resource library.
The Concrete Ceiling
Stanford Social Innocation Review | Hanieh Khosroshahi
Women of color face significant challenges in the workplace due to systemic biases and discrimination. This article delves into the concept of the "concrete ceiling" that women of color encounter in their careers, examining the impact of double jeopardy, leadership norms, emotional tax, and lack of management support. It also provides actionable strategies for leaders and organizations to create more equitable workplaces and offers guidance to women of color on building supportive networks, seeking mentorship, and prioritizing self-care in their professional journeys.
To Establish Executive Presence, Women Leaders Need To Stop Playing Nice
Forbes | Devika Das
Learn how to escape the "niceness trap" in leadership and boost your executive presence. Discover five actionable strategies to redefine your leadership style, set boundaries, and cultivate self-awareness for a stronger presence in the workplace. Say goodbye to underperformance and hello to a more impactful leadership journey.
Why Pronouncing Names Correctly Is More Than Common Courtesy
NPR | Noor Wazwaz
Ruchika Tulshyan, the founder of Candour, an inclusion strategy firm, shares her journey of addressing the mispronunciation of her name and highlights the significance of pronouncing names correctly as an act of anti-racism and allyship. In this article, she encourages individuals to correct their own mispronunciations and those of others, emphasizing its role in supporting marginalized communities.
Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome
Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey
Many women grapple with feeling like outsiders at work due to systemic bias and exclusion, often diagnosed as "imposter syndrome." This diagnosis pathologized a common workplace feeling, neglecting the impact of systemic racism, classism, xenophobia, and other biases. To address imposter syndrome, the solution lies in creating inclusive environments that embrace diverse leadership styles and racial, ethnic, and gender identities as equally professional.
Does Your Definition of Leadership Exclude Women of Color?
Harvard Business Review | Marlette Jackson and Paria Rajai
Take your leadership skills to the next level by stepping out of traditional boundaries and embracing diversity. Learn how to expand your perception of leadership, recognize the value underrepresented groups bring to business, and take tactical steps for systemic change.
Women are drowning in unpaid labor at home. Stop making them do it at work
Fast Company | Minda Harts, Sarah Lacy, and Eve Rodsky
Unpaid labor at home is taking its toll on women, and now, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are adding to this burden by relying on unpaid work, primarily done by women and BIPOC. This article by Minda Harts, Sarah Lacy, and Eve Rodsky argues that companies must recognize and compensate individuals who drive ERGs, as these groups play a crucial role in fostering workplace inclusivity. While ERGs yield numerous benefits, from recruitment to retention, their value remains largely unpaid and unseen. Learn why it's time for corporate America to change this paradigm.
How to Be More Authentic at Work
Greater Good Magazine | Patricia Faison Hewlin
This article explores the pressure to conform, the consequences of suppressing authenticity, and the elements that drive conformity. Learn about the traits of authenticity, its relational aspect, personalized journey, and foundation in core values. Gain insights into how to become more authentic by evaluating your core values, defining negotiables and non-negotiables, and finding your threshold of authenticity. Embrace authenticity as a journey that contributes to a more diverse, innovative, and engaged workplace.
Why imposter syndrome hits women and women of colour harder
BBC | Sheryl Nance-Nash
How does pervasive issue of Impostor Syndrome and its disproportionate impact women, especially women of color, in the workplace? Understand how stereotypes, systemic biases, and a lack of representation contribute to these feelings of self-doubt. Learn from the experiences of individuals who have overcome Impostor Syndrome and find strategies to combat it, build confidence, and foster workplace diversity. Join the journey from fear to faith in your own abilities and contribute to a more inclusive work environment.
The checklist Black women and their office managers can use to find mentors who will advocate for them when it's time for promotions and salary raises
Insider | Marguerite Ward
In the wake of increased awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it's crucial for Black women to find mentors and sponsors who can advocate for them in the workplace, particularly when it comes to promotions and salary raises. This article highlights the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in addressing the barriers that often hinder Black employees, especially Black women, from advancing to senior-level positions. It provides actionable steps for both Black women seeking mentors/sponsors and leaders looking to be mentors/sponsors, emphasizing the need for awareness, relationship-building, networking, and self-confidence.
One invisible barrier holding back women at work: the conformity bind
TED | Michelle P. King
Explore the invisible barriers that hinder women's career progression and learn how conformity in the workplace can be a significant roadblock to success. Author Michelle P. King sheds light on the challenges women face, the importance of awareness, and how men can help break down these barriers.
The Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards
Stanford Social Innocation Review | Aysa Gray
Discover how white supremacy culture influences and defines workplace professionalism standards, impacting hiring, promotions, and overall work experiences. Learn about the origins of biased professionalism and ways to challenge and change these standards for a more inclusive workplace.
Women of Color Get Less Support at Work. Here’s How Managers Can Change That
Harvard Business Review | Zuhairah Washington and Laura Morgan Roberts
Women of color often possess confidence, ambition, determination, and desire, but they face unique obstacles at work that can hinder their advancement. Managers play a crucial role in supporting their progress. In this article, discover six actionable ways managers can provide effective support to black, Latina, and Asian women, including initiating social interactions, acknowledging their contributions, embracing candid feedback, addressing bias in hiring and promotions, and conducting insightful exit interviews.
How Women of Color Get to Senior Management
Harvard Business Review | Cindy Pace
Promoting women of color in leadership is crucial for organizations and the bottom line. Discover four key skills women of color can cultivate to advance their careers, along with steps organizations can take to foster diversity and inclusion in their leadership pipeline.
Women of Color Get Asked to Do More “Office Housework.” Here’s How They Can Say No.
Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan
Women of color often find themselves burdened with "office housework" tasks, perpetuating stereotypes and potentially harming their careers. This article explores strategies for women of color to decline these assignments without facing backlash. From prepared responses to sharing the workload, learn how to navigate these situations while advocating for yourself.
10 Rules of Success For Women of Color at Work
Ellevate | Solange Lopes, CPA, MSA
Being a woman of color in the corporate world comes with its unique challenges and rules for success. In an environment where representation is often lacking, it's crucial to navigate with confidence and authenticity. Read the 10 rules for success that women of color can apply today to thrive in the corporate world.
Viewpoint: How Women Can Master the Art of Executive Presence
SHRM | Arlene S. Hirsch, M.A., LCPC
Delve into the critical components of executive presence (EP) and its potential to empower women in leadership roles. Uncover valuable insights into gravitas, communication, and image management while charting your course toward professional excellence.
6 Ways Women Of Color Can Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Mater Mea | Janet Asante
Imposter syndrome can be a significant challenge for women of color in homogenous workplaces. This article explores six ways to overcome this phenomenon and boost self-confidence, addressing issues such as feeling overlooked, not being heard, and experiencing constant distrust. The strategies offered include speaking up in meetings, overestimating your abilities, volunteering for assignments outside your team, embracing your unique identity, and owning your accomplishments.
Responding When Your Expertise Is Challenged
Harvard Business Review | Deepa Purushothaman
In this video, Deepa Purushothaman, principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, discusses the importance of understanding how you're perceived when your expertise is challenged. She provides insights into effectively responding to such challenges and offers valuable advice on navigating professional situations where your knowledge is questioned.