Is the American Dream holding you back? | Sandra Bean

Core Argument - The traditional American dream, which emphasizes individual effort as the primary determinant of wealth, is a myth, particularly for women and marginalized communities [1][11] - Belonging and community are as important as effort in achieving prosperity and wealth [1][5][46] - Systemic exclusion from wealth and opportunity leads to imposter syndrome and hinders the ability of women to sustain their best work [26] Key Pillars for Prosperity - Psychological safety, which is the number one indicator of success in a team or an individual, is crucial for taking risks [22] - Connection, especially economic connectedness (having connections across class lines), is a significant predictor of economic mobility [23][24] - Mentorship is essential for guidance, vision-holding, and providing "cheat codes" to navigate the path to success [24][25] Practical Strategies for Building Belonging - Seek out intentional spaces, particularly female-focused spaces for women, and structured environments for neurodivergent individuals or those with social anxiety [41][42] - Be flexible in finding online or in-person spaces that accommodate time constraints and caregiving responsibilities [42] - Focus on building small, supportive networks of individuals who uplift each other [43] Impact and Examples - The "Girl Boss" community in St Pete demonstrates the transformative impact of intentional community design on women's trajectories and wealth stories [18][34][35] - The Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India, representing 2 million women, shows how belonging can lead to economic independence on a global scale, with 300,000 women achieving economic independence [40]