The McKinsey Podcast When the career ladder breaks for women—and how to succeed anyway
9 snips
Mar 27, 2025 
Lareina Yee, a Senior Partner at McKinsey and co-author of "The Broken Rung," dives into the stark disparities in career advancement between men and women. The discussion reveals that for every 100 men promoted, only 81 women ascend, underlining systemic obstacles. Yee emphasizes the importance of male allies and inclusive workplace environments. She shares actionable strategies for women to excel, including networking and proactive planning, while also touching on the challenges of balancing motherhood with career ambitions.
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The Broken Rung
- Only 81 women are promoted for every 100 men.
- For women of color, the disparity is even greater, with 65 Latina women and 54 Black women promoted for every 100 men.
The Broken Rung: A Gap in Experience Capital
- The "broken rung" refers to the first promotion, which fewer women achieve than men.
- This disparity creates a gap in experience capital, hindering women's career advancement.
Actions for First-Rung Climbers
- Focus on performance metrics, but also build your network early on.
- Invest in skills like technology or P&L experience to enhance your portfolio for promotion.
