Keywords: leadership, promotion, improvement, success
Prior research suggests that women often wait longer than men with similar qualifications for promotion and to take on leadership roles in their organization. In this panel, we aim to highlight the experiences of four exceptional leaders who have risen to Chair, Director, and Associate Dean positions in academia and government at earlier than expected stages in their careers. The panelists will discuss (1) how they were able to cast aside some of their major doubts and insecurities to rise to these positions, (2) unanticipated challenges they confronted after taking on leadership positions, (3) their non-traditional approaches to leadership, (4) important aspects of their leadership that they are still working to improve, and (5) effective strategies for helping other women ascend into leadership positions.