Rising Doesn’t Mean Leaving Others Behind
In male-dominated industries, women are often fed a dangerous lie: “If you want to rise, you’ll have to choose—either focus on your own climb or slow down to help others.”
It’s framed as an either/or decision: selfish or selfless. And for decades, many of us have internalized that message.
We’ve watched women rise into leadership positions and felt the sting when they closed the door behind them. We’ve also seen others flatten themselves into ladders, sacrificing their own careers so others could climb.
But here’s the truth: real leadership is neither. Rising doesn’t mean leaving others behind. When women rise, everyone benefits.
The Scarcity Myth
In aviation, aerospace, and other male-dominated fields, there’s often a subtle (or not-so-subtle) belief: “There’s only room for one of us.”
Only one woman on the leadership team.
Only one woman on the panel.
Only one woman in the pipeline for promotion.
This scarcity is artificial. It’s not about lack of talent. It’s about systems designed to keep the seats limited.
When women buy into this myth, they end up competing against each other instead of collaborating. It’s survival mode. And survival mode is the enemy of progress.
The Guilt Factor
On the flip side, many women feel guilty for pursuing their own ambitions.
We hear:
“She’s too focused on herself.”
“She only cares about her career.”
“She’s not a team player.”
But here’s what often gets overlooked: Every time a woman takes her seat at the table, she changes what’s possible for the next generation.
Visibility isn’t selfish. It’s a form of advocacy.
The Reframe: Both/And
True elevation is not a zero-sum game. It’s not choosing between my success or your success.
It’s:
I rise, and I make the path clearer for you.
I claim my space, and I pull up another chair.
I succeed, and that success becomes a blueprint—not a barrier—for others.
What Rising With Others Looks Like
Visibility as Advocacy: When you get the spotlight, share it. Name the women who contributed. Recommend them for opportunities.
Collective Sponsorship: Agree with peers to speak each other’s names in rooms where decisions are made.
Boundary Modeling: Show others that it’s possible to succeed without burning out.
Celebrating Each Other’s Wins: Reject the scarcity trap. Another woman’s success doesn’t diminish yours—it multiplies it.
Ask yourself:
Where have I bought into the scarcity myth?
Do I feel guilt for pursuing my own rise? Why?
How can I rise in a way that expands opportunities for others, too?
You don’t have to choose between your success and theirs. Your rise is an invitation—not a threat.
Download your free guide: Breaking the Cycle: 7 Hidden Signs It’s Time to Level Up—and Lead
Or, if you’re ready to chart your own ascent with clarity and impact: Schedule a call with me today to build your leadership path.
Beyond the cockpit. Beyond the scarcity. Beyond the flight deck. Rising doesn’t mean leaving others behind. It means bringing more of us forward.
Until next week,
Dana