You are amazing, strong, and full of your own talents. Your skills are not limited to just one or two areas. Even if people acknowledge you thriving in corporate spaces, it doesn’t mean you should solely focus on that. Often, we rely on external validation to determine our strengths. When we receive praise, we may abandon what truly brings us happiness and concentrate on what others acknowledge. But what if the talent they notice is only a fraction of your abilities and not your greatest gift?
For any ambitious, high-achieving woman, the corporate world can feel like a complex and intricate task. On the surface, you are known as a top-performer, a go-getter, constantly setting high standards, and delivering outstanding work. But, on the inside, you feel a silent struggle of thriving in corporate spaces.
You might be an experienced professional with a proven track record. A newcomer finding your way in the early stages of your career. Or, a mid-level powerhouse who just landed a new opportunity. Wherever you are, you’re likely familiar with the constant juggling act of thriving in corporate spaces while facing the unspoken challenges of being the minority in the room.
Believe in Your Right to be in the Room
The obstacles you are faced with shouldn’t steal away your passion. Still, the persistent doubt about whether you truly fit in the room can just linger in the back of your mind. Even when your accomplishments are beyond impressive. So, if you feel a little out of place or keep being questioned about your capabilities, repeat the mantra “I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t belong.” Your qualifications, ideas and solutions have led you to be exactly where you are. Don’t underestimate yourself or your worth!
Effortlessly occupying a presence, even in uncomfortable situations is a girl-boss move. When you feel like you’re being overshadowed by coworkers, you have to learn how to confidently assert yourself. You need this quality in order to enhance your career and gain recognition for all that you do. With that being said, staking your claim and confidently expressing yourself in the workplace (especially in meetings), doesn’t always come easy, but is always rewarding.
Recognize When it’s Time to Move On
Sometimes, the best (and strongest) decision we can make is to walk away. We know that our time and efforts are valuable, and we shouldn’t settle for less than what we deserve. Too many of us have been stuck in the same positions for years, waiting for the promised promotion or raise. But you must decide when enough is enough.
Gather your things and find a company that truly values you or, at the very least, compensates you fairly for your skills. Life is too short to remain miserable and underappreciated in a place where you spend the majority of your day. When you’ve given your all and there’s nothing more you can do, make the smart choice to move on.
Lift Each Other Up
It should become our mission to support and empower other women, because we remember what it was like to be the women who were just grateful for a seat at the table, without fully recognizing our own worth. We understand the feeling of questioning whether we truly belong, due to external or internal invalidation. There are several resources and books to help women of color start thriving in corporate spaces.
“First and Only: A Black Woman’s Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life”
Author Jennifer R. Farmer really nailed the path to thriving in corporate spaces. Her book guides you through some powerful advice. For example, don’t seek approval for tasks within your authority. Understand your role, your manager’s expectations and company rules to work independently. You don’t need permission to propose new ideas or spend within approved limits.
With the success of her first book, Farmer published a follow-up book, “First and Only: What Black Women Say About Thriving at Work and in Life.” It’s packed with detailed advice on how to encounter multiple challenges at once and being able to identify them.
Embrace and Use Your Unique Greatness
As women, our experiences bring a valuable perspective to the tables we sit at, and this should never be overlooked. Numerous workplace studies have shown that racial and gender diversity in leadership positively impacts innovation and valuable creation within companies.
Even if we are underrecognized, underpaid or underestimated by certain individuals or organizations, we know that our contributions are meaningful wherever we go. We should hold our heads high, share our knowledge and understand that our actions matter.
With each experience we gain, we should realize that we are the embodiment of our personal brand. Shrinking ourselves is not an option, as it denies the greatness within us that continues to develop. We work diligently and exude confidence wherever we go, knowing that there is a door waiting to open for us. We should believe in the power of perseverance and determination. By consistently knocking on doors, we can trust that one will open for us. This mindset is what will allow us to make significant progress in our careers.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for What You Want
If we let fear hold us back from expressing our desires, we will always fall short of our potential. We must learn that denying our own aspirations to make others feel comfortable only hinders our own growth. As women, we also have a responsibility to leave a meaningful legacy. So, what will our legacy be?
A list of missed opportunities and regrets, or a list of achievements and accomplishments? Our legacy is directly tied to our willingness to ask for what we truly want and to relentlessly pursue it. This is not about waiting for permission; it’s about taking action, pushing boundaries and seeking opportunities until our dreams become a reality.
To every woman reading this, whether you find yourself as the first or only one in the room, or if you occasionally doubt your own greatness, know that there is something incredible inside of you. Even in the face of challenges, your tenacity and resilience will prevail.