Snakes and Ladders

ChatGPT Generated April 15, 2026

I have had the pleasure of reconnecting with a few strong professional women over this past week. Each of them has had similar yet different experiences through their professional journey. I am amazed at how resilient we all are – but should we have to be?

Our mental health is attached to having positive and healthy relationships. Ones that lift you up, not tear you down. So, what is it about the ‘mean girls’ posse that exists in many corporate environments? Why do those women worm their way to the top and then surround themselves with clones? Sadly, I do not see “women supporting women” rather I see a pit of viperous snakes, coiling their way around half-truths and squeezing the life out of one another.

I’ve been in those rooms with women who smile at you, joke around and tell ‘relatable’ stories, only to walk out of the room and immediately bad-mouth you. The fakeness is real. Even worse, the ones that should be leading the way are often the biggest offenders. Ick right!

So, what ends up happening? Eventually – yes, eventually, trash gets tossed out like yesterday’s news. But who is deciding what the ‘trash’ is?

Your name is all you have. What do people say when you’re not in the room? Do they defend you? Do they wince? Do they stay silent? All of these moments present a “snake” or a “ladder” – someone tearing your down, or someone lifting you up.

I’ve experiencing the benefits and the hardships of playing the game and ended up on both sides, but it does sometimes feel like a bit of a crap shoot. Relationships matter - they really matter.

All that to say, that I’ve been kicking this concept around myself, yet, in the spirit of women supporting women, I would like to recommend that anyone looking to explore your personal brand to connect with Trisha Sterloff. She can help you be the one narrating your story, because if you aren’t – someone else is. Take the first step on your ladder towards success.

Take a listen to Everybody Supports Women by Sofia Isella

#Trusttheprocess #Trustyourself #Fauxvember