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Home > Thought Leadership > Lessons from our Women’s Network Breakfasts: Jane Steinmetz, Ernst & Young, on Staying Authentically You
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        • ...
          Limited Series
          Transportation First | State of the Airport

          The Transportation First Series offers a platform to discuss the challenges faced by our region, with the input of experts and changemakers.

          06/12/2025

          2:45pm - 4:30pm

          Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Public Policy
          2025 Government Affairs Forum | Senator Edward J. Markey

          Hear from Senator Edward J. Markey, a consumer champion and leader on energy, environmental protection, and telecommunications policy.

          06/16/2025

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Boston Marriott Long Wharf

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
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          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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Lessons from our Women’s Network Breakfasts: Jane Steinmetz, Ernst & Young, on Staying Authentically You

August 14, 2018

Early on in life, I had the notion that I had to conform to a certain type of personality to be successful. For most of my career I have worked primarily in male-dominated fields, and at times I felt that if I didn’t act like “one of the boys,” I wouldn’t be accepted. As I took on more leadership roles and trusted my instincts more frequently, I began to realize being true to myself not only felt good; it didn’t alter my effectiveness — it actually heightened it.

I attribute much of my success to two critical factors I know are far easier said than done: confronting the reality of failure but trying anyway, and playing to my strengths. 

We all are aware that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone enables growth, but we also know it can be scary to expose yourself to potential failure. This happens especially among female professionals, where there can be a confidence gap, creating hesitation in moving forward. But by believing in your abilities and pursuing opportunities, you will yield a stronger skill set, more confidence and better experiences. My advice: even if you are scared, do it anyway. Swap hesitation for an absolute “will not fail” attitude. Don’t let fear block your advancement. 

One way to help face your fears and discover what a great leader you can be is by highlighting your strengths. When you start to advance, approach your new role with your own style and not that of your predecessors. It’s not mandatory to play by a former leader’s playbook, and it’s not the only way to achieve desired results. Be comfortable in the fact that you can and will do your job differently than anyone else. Discovering this for myself allowed me to become a successful leader and form the roles that fit into my life at a particular time.

I also consider a big strength of mine as being an authentic leader who strongly supports inclusion and diversity. I have witnessed the trust and creativity it fosters and how it enables teams to perform better and produce quality results. Leaders should focus on creating diverse teams and continue to be aware of unconscious bias. Supporting inclusivity is an ongoing journey. 

I know breaking through your comfort zone presents a number of challenges, and at times it seems easier to go with the status quo. I firmly believe that if you trust yourself and believe in the abilities you possess, everything will fall into place. 

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