Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Want to Close the Gender Gap? Start Here | Kweilin Ellingrud

Apr 21, 2025

In a compelling conversation, Kweilin Ellingrud, McKinsey’s Global Chief of Diversity and Inclusion and co-author of 'The Broken Rung', discusses the crucial 'broken rung' concept that impacts women's career progress. She offers insights on building 'experience capital' and the power of soft skills in breaking through initial barriers. Kweilin emphasizes the need for intentional networking and shares strategies for overcoming biases. Additionally, she highlights the importance of balancing personal health with career ambitions, advocating for overall well-being in professional growth.

01:02:23

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Episode guests

Kweilin Ellingrud

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Quick takeaways

The concept of the 'Broken Rung' highlights the critical first promotion barrier that disproportionately hinders women's career advancement.

Building 'experience capital' through strategic role selection is essential for women to enhance their long-term earnings potential.

Confronting biases and understanding one's own agency are crucial for women to navigate their careers and advocate effectively.

Deep dives

Understanding the Broken Rung

The concept of the broken rung refers to the critical first missed promotion from contributor to manager, which disproportionately affects women and people of color. For every 100 men promoted to managerial roles, only 81 women receive the same opportunity, and the numbers are even lower for women of color. This gap creates a cumulative disadvantage as it widens over time, making it increasingly difficult for women to ascend to leadership positions. Addressing the broken rung is essential for fostering equitable career advancement for all employees.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Broken Rung: Gender Disparity in Promotions

21min

The Power of Soft Skills and Networking

7min

Empowering Women Through Intentional Networking

8min

Finding Your Groove: Balancing Health and Career for Women

3min

Musical Preferences for an Island Escape

2min

Bridging the Gender Gap: Networking and Career Advancement

19min

Kweilin Ellingrud, McKinsey’s Global Chief of Diversity and Inclusion, joins us to discuss The Broken Rung—the missed first promotion that derails many women's careers before they even begin. She shares how to build “experience capital,” why soft skills matter more than we think, and how the right first moves can lead to long-term equity and empowerment. With practical advice for women and leaders alike, this episode is a call to action to fix the ladder from the bottom up.

Topics

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Kweilin Ellingrud

[5:39] What is the “Broken Rung”?

[12:00] Strategies for Overcoming the Broken Rung

[20:36] Building Skills to Future-Proof Careers

[30:39] Addressing Biases and Cognitive Biases

[35:47] Personal Health and Financial Well-being

[41:10] Desert Island Music

[43:19] Grooving Session - Networking, Bias, and Building Experience Capital

Links

The Broken Rung - by Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and Mareia del Mar Martinez

More About Kweilin