A new survey reveals 79% of women want top roles, but just 1% sit on boards. Why? Recognition has become a PR checkbox, not a milestone. Self-nominated, pay-to-play awards flood the market, making ‘honors’ feel routine, not earned. Real progress needs real metrics; board seats, P&L control, years of measurable impact. Celebrating ambition without authority is just noise. Time to reward power, not just presence.