Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling
“Walking on Broken Glass: Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling” explores what happens when women reach senior positions but continue to encounter barriers that limit their influence, opportunities and progression.
Drawing on their own experiences in senior roles within the financial services industry, Shannon Nutter and Julia Carreon examine the organisational structures, workplace cultures and unwritten rules that can make professional advancement particularly challenging for women. The book looks beyond the familiar idea of the glass ceiling to address the obstacles women may face along the way, including exclusion, unequal expectations, difficult workplace dynamics and the challenges of navigating environments where leadership has traditionally been shaped by a narrow set of perspectives.
Rather than focusing solely on individual resilience, the authors offer practical approaches to recognising workplace challenges, preparing for difficult situations and building collective support. They share strategies for navigating organisational politics, strengthening professional relationships, developing influence and responding to situations that can undermine confidence or career progression.
An important part of the book is its emphasis on collective action. The authors argue that women should not have to navigate these challenges in isolation. By sharing experiences, supporting one another and recognising patterns that might otherwise remain invisible, women can help create stronger professional networks and healthier workplace cultures.
The book also makes a business case for more inclusive organisations. Diverse teams and supportive working environments are not simply matters of fairness; they can contribute to stronger leadership, better decisions and more sustainable organisational performance.
For women navigating complex workplaces, as well as leaders and organisations interested in addressing structural barriers, this book offers a combination of personal experience, practical guidance and a broader perspective on workplace inclusion.
About the Author
Shannon Nutter is a global executive and board director with experience in strategy, product development and customer experience. She has held leadership positions at organisations including Vanguard, Deloitte and General Motors. She is also the founder of My Classroom Economy, an educational programme designed to teach children financial responsibility. Nutter holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Macalester College and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Julia C. Carreon is a financial services executive specialising in large-scale technology transformation and business execution. She has held leadership roles in wealth management and financial technology at Citibank and Wells Fargo, where she launched the first mobile app for wealth advisors. In 2024, she was recognised on the Nasdaq billboard for her contributions to innovation in wealth management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Both authors have built senior careers in traditionally male-dominated financial services environments. Their experiences inform their work on workplace barriers, leadership and collective action.
