May/June, 2026  

The Promotion Gap Starts Early:  How Young Women Can Get Ahead

Kay Fittes, June, 2026

If you are a recent college graduate entering the workforce, or the proud parent, grandparent, aunt, mentor, or coach of a young woman launching her career, there is an important workplace reality you need to understand:  the promotion gap starts early.  Most people assume gender inequality appears later in a woman’s career when she is competing for executive roles.  In reality, the first barrier often appears in the very first promotion.  Researchers call it the “Broken Rung.”

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Kay’s Consulting Corner

Each month in this section, Kay offers actionable career consulting tips.

Starting Your Career Off with a Bang

How you begin will likely be the way you end!  These three steps are not just for the beginning of your career; these guidelines will serve you throughout your career.  Taking action NOW is critical.

1. Schedule a Career Conversation.  This week schedule time with your manager.  Ask her this pivotal question:
   
   “What would someone need to demonstrate to be considered ready for the next level?”
   
   
2. Start a Success Journal.  It doesn’t matter how you go about doing this, whatever works for you.  At the end of the week spend five minutes documenting accomplishments, positive feedback, and measurable results.  This is what I call the FAST FIVE with my clients.  I know you are busy, but anyone can find five minutes!
   
   
3. Increase Your Visibility.  Volunteer to present at a meeting, lead a project update, or participate in an initiative that exposes you to senior leaders.  Small actions today can create major opportunities tomorrow.
   

The bottom line is that for young women entering the workforce, understanding the Broken Rung may be one of the most important career lessons you’ll ever learn.  And for parents, grandparents, aunts, mentors, and coaches, it is a conversation worth having with the young women in your life.  Want to have a conversation with me about this crucial issue?  Then let’s have a 45-minute telephone conversation to determine if High-Heeled Success, LLC could be a good partner in collaborating with you to navigate these challenges.  Email kay@highheeledsuccess.com or call (513) 561-4288 and we will get you scheduled.

Success Story:  Tony Suriano

I first met Kay Fittes through Toastmasters.  As someone coming from the film and acting world, I wanted to surround myself with people who were not only encouraging, but accomplished professionals I could learn from.  Kay immediately stood out.

She was professional, trustworthy, insightful, and she brought humor and energy to every interaction.  After my very first meeting, I knew I wanted to join.  Kay was a big reason why.

Over the next year and a half, she generously shared her wisdom and helped me sharpen my speaking skills.  So when it came time to celebrate the launch of my first book, Direct Your Life or Someone Else Will, I knew exactly who I wanted beside me.

Kay graciously served as co-host and emcee for the event.  She warmed up the audience, helped position me with credibility, and provided countless insights before, during, and after the celebration.  As a first-time author, having someone with her experience and presence made all the difference.

What I appreciate most about Kay is that she doesn’t just encourage growth – she creates an environment where people feel capable of stepping into their next chapter.

I’m grateful for her mentorship, friendship, and support.

Tony Suriano
Author | Keynote Speaker | Film Director
Book:  Direct Your Life or Someone Else Will
Web:  Tony Suriano
Instagram:  @Tony_TheDirector

PS from Kay:  If you have ever felt like you were drifting through life and needed a kick in the backside, YOU MUST GET TONY’S BOOK!  I have read it from cover to cover and highly endorse it.  You will see yourself in Tony’s words and find his ability to DIRECT you to a new way of living is brilliant.

High-Heeled Success^® supports Dress for Success through donations of clothing, time and money.  We offer complimentary seats at every workshop for women participating in the Dress for Success program.

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Website:  https://highheeledsuccess.com

Email:  kay@highheeledsuccess.com

Phone:  (513) 561-4288

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