do you see yourself as CEO?

[kimpossible]

I have a lot of privilege in being 'white' and have the option of using my Western maiden name for business, so my main external obstacle to an executive position in a medium to large company would be my gender. As double minorities, female and Asian, how do you see your path to a potential executive position? What do you face? Do you see it for yourself and are you either encouraged or discouraged in the current corporate atmosphere? Would you see an executive position open to an Asian female but in a limited capacity such as head of the Asian marketing division, etc?

I don't want to exclude the mixed Asians, most of you are more Asian than me anyhow. I also don't want to limit it to the US because we have a Brit or two as well, and there is the potential opportunity to work in Asia.

[moser]

In our current situations or in general?

Current situation: I'll never get to the executive level if I stay at my current position. The executive and other management levels in my office that are not political appointees (I'm in gov't) consist of middle aged white people who have been working in the agency for decades. It is almost downright hostile to non-whites (i.e. those who aren't in the "inner sanctum" or don't kiss up don't get promoted as quickly or have opportunities to showcase their skills) - though if Asian and kiss up, there is hope.

The good news is that the person who's responsible for all of this is getting pressured to leave.

In general: I don't see myself in an executive position; am not social enough for the politics and such.

[kasia]

as a CEO - not likely. as an ED of a non-profit - possibly. but that's because a lot of public interest work is done by women, so it really isn't out of the ordinary for a female to become ED.

i think the glass ceiling for me would be if i ever decided to become involved in politics. and, as a woman, i think i would only be able to stick with certain issues in order to win.

[kimpossible]

What about starting or running your own businesses? Do you feel that is an alternative for you?

By the way, substitute CEO for the head of any org. Could be non-profit or your own business, etc.

[kasia]

i can see kimpossible and i on the Board of Yellowworld.org, a nonprofit organization, one day =)

(and maybe if someone eliminates elbert, then a woman can actually be executive director...)