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I remember when I got a job at my first big tech company. Walking into my office on the first day, I was full of enthusiasm and ideas. I would have worked directly with the CEO – great, right? But it didn’t take long to realize that the environment I had entered was very different from what I had anticipated.
First, I was the only minority woman in the boardroom, which made me feel like I had to accept the role I was given. Then, in a company led by a domineering CEO whose mantra was “execute, don’t process,” I often felt more like a parrot than a partner. I’ve gotten really good at capturing my boss’s voice. I knew exactly the stories he wanted to tell and how he wanted to articulate them. But the role didn’t belong to me and most of my ideas remained unspoken.
In my 20+ years of marketing leadership and management experience, I’ve learned to stand up for myself in rooms full of people who look nothing like me. For minority women entrepreneurs and executives who are still establishing themselves, here are three steps to owning your seat at the table rather than being content to simply be in the room.
Related: Don’t just sit at the table, turn it around. A reflection for women entrepreneurs.
1. Understand the landscape
Every workplace is like a little world, complete with secret codes and power players. If you take the time to observe and learn the lay of the land, you will find yourself moving much more easily.
Get social, ask lots of questions, and start building relationships with those around you. This is your chance to see where you fit. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do your skills complement those of others?
To truly own your seat at the table, it’s critical to grasp the immediate tasks at hand and the broader context in which your work fits. What are the trends in the sector? How competitive is the landscape? How does your individual role contribute to the organization’s long-term goals?
Remember, humility in the workplace means recognizing that there is always more to learn. It’s about being open to feedback, willing to admit when you don’t have all the answers, and being willing to grow from every experience.
Related: How I Earned My Seat at the Table
2. Do your homework
Imagine if someone new came into your company and said, “I’ve been in this business for 25 years. We’re going to do it my way or the highway.” Wouldn’t you be turned off?
So, take the time to research and understand your organization’s business model, history and culture. Studies show that cultures that put people first can lead to amazing results. According to Gallup, companies that prioritize culture see a 33% increase in revenue.
This means that understanding your company’s culture can make a huge difference in how your performance is evaluated. First and foremost, this knowledge will help you do your job better and will also allow you to make informed contributions during discussions. So, you are proving that you are more than just a participant, but an engaged and knowledgeable team member. I always tell my team that your product will be much better if you have done your due diligence rather than if you go into cold meetings. To be prepared.
3. Approach what you know with confidence
Michelle Obama once said, “Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your confidence and fortitude.” Obama had to endure some of her most unfair criticism as First Lady. She has been called “extraordinarily rude”, not “classy enough” and a “feminist nightmare” by people with half her talent. But did she let those words stop her? Of course not, because as she has proven time and time again, trust starts with you.
Owning your results and standing in your own space is key, but there is a magical balance between confidence and humility that makes interactions richer and more productive. Imagine walking into a room, head held high with the knowledge of your successes, but your heart is open, ready to listen, learn and grow. This balance isn’t just about being accessible; it is a powerful leadership style that promotes a culture of respect, collaboration and mutual support.
Anyone can be a good soldier. Anyone can participate in the way they think is best for their boss. But in my experience I had to ask myself: am I really growing? What part of me am I adding to this organization? My experience at the tech company was a stark example of the nuanced barriers that minority female executives and leaders face in the corporate world.
But I want to take this opportunity to change this narrative a little. Stereotypes exist, but the unfortunate reality is that they aren’t going away anytime soon. We must therefore protect our confidence as minority women by realizing that we are worthy and capable of overcoming these incorrect assumptions. If you are not credible, how can you expect anyone to evaluate your words? Understanding the value you bring and having the confidence to do so is critical.
Related: 3 Ways to Support Minority-Owned Businesses
Shaping your reality through mindset
Your mindset is more powerful than any list of stereotypes you can muster. It is the foundation upon which you build your reality, break down barriers, and redefine what is possible for yourself. To my fellow minority women leaders, you know what you’re talking about. You took the time to build those relationships. You have the experience. So, let’s leave stereotypes at the door.
The journey to knowing your accomplishments and asserting your presence is as much about inner work as it is outer actions. By committing to changing your mindset and dedicating yourself to thorough preparation, you will lay the stones on the path to building unshakable confidence, even amid the loudest objections of naysayers.