What happens after women break the glass ceiling, and why do so many still feel they are too much or not enough? On this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together Ashley Quamme, founder of Beyond the Plan, and Shannon Nutter, co-author of Walking on Broken Glass, to explore gender bias, women in leadership, and how the language we use shapes careers, relationships, and confidence. Drawing on experiences in therapy, financial services, and corporate leadership, Ashley and Shannon discuss the double standards women face at work, how those expectations begin in childhood, and practical ways to challenge them. Along the way, they explore burnout, finding your voice, choosing better role models, and why staying curious a little longer can change a difficult conversation. Topics covered: - Why breaking the glass ceiling does not eliminate the barriers women face in the workplace. - The Goldilocks syndrome: being judged as too assertive, too quiet, or never quite right. - How calling girls bossy and boys leaders reinforces gender expectations from childhood. - How personality judgments can influence performance reviews, compensation, and career advancement. - Preparing language to challenge workplace bias without putting others on the defensive. - How financial advisors can communicate more effectively with women and across generations. - Why different generations of women approach work, motherhood, identity, and money differently. - Using curiosity to question assumptions and reduce defensiveness in relationships. - Talking openly about burnout and finding mentors during career transitions. - Becoming the leader you wish you had and taking small steps toward speaking more candidly. Timestamps: 00:00 Why the glass ceiling is only part of the story 03:05 Meet Ashley Quamme and Shannon Nutter 07:21 Why Shannon wrote Walking on Broken Glass 10:32 Moving from mental health into male-dominated financial services 14:06 The hidden pressure to monitor clothing and behavior 17:38 The Goldilocks syndrome: Why women are never just right 20:32 Why girls get called bossy and boys get called leaders 25:33 Learning the unwritten rules of corporate leadership 30:59 How gender bias enters performance reviews and compensation 34:52 Evaluating results instead of personalities 39:16 How better language changes client conversations 41:32 Women, wealth transfer, and generational differences 45:38 Three generations of women navigating work and motherhood 52:35 Why there is no single right way to be a woman 54:03 Staying curious before defensiveness takes over 58:26 Turning awareness of workplace bias into action 01:02:02 Why talking openly about burnout matters 01:03:09 Finding mentors through a career and identity change 01:06:29 Becoming the leader you wish you had 01:09:32 Learning how words shape relationships 01:12:58 Balancing candor with thoughtful communication 01:16:12 Finding your voice through small acts of bravery 01:18:24 Connecting personal growth with systemic change 01:21:23 Where to find Ashley, Shannon, and the book
