What does having a growth mindset look like across the different seasons of a woman’s career?

In theory, the longer you’re in the workforce, the easier it should be to ask for a raise, own your space, and lead with confidence. In reality, age often works against women, muting ambition at every stage.

According to Her World’s What Women Want Survey 2025, younger women are routinely dismissed as inexperienced, while older women are often seen as outdated.

Around 77 per cent of respondents say age-based discrimination still exists in Singapore workplaces. Almost half have never asked for a raise or promotion due to fear, uncertainty, or internalised norms. And for those navigating mid-career burnout, family obligations or financial stress, career growth can feel completely unattainable.

This is where perspective on a growth mindset comes into play. Often reduced to a corporate catchphrase, it refers to the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed, but can be developed through effort and learning. But what does that really look like across the different seasons of a woman’s career?

Gloria Arlini, who helms Generation Singapore – a non-profit dedicated to equipping people with the skills, confidence and support needed to launch new careers – is also a mentor on Her World’s mentorship programme. She calls for a change in perspective. Here’s her take.

“Growth doesn’t always feel good; it often feels a lot like disorientation. So when you adopt a growth mindset, you’re not just learning something new – you’re confronting the possibility that something you’ve always believed might be wrong.

What young women need is a strong sense of self – clarity about their value, their work, and the ability to articulate that clearly. Having a growth mindset might get them through rejection, but the first step is understanding that your voice is worth hearing. Confidence isn’t something you can ‘think’ your way into. It comes with practise, mentorship, and being in spaces where your contributions are taken seriously.

We need to expand what we mean by growth: It’s not always about climbing the ladder or moving forward. Sometimes, growth looks like pausing, sidestepping, or even contorting yourself into oddly shaped spaces that don’t resemble traditional success.

Even staying in the same role can be a form of growth, if you’re doing it with intention. There’s a difference between being stuck and being still. Stillness, when embraced, can give rise to clarity. And that clarity can be the most powerful kind of momentum.

I make it a point to challenge conventional wisdom, including my own. I’ve learnt to actively seek out discomfort, especially in situations where I know my perspective or approach will be pushed and tested. Recently, I took up pottery. What started as a creative hobby quickly became a meditation on control and surrender, letting go, and learning to read subtle cues.

These lessons taught me to trust my intuition, and to adapt my leadership style in ways that better support the unique needs, rhythms and personalities of those around me, whether as a colleague, friend or leader.

Unlearn the idea that growth has to be linear. That it always has to show up in your CV or come with a new title. Adopt the belief that how you move is just as important as where you move.

The pauses, the pivots, the unexpected detours – they all count. Especially when they bring you back to yourself.”