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In the latest episode of The Pool, Katherine "Kate" Byrne and Ese Ofurhie, are joined by Veronica Appleton, Ph.D., Senior VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Publicis Media US, who sheds light on the importance of DEI in the workplace. Beyond business goals, it's about forging trusted relationships and fostering authentic diversity and emphasizes that DEI is not a buzzword but a fundamental pillar for thriving workplaces. Watch the full interview to gain valuable insights. #DEI #Inclusion #Leadership

Are you feeling unsure about what it takes to be successful in your new workplace? It’s not typical to get concrete answers, particularly if you’re a young Black woman who isn’t familiar with the mores and hidden expectations of corporate America. I spoke with Lauren W. Wilson, founder and CEO of ColorComm, Inc. and author of What Do You Need?: How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success, who shared five strategies that can lead to workplace success: https://lnkd.in/exjhDjgE #leadership #DiversityEquityAndInclusion #DEI #BlackWomen #WomenLeaders #management #diversity #inclusion 

What you are up against! Research shows that Black women in the workplace are the least represented in top leadership positions in corporate. It also shows that this is as a result of both external and internal barriers. External barriers include the fact that the face of leadership competency is still largely white and male. Black women are neither white nor are they male, which does not afford them the benefit of assumed competence. Moreover, unlike other woman of colour who also face racism and sexism. They also face anti-blackness related prejudices. Other barriers include the impact of the often Eurocentric cultures in the workplace that are in conflict with the non-western cultural norms that Black women come from such as the relationship with authority, self promotion, self advocacy, individualism, etc. Inadequate expertise, guidance and support on how to navigate what is often termed office politics due to lack of access to senior influential leaders who take on the role of mentorship and advocacy for future leaders at work Some of the internal barriers are the impact of childhood trauma, the socio economic impact of systemic/structural racism, the impact of being the first and only in their families and in some workplaces; in how they show up. As reflected in behaviours like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, going at it alone, hyper vigilance and hypersensitivity and ultimately burn out and disengagement. Since you know what you are up against, is it wise to go at it alone? …………………………………………………………… Are you a Black Woman in the Workplace who feels called to the next level of leadership, income and impact? My name is Busisiwe Hlatswayo and I coach Black women to position themselves for leadership, navigate race and gender bias and be effective leaders in the workplace and the market place For a Free 30 Minutes Career Strategy Consultation: https://lnkd.in/dZKvQ555 Enrol now for any of my free webinars : - Promotion webinar: https://lnkd.in/g9zRrM7g - Next level webinar: https://lnkd.in/gmqjgQhb Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/dZTatcm4 #blackwomen #coaching #blackwomeninworkplace #officepolitics #intentionalstrategy #positionyourself #influence#politicalgames #blackwomenatwork#careercoach #careeradvancement #womenintheworkplace

Diversity in corporate leadership isn’t just a matter of social responsibility; it’s a strategic imperative for success. A recent study showed a concerning decline in the number of underrepresented groups securing Fortune 500 board seats. It’s a trend that needs to be reversed (and quickly) to fully harness the untapped potential that diverse boards offer.   Why is it so important?   Diverse boards bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to the table. They challenge the status quo and encourage innovative problem-solving. An eye-opening statistic from a 2023 survey showed that 77% of board seats were occupied by individuals from different industries, emphasizing the significant impact of diverse viewpoints.   As a black female executive and board member, I’ve brought a variety of different perspectives to the table, extending well beyond my race and gender. I can attest that a diverse board isn’t just a checkbox but a competitive advantage. It’s about embracing a complete definition of diversity, including varied experiences, backgrounds, and differentiated perspectives. A special thank you to Adrienne Graves and Glenn Sblendorio for recognizing the importance of diversity on boards and welcoming me to their boardroom.    True diversity can be achieved, I'm proof of that. I hope you give my recent article in Profiles in Diversity Journal a read. #DiversityInLeadership #Innovation #BoardDiversity #ChangeThePattern

In the pursuit of corporate success, many black female executive leaders are faced with the tension between maintaining their unique cultural identity and assimilating into the dominant corporate culture. On the one hand, assimilating can sometimes offer smoother interactions, but it may mean sidelining the essence of who we are. On the other hand, our cultural backgrounds bring invaluable perspectives that can drive innovation and enrich workplace dynamics. So, how do we find a balance? Build understanding. Share your background and stories with your colleagues. This will help them to understand your perspective and appreciate your unique contributions. Align yourself with leaders who recognize and champion the value of diverse identities. Find mentors and sponsors who will support you in being your authentic self.   Set boundaries. It's important to set boundaries that preserve your core values and cultural principles. This may mean saying no to certain requests or refusing to participate in activities that conflict with your values.   Remember, your cultural identity is an asset. It's what makes you unique and valuable. Don't be afraid to celebrate it! ✨ #culturalidentity #corporateculture #diversity #inclusion

What you are up against! Research shows that Black women in the workplace are the least represented in top leadership positions in corporate. It also shows that this is as a result of both external and internal barriers. External barriers include the fact that the face of leadership competency is still largely white and male. Black women are neither white nor are they male, which does not afford them the benefit of assumed competence. Moreover, unlike other woman of colour who also face racism and sexism. They also face anti-blackness related prejudices. Other barriers include the impact of the often Eurocentric cultures in the workplace that are in conflict with the non-western cultural norms that Black women come from such as the relationship with authority, self promotion, self advocacy, individualism, etc. Inadequate expertise, guidance and support on how to navigate what is often termed office politics due to lack of access to senior influential leaders who take on the role of mentorship and advocacy for future leaders at work Some of the internal barriers are the impact of childhood trauma, the socio economic impact of systemic/structural racism, the impact of being the first and only in their families and in some workplaces; in how they show up. As reflected in behaviours like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, going at it alone, hyper vigilance and hypersensitivity and ultimately burn out and disengagement. Since you know what you are up against, is it wise to go at it alone? …………………………………………………………… Are you a Black Woman in the Workplace who feels called to the next level of leadership, income and impact? My name is Busisiwe Hlatswayo and I coach Black women to position themselves for leadership, navigate race and gender bias and be effective leaders in the workplace and the market place For a Free 30 Minutes Career Strategy Consultation: https://lnkd.in/da7trJDc Enrol now for any of my free webinars : - Promotion webinar: https://lnkd.in/dPhwtYjF - Next level webinar: https://lnkd.in/gdHWtBBM Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/dMbBG7Xn #blackwomen #coaching #blackwomeninworkplace #officepolitics #intentionalstrategy #positionyourself #influence#politicalgames #blackwomenatwork#careercoach #careeradvancement #womenintheworkplace

Fantastic article by Christine Ann Miller on the importance of #board #diversity and how it can make boards more effective and companies more competitive. A must read!

Black women have made strides in leadership roles across various sectors, from politics and business to academia and non-profit organizations. However, they often face unique challenges due to the intersection of race and gender. One of the primary challenges black women leaders face is the lack of representation. Being one of the few, or sometimes the only, black women in a leadership position can be isolating. It can also lead to increased scrutiny and higher performance expectations. Stereotypes and biases also pose significant challenges. Black women leaders often have to navigate racial and gender stereotypes that can impact how they are perceived and treated. They may also face unconscious biases that hinder their progress and influence decision-making processes. Additionally, black women leaders often struggle to balance multiple roles and expectations. They may face pressure to conform to traditional gender roles while also dealing with societal expectations related to race. Despite these challenges, black women leaders continue to break barriers and make significant contributions. They bring diverse perspectives and experiences that foster inclusivity. They serve as role models for future generations, showing that overcoming obstacles and achieving success is possible. #womeninleadership #leadershiplessons #blackwomeninbusiness

At Connex Leadership Networks, we're dedicated to confronting critical issues directly. The recent remarks made by Frank Hester towards Diane Abbott and, more broadly, Black women, highlight the imperative for these types of discussions.   Last September, we convened leaders and changemakers for a ground-breaking roundtable discussion, "Existing at the Intersection: What GEM Women Are Up Against." This discussion provided a platform for open, honest dialogue on the complex barriers rooted in ethnicity, gender, and age—challenges that extend their influence beyond the workplace into the very communities we strive to uplift.   From the insidious impact of stereotyping to systemic barriers in career progression, our conversation shed light on the realities GEM women face daily. But identifying these challenges is just the beginning. We are dedicated to fostering actionable change, creating a more inclusive, equitable environment for all.   Swipe through our carousel to explore some of the key issues identified during our roundtable. Each slide presents an area where our collective efforts can make a significant difference. Join us in this essential dialogue. Your insight, experience, and commitment to change are invaluable as we work together to shape a truly inclusive sector.   #ConnexLeadershipNetworks #DiversityAndInclusion #AffordableHousing #DifficultConversations #GEMWomen #Leadership #ChangeMakers