at Projects, a shared work space with two thriving buildings in Brighton and ambitious plans for further openings across the UK. Her vision for the flexible work space industry is deeply rooted in the belief that the creation of inspiring and inclusive workspaces not only empowers individuals to achieve their best but also inspires them to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future.

Alex’s passion for empowerment extends beyond work spaces. She is the Founder of Favourite Positions, an online platform, accompanied by a podcast and event series, which is dedicated to assisting individuals in uncovering and pursuing their passions. Through interviews with thought-leaders, she aims to prove that finding what you love to do is possible, irrespective of one’s life stage. She’s built an audience of over 10k followers organically and her work has been featured on the BBC and Channel 4, as well as Cosmopolitan, Metro and Start Up Magazine.

Alex shares her views on why it’s so important to align yourself with people that genuinely want to see you succeed in order to progress in your career.

She said: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I think it’s imperative that we also reflect on the challenges women face in the workplace, especially regarding recognition and advancement. In many professional environments, women encounter barriers that hinder their progress and stifle their accomplishments. One prevalent issue is the lack of acknowledgment and celebration for their contributions, often overshadowed by gender biases and ageism.

“Reflecting on my journey, I recall the days when I poured my heart and soul into my work, striving for validation from my employers. Early in my career, I sacrificed all of my personal time, skipped lunches and remained tethered to my phone all evening and throughout the weekends, just in case my bosses ‘needed’ me, all in pursuit of professional success. I’d often come in on my annual leave because I’d been asked by the CEOs ‘just to be around’. This relentless pursuit for recognition took its toll on my health. I endured physical and emotional strain, grappling with stress-related symptoms that I became unable to ignore (hair loss, amenorrhea and brain fog, to name a few).

“In hindsight, I realise that my employers’ lack of support was a stark wake-up call. They failed to recognise me as a whole person, not just a worker. It was a hard truth to accept, but I am grateful for the lessons learned. I’ve come to understand the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care and not entrusting my well-being to others who do not prioritise it.”

Alex adds: “Now, I find myself in a different place entirely. At Projects, I am fortunate to work with a team that champions me, celebrates my successes as if they were their own and has my back at every turn. We work together to ensure that each team member can thrive in a sustainable way.

“I firmly believe that we all have a role to play in making our workforces as fair and positive as possible, no matter our role in a business. Improving women’s experiences in the workplace requires concerted efforts from organisations and policymakers but also from us, as individuals, too.

“It’s a harsh reality to acknowledge that sometimes, leaving a role that you love becomes necessary for self-preservation. No job should compromise one’s health and no company should overlook the well-being of its employees. The decision to walk away is daunting, but the alternative—suffering and being held back—is far worse.”

Staying in environments where contributions are undervalued perpetuates a cycle of marginalisation and stifles personal growth. Together, we can refuse to tolerate workplaces that disregard our worth, says Alex. By refusing to accept less than we deserve, we challenge the systemic oppression of women in the workforce and create space for meaningful growth and fulfilment.

Looking to make a move? Here are some green flags to look out for when it comes to organisations that are breaking down barriers:

1. They ensure equal pay and benefits (they should report openly on these)

2. They address unconscious biases in their hiring, promotions and performance evaluations. Also, they retain women at all levels of the organisation

3. They offer flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid roles, flexible hours and job-sharing and they promote work-life balance through realistic workload expectations and by providing shared parental leave

4. They provide mentorship, leadership programmes and networking events to help women build confidence and advance their careers

5. They are advocates for policies and legislation that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as affordable childcare options and anti-discrimination laws

In conclusion, Alex says: “To all the women out there facing obstacles in their careers: know that there are allies who will champion your cause, celebrate your successes and empower you to reach greater heights. Don’t settle for environments where your light is dimmed—embrace change, seek opportunities where you’re celebrated and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.”