Limitation: a limiting rule or circumstance; a restriction.

Limit: a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass; a restriction on the size or amount of something permissible or possible.

Ceiling: the upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment.

Metaphorical ceiling: the invisible barrier that prevents certain individuals from being promoted to managerial- and executive-level positions within an organization or industry.

Who is responsible for setting limitations or limits on people? And why does the metaphorical ceiling concept even exist?

I think back to my childhood and the role models I had growing up. One’s mother is typically high on that list of influence and impact. My mum was a stay-at-home mum – tough job. She always said to me: “Don’t get married, don’t have kids, do all the things I never did, Jennifer.”

How does one let their mother down? I never did.

We had a bunch of Disney children’s books at the house; they are still at my parents’ place. I think about the books with female leads: Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty. And then I consider the books with male leads: Jungle Book, Pinocchio, Aladdin. I won’t delve into plot twists, character developments and key themes in all of these but wonder…

What jumps out at you?

I think of the boy characters and all the adventures they go on. Heck, Pinocchio ends up in a whale’s mouth! The girls, however, all await their prince charming. Imagine growing up gay and reading this shit. I’m not bitter.

I am not a parent (thanks for that, mum – legit) but have worked with thousands of young people. I played a role in many of their lives in modelling behaviours of women that, perhaps, they were not used to seeing. I know I’ve had an impact because, even after years of having taught or coached them, when we run into each other, they tell me. It’s always validating.

Every.

Single.

Time.

There is a key lesson here:

Give everyone a fair shot.

“To all the women and especially the young women who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion… Now, I know, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will.”

– Hillary Clinton (concession speech to Donald Trump)