What happens when you finally get close to the top and start wondering whether the title is worth the sacrifice? For many women in tech, the question is not just “Can I get there?” It is “What will getting there cost me?”

Tiffany Benitez sits down with Lavonne McLean, CEO of Aparo, to talk about being the only woman at the table, watching louder voices take up space, and the pressure women can feel to work twice as hard just to prove they belong.

Then there is the story behind the episode title. More than 20 years ago, Lavon wrote her college honors thesis, “The CEO Still Wears Wing Tips,” about the glass ceiling and the men occupying most CEO seats. Today, she is sitting in one of those seats herself.

But this is not a “keep climbing no matter what” conversation. Lavon argues that it is completely valid to look at a C-suite opportunity and say, “This doesn’t align.” She and Tiffany also get into the part of executive ambition that rarely makes the glossy career posts: the years, family time, expectations, and trade-offs women are often asked to absorb.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:45) Authenticity as alignment, not a leadership persona

(6:53) Why authenticity can require courage and build trust

(9:14) Staying quiet when your voice feels less valued

(11:42) The everyday assumptions allies need to notice

(12:57) The story behind “The CEO Still Wears Wing Tips”

(16:09) Normalizing women leaders for girls and boys

(18:37) Rethinking the sacrifice attached to C-suite ambition

(21:14) When a leadership opportunity simply does not align

(23:46) Growing into a role without changing who you are

(25:11) Doing the thing before confidence catches up

And if the opportunity does matter to you, Lavon has one rule: “Do it not ready, do it scared.” She has had the shaking-voice moments too. Watch this episode for a candid look at taking the seat, questioning the price, and changing what the person sitting there can look like.

About Lavonne McLean

Lavonne McLean is the CEO of Aparo, with nearly 25 years of experience across financial services and the nonprofit sector. During her decade with Aparo, she has helped expand its reach to more than 500 nonprofits annually, contributing to over $51 million in value delivered back to the community. Her background includes Fortune 500 project management and General Electric’s Financial Leadership Development Program. In 2020, she was named one of Charlotte’s 50 most influential women.

Connect with Lavonne:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.