Barbara Walters faced several early hardships in her career, including challenges related to gender bias in a predominantly male field. Breaking into the world of broadcast journalism during the 1960s, she encountered skepticism regarding her capabilities as a woman. Additionally, she had to overcome initial job rejections and struggled to command respect in the newsroom. These experiences cultivated her determination and tenacity, ultimately leading her to become a pioneering figure in journalism, known for her articulate interviewing style and groundbreaking work on shows like "The View".