Navigating Professional Challenges

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Sep 30, 2024

There will be many challenges that pop up along one’s professional journey. At last week’s 10th annual New Jersey Women Business Leader Forum, powered by NJBIA, a panel of women college presidents shared insights on how to best navigate some of the most common obstacles that women business professionals will face throughout their careers.

One of these challenges is a lack of confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome.

“You have to have [confidence]. You were chosen, you are in [your] position [for a reason] and people saw good things about you – don’t let others undermine it,” said Dr. Pamela Monaco, president of Ocean County College, who then emphasized the power of cultivating a strong network of people to support you throughout your career journey.

“It is important to have a network of people that you can trust. I can go to them and say, ‘Here is the situation, and here is what I am thinking.’ I will do my due diligence, and when I confirm that my decision is the right one for the situation, I can go forward with more confidence,” Monaco said.

Mentorship can also play a role in building confidence while also helping one reach their full potential.

“Mentorship is very important because as people are working their way up the ranks, they need somebody who is going to be a champion for them. They need somebody who is going to be a supporter, and somebody who will mention their name when they are not in the room,” said Dr. Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape Community College.

“I always say there are three people that you need to have in your lives: a mentor, a sponsor, and a whole bunch of haters,” added Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, president of Camden County College. “Your mentor is someone who can give you advice, talk to you and get you through complicated situations. Your sponsor is a person that can allow you access to spaces and places that you would not have on your own. And your haters will help to refine you and check you. If you only have cheerleaders, you don’t have a balance, and you will never self-reflect and check yourself.”

In addition to having a support network, mentor, sponsor – and maybe a few haters – the ability to effectively communicate with others is a vital skill that will make navigating many career challenges, such as difficult leadership decisions, much easier. 

“Nothing drives people crazier than when you make a decision and they think you never considered their point of view,” said Dr. Deborah E. Preston, president of Mercer County Community College. “It is hard to be mad when you know your perspective was considered, but there was a good reason your perspective didn’t win. Essentially, you want to explain the things that don’t work, to help support the idea of what is going to work.” 

While everyone’s professional journey is unique, the challenges faced – particularly for women – are often shared. Having confidence in oneself, leaning on others, and effective communication are just a few ways to help overcome many of these challenges and help advance up the career ladder. 

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