You Don’t Have to Climb Alone – The Power of Collective Ascent
When I first started out in aviation, I thought success was a solo climb.
Head down. Work hard. Prove yourself.
Don’t ask for help. Don’t show weakness.
If you’re strong enough, smart enough, tough enough—you’ll eventually rise.
And for a while, that worked.
I did climb.
But it was exhausting, lonely, and unsustainable.
Because here’s the truth:
Climbing alone is a myth.
Every pilot, every leader, every innovator has had support—mentors, advocates, colleagues, peers—whether they admit it or not.
The problem is, in male-dominated fields, women are often told the opposite: If you want to succeed here, you’d better be ready to do it alone.
But we don’t have to climb alone. In fact, the only way to truly elevate ourselves—and change the system for those who come after us—is to climb together.
Why the “Solo Climb” Hurts Women
The Myth of Self-Reliance
We glorify the lone wolf, the trailblazer who did it all without help. But this story is incomplete. No one truly rises without networks, allies, or advocates. Pretending otherwise only isolates women further.
The Pressure of Perfection
When you believe you’re climbing alone, every step feels heavier. One mistake feels like it will erase years of work. That pressure leads to burnout, anxiety, and hesitation to take risks.
The Scarcity Trap
In industries where women are underrepresented, it can feel like there’s only room for “one at the top.” That belief breeds competition instead of collaboration—keeping all of us stuck.
The Power of Collective Ascent
Shared Strength
When we climb together, we don’t have to carry it all ourselves. Collective ascent spreads the weight, making the climb sustainable.
Expanded Vision
Different perspectives mean new ideas, better strategies, and innovative solutions. Alone, we see one path. Together, we chart many.
Amplified Impact
One woman succeeding is powerful. A group of women rising together is transformational. It changes what’s possible—not just for us, but for the next generation.
What Collective Ascent Looks Like in Action
Lift Circles: Small groups of women supporting, mentoring, and holding each other accountable.
Peer Sponsorship: Recommending and advocating for each other in rooms where decisions are made.
Celebrating Wins Publicly: Shining a spotlight on another woman’s achievements instead of competing for attention.
Boundary Setting Together: Modeling what’s acceptable—and refusing to tolerate what isn’t.
Collective ascent doesn’t mean losing individuality. It means recognizing that your success is stronger—and more sustainable—when it’s connected to others.
Ask yourself:
Where have I been trying to climb alone, even when I didn’t have to?
Who are the women in my orbit who could become part of a collective ascent?
What would it look like if we stopped competing for scraps and started building new tables together?
You don’t have to climb alone. And you don’t have to figure out your next step alone, either.
Download your free guide: Breaking the Cycle: 7 Hidden Signs It’s Time to Level Up—and Lead
Or, if you’re ready for direct support: Schedule a call with me today to map out your next ascent—together.
Beyond the cockpit. Beyond the isolation. Beyond the flight deck.
The future of leadership isn’t a solo climb.
It’s a collective ascent.
Until next week,
Dana