Let’s be honest: the "glass ceiling" is the ultimate corporate bogeyman. We talk about it in hushed tones, as if it’s this invisible, unbreakable barrier that keeps the best and brightest from reaching the top. But here’s a radical thought, what if it’s not a barrier at all? What if it’s just a myth we’ve been conditioned to accept?
Based on the story by Terri Eagle, founder of the Terri Eagle Group and author of The Champagne CEO, the path to the executive office isn’t about waiting for someone to hand you a hammer. It’s about realizing that the ceiling only exists if you believe in its power to stop you. At McFadden Finch Holdings Company, we’re in the business of transformation and sustainable growth, and that starts with the people leading the charge. If you’re waiting for permission to be a leader, you’ve already lost the race.
The Mindset Shift: Confidence Over Permission
Leadership doesn't start with a title change or a fancy new desk in the corner office. It starts the moment you decide to believe in your value before anyone else does. Most people spend their careers waiting for a sign, a performance review, a tap on the shoulder, or a formal invitation to "speak up."
Terri Eagle’s journey wasn't about a smooth path or doors being held open. It was about confidence. Not the fake-it-until-you-make-it kind, but the deep, grounded belief that you bring value into every single room you enter. In the world of business development, that’s the difference between a deal that closes and a lead that withers.
Look, the "broken rung" in the career ladder is real, the stats show that women often get stuck at the first step toward management. But the way over that gap isn’t by being the "best worker." It’s by being the most strategic leader. It’s about seeking out the right people and communicating your goals with zero ambiguity. If you want the C-suite, don’t keep it a secret. Be your own advocate. Engage with senior leaders, share what you’ve actually accomplished, and make sure your work is visible where it actually matters.
Mentorship is a Two-Way Street
No one gets to the top in a vacuum. We talk a lot about "self-made" success, but that’s usually a lie. Every great leader has a support system, and Eagle points to her time at L’Oréal as a defining moment. Her mentor, Jenefer Lass, wasn’t just a boss; she was a catalyst. Lass invested time in training and teaching skills that Eagle still uses decades later.
At MFHC, we see this every day in our small business support services. You need people who see your potential when you’re too bogged down in the day-to-day to see it yourself. But here’s the kicker: once you get to that top spot, the job isn’t done. The real mark of a CEO isn't how many people report to them, it's how many people they’ve helped rise.
Great leadership isn't a solo act. It’s about listening, teaching, and opening the door for the next person. If you reach the C-suite and pull the ladder up behind you, you’ve failed the most basic test of executive maturity.
The "Set Up to Fail" Trap
There is a dark side to the rush toward the C-suite. Sometimes, people are so hungry for the title that they ignore the red flags. Eagle is blunt about this: discipline is how you win the race.
Before you take on a leadership role, you have to do the legwork. You need to ask the uncomfortable questions. Is the company financially stable? What’s the real culture like? Are you being brought in to lead a transformation, or are you being set up to fail?
We see this frequently in hospitality business development. A new manager is hired to "save" a struggling restaurant, but they aren't given the budget or the authority to actually change anything. That’s not a leadership opportunity; it’s a sacrificial lamb situation.
Do your research. Ask questions. Understand what you’re getting into. Discipline means having the guts to say "no" to a promotion that doesn't align with your values or the resources you need to succeed. At McFadden Finch Holdings, we prioritize operational excellence, and that requires leaders who know how to audit a situation before they dive in.
Leading Like You’re Already There
One of the most powerful strategies for reaching the executive level is to start leading like you’re already there. This isn’t about acting "bossy" or overstepping your bounds: it’s about strategic thinking.
Are you looking at the business through the lens of your specific department, or are you looking at it like a stakeholder?
- Are you building trust with decision-makers?
- Are you making plans that account for long-term sustainability?
- Are you speaking up when you see a process that’s broken?
When you start operating with that level of ownership, people notice. It changes the way you’re perceived. You stop being a "high-potential employee" and start being a "peer." That shift is where the glass ceiling starts to crack.
The C-Suite is Where the Real Work Begins
Many people view the C-suite as the finish line. They think once they get the title, they can finally relax.
In reality, the C-suite is the starting block. It’s where the real, messy work of problem-solving begins. Every brand, every business, and every portfolio comes with unique challenges. Success isn't about avoiding these obstacles; it's about anticipating them.
At MFHC, our commitment to "building trust and transformation" is rooted in this reality. We don't invest in easy wins; we invest in sustainable growth. That requires leaders who can move from Seattle to Plano, Texas, or jump into a startup environment and figure things out on the fly. Adaptability is the superpower of the modern executive.
Final Thoughts: Shatter the Myth
The moment you stop seeing limits, the ceiling disappears. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s the truth of the boardroom. Leadership is about vision, and you can’t have a clear vision if you’re constantly looking up at a barrier you didn't even build.
Be strategic. Build your roadmap. Find your Jenefer Lass. And most importantly, believe in the value you bring to the table before you ever ask for a seat at it.
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McFadden Finch Holdings Company
Vision. Leadership. Lasting Impact.
Lake Merritt Plaza
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1872-73
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 973-2677
www.m-fhc.com
info@m-fhc.com
McFadden Finch Holdings Company (MFHC) is a premier holdings and investment management firm dedicated to driving sustainable growth and long-term value. Our mission is to bridge the gap between visionary capital and community-centric development, ensuring tomorrow's infrastructure meets today's needs. Through strategic project management and rigorous market analysis, we empower our partners to navigate the complexities of the California economic landscape with confidence and clarity.
For more information on how MFHC can support your industrial or real estate investment strategy, contact us at (510) 973-2677 or visit www.m-fhc.com
References:
Eagle, T. (2026). Strategies: Your roadmap to the C-suite. Philadelphia Business Journal.
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