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