Navigating Performance Conversations as a Black Woman

A lot of Black women have been taught to lead with an apology in professional spaces. To seem less “intimidating.” To be more “palatable.” But let’s be clear: you don’t have to dim your light just to make others feel comfortable. Being direct isn’t rude. Being confident isn’t aggressive. You’re not doing too much, you’re doing what’s necessary. Let’s change the language: ❌ “I’m sorry, I know you’re busy but…” ✅ “When you get a moment, I’d like to discuss [topic].” ❌ “I hate to be a pain, but…” ✅ “Circling back to make sure this stays on track.” ❌ “Just wondering if you had any thoughts on…” ✅ “Do you have feedback on [specific item]?” ❌ “I hope this makes sense…” ✅ “Let me know if you need anything clarified.” ❌ “I don’t mean to overstep, but…” ✅ “Here’s a suggestion I believe could add value.” You’re allowed to speak up without softening every sentence. You deserve to take up space without over-explaining why you’re in the room.

This is my story. It's also the story of countless Black professionals in corporate America. For eight long months, I experienced textbook workplace discrimination: •Negative feedback without opportunities for improvement •Colleagues inappropriately copied on communications •Sexist remarks, ignored emails, meetings denied •Passive-aggressive behavior at every turn The twist? My performance was strong by all objective measures. The impact was brutal: •Physical exhaustion/ailments •Emotional drain •Constant anxiety •Sleepless nights •Weight loss •Hair loss •Nearly losing myself I operated from a place of fear, unsure of my every move. But then, I took action. I found my power. Here's what I did: •Documented effectively •Reached out to the president of the company •Asked for what I wanted and needed - immediate resolution The result? Within one week of sending my email, I got the resolution I sought and an apology. My organization understood the situation and took immediate steps to intervene. I didn't just survive - I thrived: •Stayed with the organization •Took on additional leadership roles •Became an advocate and zealot for change (No, I didn't keep my mouth closed or my head down!) Here's what I want you to know: •You are not alone. •You have power. •You can navigate this from a position of strength. The hard part isn't getting the job – it's navigating the unique challenges faced by professionals of color. Your action plan: •Document effectively (it's a skill) •Build a strong support network and use it •Know your rights and company policies •Ask for help (it's a strength, not a weakness) •Address issues clearly, firmly, and factually •Don't be afraid to escalate when necessary My mission ? To equip Black and Brown professionals with the strategies, tools, and how-to's to thrive in corporate environments. To stop careers from being derailed. To change our collective experience. It's why I founded the Corporate Alley Cat. It's why I continue to share my story. It's time to shift from survival to success. Together, we'll create workplaces where everyone can excel, regardless of race or background. Follow me for real-world strategies and solutions for navigating the corporate environment. Please repost to let others know they're not alone. Your share could be the lifeline someone desperately needs today. Need help navigating your corporate environment and/or accelerating your career? Send me a message. #Corporatealleycat #Careerstrategy #Blackprofessionals

To every Black woman navigating their career without a blueprint—here are some unspoken rules you NEED to know 👇🏾 1️⃣ Feedback ≠ facts. Sometimes people are just projecting their own fears or biases. Learn to trust your gut. If feedback feels off, ask clarifying questions—and don’t be afraid to challenge it. 2️⃣ If you didn’t feel safe challenging authority growing up, it might still be showing up. You may find it hard to question your manager or advocate for your needs. That’s not a personality flaw—that’s conditioning we can unlearn. 3️⃣ Stop putting senior leaders on imaginary pedestals. They’re just people. Treat everyone like your equal and watch your confidence—and your influence—grow. 4️⃣ Let go of the fear of being seen as the Angry Black Woman. If someone sees you that way for simply asserting yourself, the bias was already there. That’s not your burden to carry. 5️⃣ Mutual respect is non-negotiable. Stop tolerating disrespect just to keep the peace. Your boundaries deserve to be honored. _________________ As a Coach who works with Black women in Corporate & Tech, I created the Bold Moves Career Accelerator because too many of us are out here trying to figure it out alone. In this 3-month leadership program, you’ll learn how to: ✔️ Advocate for yourself with confidence ✔️ Strengthen your business acumen and influence in your organization. ✔️ Create a personalized career roadmap that aligns your goals with growth opportunities—so you’re no longer waiting for permission to level up. 📌 Ready to win at work and step into your power as an influential leader? Schedule a coaching consultation today: https://lnkd.in/ezDiq9Cf

Invisibility and hypervisibility in the workplace is a reality for many Black women. How many times have you done the hard work, but someone else is presenting your ideas? And yet, we’re often taught to downplay our own contributions. We say, “It was a team effort.” Then when it’s time for promotions, they tell you ❌ You need more visibility. ❌ More development. ❌ More leadership presence. This is the paradox of visibility as a Black woman, you’re expected to blend in and stand out, but only when it suits others. Often overlooked yet always under scrutiny, it's ► Having your ideas taken without recognition. ► Navigating stereotypes while trying to stay true to yourself. ► Being ignored in meetings, then asked why you didn’t contribute. ► Being praised for resilience, yet left unsupported when you need it most. It’s draining, frustrating, and exhausting. And absolutely, these things are a must → speaking up, being more confident, and taking up space They are part of the solution. However, it’s only half of the story. The other half? It’s about knowing who you are, recognising your worth, and standing firm in your values. It’s about owning your power and not waiting for permission. So, what can you do to thrive in spaces that weren't built for you? 🤎 Know yourself. Don’t let anyone dictate your story or define who you are. 🤎 Connect with people who are committed to understanding and uplifting you. 🤎 Use your voice strategically, make your ideas known and your presence felt. 🤎 Keep a detailed record of your achievements and remind yourself →You are the sh*t! When you do both, speak up and stand confidently in who you are You're unstoppable! Because let's be real, you are visible. They see you, they just don’t always want to acknowledge it. How are you navigating the balance of being seen and unseen at work? Let’s talk. Nic✌🏾❤️ P.S. I have 1 more 1:1 spots left for February so if you're an ambitious introverted Black woman and this post spoke directly to you 💌DM 'READY' and I’ll reach out. -------- Hi I'm Nicola, Career Confidence and Leadership Coach who helps amazing ambitious introverted Black women become confident badass managers, gaining the skills and confidence to upgrade their career⚡️