Why do most careers stall at mid-level?

Harvard Business School Professor Paul Gompers analyzed 150 million resumes and found that most careers plateau at mid-level, no matter how long people work or how much they earn. Most people top out 15 to 20 years into their careers, and only 19% of people with 20 years of experience had reached seniority level 20.

How many women are in the C-suite?

LinkedIn data published in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2026 shows women make up 46% of entry-level workers but just 23% of the C-suite. At the current pace, leadership parity could take 90 years.

How much harder is it for women of color to reach the C-suite?

McKinsey and LeanIn.Org's Women in the Workplace 2025 report found that women of color make up 21% of entry-level employees but only 7% of the C-suite.

What is a career sponsor, and why does it matter for women?

A sponsor is someone senior who advocates for you when promotions are decided behind closed doors. McKinsey and LeanIn.Org's 2025 report found that 45% of entry-level men have sponsors, compared with 31% of entry-level women.

How can women move up to leadership roles?

Get a sponsor, ask for stretch assignments like leading big projects or managing budgets, and tell your manager you want to be a director, VP, or C-suite leader. Communities like Chief (for senior executives) and free Lean In Circles can also help you build leadership skills and connections.

Mid-Level Career Ceiling: Why Women Hit It Harder

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Most of Us Hit a Mid-Level Career Ceiling (It's Even Worse for Women)

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