How do women break down the barriers to achieve true representation? Well, that is a conversation we had with Mary Hayashi, former California State Assemblymember and the author of “Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation. Mary’s journey as an Asian American Immigrant and former State Assemblymember is both enlightening and inspiring. She shares her journey and purpose but also the stories of 17 other inspiring leaders who influenced her to write the book and her political journey. This is not just about politics; our conversation applies to anyone striving to be in a leadership position and the systemic barriers that exist especially for women.One quote that has inspired her perseverance is “You can’t be what you can’t see”, so she wanted to change that and so her book and mission highlight just how she is doing that, along with the many others she interviewed for her book. We discuss the imagination barrier and how that gets in our way by the role model effect. And how culturally our upbringing impacts the way we see things such as with the “silent good girl” or by being invisible. Several barriers and consequences show up such as the need to be liked or the likeability factor, the ambition gap where we are silenced to pursue a particular path, and how all of this impacts our confidence to put our hands up and just do it. Mary also speaks to how women are more purpose-driven and use their personal experiences to invoke change especially when it comes to policy or legislation issues. Where men are focused on power. This is especially important as to why we need more women leading whether that is in government, community, not-for-profit, or corporate environments. There are many reasons for this need such as advocating for others, no more suffering in silence, mental health issues, etc. Maintaining confidence is not easy when others doubt your abilities but when you are purpose-driven and know you can make a difference you just have to go for it, no matter what others say.Let us know what you think of this conversation and how you might want to step into your true purpose. If you are curious about your leadership, take our free leadership quiz at www.wilempowered.com to learn more about how you might show up.

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