Black Entrepreneurship Insights

"Black women aren't just doing their jobs. They're performing an exhausting one-woman show where the script changes daily." Let me break down what Black women navigate in professional spaces: We don't just choose our words. We filter them through a racial-gender matrix. We don't just speak. We modulate our tone to avoid the "angry" label. We don't just gesture. We control our hand movements to appear "non-threatening." We don't just dress. We calculate every outfit to seem "professional enough." We don't just style our hair. We make political decisions with each hairstyle. This isn't paranoia—it's strategic survival: When we speak directly, we're "aggressive" When we show emotion, we're "unprofessional" When we assert boundaries, we're "difficult" When we seek recognition, we're "entitled" When we express frustration, we're "hostile" The mental load is crushing: • Constantly scanning environments for potential hostility • Preparing responses to microaggressions before they happen • Developing thick skin while remaining "approachable" • Achieving twice as much while appearing humble • Advocating for ourselves without triggering stereotypes Research shows this hypervigilance takes a measurable toll: Black women experience higher rates of stress-related health conditions Black women report the highest levels of "bringing their full selves" to work Black women face the most severe career penalties for authentic self-expression Black women spend more mental energy on workplace navigation than any other group For those working alongside Black women, here are research-backed ways to help: 1. Amplify Black women's ideas and give proper credit 2. Interrupt when you witness tone-policing or stereotyping 3. Question double standards in evaluation and feedback 4. Create space for authentic expression without penalties 5. Recognise the invisible labour Black women perform daily 📢 When they expect us to carry the world, we choose rest 📢 The Black Woman's Rest Revolution offers: ✨ Black women therapists who understand workplace navigation ✨ Bi-weekly healing circles for processing code-switching fatigue ✨ Expert guidance through professional double standards ✨ Global sisterhood that honors our authentic selves Limited spots available Join our revolution: [Link in comments] ⚠️ Check your spam folder for confirmation Because we deserve workplaces where our expertise matters more than our tone. Because our brilliance shouldn't require constant repackaging. Because our professional value shouldn't depend on our likability. #BlackWomenAtWork #WorkplaceNavigation #ProfessionalAuthenticity #RestIsRevolution P.S. I help Black women heal from workplace abuse & racial trauma through revolutionary rest. 📸 Collaboration between Sarah_akinterwa & leaningorg on IG

“You’re being so bossy.” I can’t tell you the amount of times my partners, many of whom were men, would tell me this after a meeting or presentation. Yet, I’d take the feedback to heart. I’d shrink myself down and quiet my voice. I bet you can guess what they said next. “You’re too … nice.” Sadly, this double standard hasn’t improved much since my days waffling between being labeled a “dragon lady” or a pushover. In my coaching practice, my clients who are women of color bring this issue up constantly. It’s a fine balancing point. Here’s my advice, for both women and men: 📣 Couple assertive body language with collaborative language. My favorite combo is the Power Pose (think Wonder Woman) while speaking clearly, and succinctly in an open, inviting way. 📣 Drop qualifiers (“maybe,” “probably,” “I think”) and permission-seeking (“excuse me,” “sorry,” “may I”) when stating a point of view or making a request. 📣 Add framing statements to prepare people for assertiveness. Here’s an example: “I’m going to express my views very directly because it’s important for me to be clear where I stand.” Ready to dig deeper into these topics? Join my email newsletter for more leadership insights. https://lnkd.in/ePKX2VC8 

73% of high-achieving women say they feel like they're carrying the weight of representation alone. I know that weight. You know that weight. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝑰'𝒎 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕. Last month, I watched a brilliant executive: PhD, 15 years of experience, flawless track record, apologize for existing in a boardroom. Again. She'd been code-switching so long, she forgot her own voice had power. Here's what I've learned about redefining success after working with 200+ high-achieving Black women: • Success isn't solo. The biggest lie? That you have to climb alone. Real power multiplies when we lift together. • Your authenticity isn't negotiable. Stop paying the authenticity tax. Your real voice is your competitive advantage. • Perfection is prison. They need you imperfect and confident, not flawless and exhausted. • Boundaries create respect. The moment you stop shrinking, you start commanding. • Your success validates theirs. Every room you own makes space for the next woman. The client I mentioned? She stopped apologizing. Started commanding. Doubled her team size in 6 months. Because confidence converts. I'm starting a cohort of high-achieving women who are done shrinking to fit and want to shut down imposter syndrome and turn confidence into cash. No fluff. All fire. What would change in your career if you stopped carrying the weight of representation and started sharing the power of presence? P.S. The woman who apologizes for taking up space never gets to own the room. Stop shrinking. Start commanding.

Ever walked off stage (or a Zoom) and thought… “That could have landed better”? You’re not alone. I see so many brilliant women, especially Black female entrepreneurs with incredible stories hold themselves back because of these 3 common mistakes: Mistake 1: Telling Your Story Without Strategy Your story is powerful. But without direction? It’s just noise. • Fix it: Make your audience the hero, tie your story to transformation, and always end with a next step. Mistake 2: Trying to Sound “Perfect” Chasing polish can kill connection. Realness is what moves people. • Fix it: Speak like you’re having a conversation, share both the wins and the failures, let your personality do the talking. Mistake 3: Showing Up Alone Doing everything yourself is exhausting and unnecessary. • Fix it: Get support (tech, slides, copy), practice with feedback, and surround yourself with a speaker circle that truly has your back. You already have the story. You already have the voice. You already have the opportunity. But without intention, that big moment could fall flat. This is why I work with women to make their voices not just heard… but profitable. If you know your voice deserves more, let’s connect. I’ll help you map your message to your next level.

Wear your hair straight for the interview, then once you have the job you can wear your hair however you want. That was the advice my father gave me as a recent graduate searching for my first “real” job. I know at the time my father was trying to protect me and was giving me the best advice he could. But while well meaning this seemingly helpful advice reveals a deeper, systemic issue: hair discrimination in the workplace. This subtle yet powerful form of raci$m, forces Black women to contort their authentic selves to fit into a mold of acceptability defined by Eurocentric standards. We negotiate these unspoken norms every day, shaping and reshaping our identities, constantly deciding how much of our true selves we are willing to share with the world. But should we? 🤔 The answer is complex because it is tied to survival, acceptance, and success in spaces that often do not celebrate or understand the diversity of Black beauty. But still, I believe you should embrace your authenticity. Not only because it is a radical act of self-love and resistance, but because by doing so, you expand the narrow definitions of what is considered professional. 👑As Black women, our hair is a crown - a versatile testament to our heritage, our resilience, our creativity, and our pride. Our braids, our locs, our curls, and our coils are not just styles - they’re powerful declarations of our individuality and cultural identity. 💁🏾♀️ But please note, showing up in the workplace as your authentic self is free but it ain’t cheap. It may ❌draw attention, ❌incite microaggressions, ❌or even impact career progression. But remember - by standing tall in our truth, we inspire change. We challenge outdated norms. We create space for those who will come after us. We need to continue to use our voices, our stories, and our influence to change perceptions and dismantle biases. So Sis, walk into that interview with your head held high, your skills in focus, and your natural hair undeniably beautiful. The only thing shrinking should be your curls. IYKYK Most importantly, remember beloved : your hair is not a hindrance, it’s a heritage. ✊🏾 Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. #liftingasweclimb2024 #hireblack #authenticity 👋🏾Hi, I’m Faith my fav hairstyle was my locs. I’m SO tempted to grow them back but the way my patience is set up..🥴 I’m also a Healthcare DEI Visionary and founder of the Lifting as We Climb Black Women in Healthcare Leadership Symposium 2024 I’d love to stay in touch! Here’s how : 💖Follow me here on LinkedIn! #️⃣Follow my hashtag #liftingasweclimb2024. ⚡️Click the link in my profile to get more information on the conference. 🔔 Ring the bell on my profile so you never miss a post. ✨Like, comment, and share this post if it resonates with you!

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.

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⚡️

As a Black woman who leans toward introversion and protectiveness (for very good reason) in corporate America, I’ve often been labeled standoffish, cold, or curt, usually by ⚪ colleagues. The real offense? I declined after-work invitations, insisted on being called by my full name (it’s Jessica, not Jess or whatever nickname they felt entitled to use), and didn’t offer unlimited access to my space, time, or energy. Let’s be clear: that is not the same as being rude or disrespectful. I engage in friendly small talk, but I am intentional about what I share and with whom. Protecting myself includes drawing clear lines around my personal boundaries, especially in spaces where Black professionals are already under a microscope. I’ve experienced the consequences of this. One former manager even had the audacity to include in my review that I “needed to socialize more with coworkers” because I wouldn’t attend after-hours work events. When I pushed back, I was accused of having an attitude. Typical. Here’s my advice: keep your boundaries. You’re not there to make friends; you’re there to do excellent work. Be professional. Be present. Be undeniable. They may not like that you won’t perform for their comfort, but guess what? You don’t have to. If you deliver (and keep your receipts), there’s nothing they can do. Let them learn the hard truth: Black women do not exist to entertain or play the “homegirl” role. Too often, we’re overqualified and yet working alongside peers hired for their potential rather than proven experience. Don’t fall into the trap of being the entertainment. Stay focused, stay excellent, and let your work speak louder than any expectation to perform for their comfort. Y'all be easy. Side Note: Also, stop letting folks hit you with “hey girl,” “yass girl,” “hey girlfriend,” “give me a high five,” or any version of fake familiarity. You are not their buddy, sidekick, or entertainment. If you’re not friends, don’t let them pretend you are. Boundaries. Full stop.

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

Internal PR: The Corporate Girlie's Survival Guide ------------------------ As women—especially Black women—in corporate spaces, we often assume our hard work will speak for itself. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t always work that way. A senior colleague once told me, "Tobi, we might be selling the value of the company, but we need to sell ourselves too. Internal PR is key—make sure management knows what you’re contributing." What does Internal PR mean? It’s about advocating for yourself with intention. Being competent isn’t enough—you need to make your competence visible. It’s about owning your narrative and communicating your value with confidence, not arrogance. Actionable Steps to Implement Internal PR: Document Your Wins: Track your accomplishments—both big and small. Use data, metrics, or examples to highlight your impact. These details are invaluable during performance reviews, team meetings, or conversations with leadership. Speak Up in Meetings: Don’t wait for someone else to voice your ideas. Your perspective matters. Even if you’re nervous, trust that what you bring to the table adds value. Build Strategic Relationships: Identify key decision-makers in your organization. Cultivate relationships through check-ins, updates, or even casual conversations. Make sure they’re aware of your contributions. Ask for Feedback—and Act on It: Seek constructive feedback from trusted colleagues or leaders. Use their insights to refine how you present yourself and your work. Advocate for Yourself: Be clear about your career goals and share them with your manager or leadership team. ----- Internal PR is about balancing humility with visibility, building authentic relationships, and staying true to your values while owning your success. Let’s stop playing small and take up the space we deserve. #CareerGrowth #Leadership #InternalPR #WomenInBusiness #VisibilityMatters