Black Female Professionals Give Strategy To Climb Corporate Ladder At Women In Power Summit
Women of Power Summit 2022 was a conference organized for executive women of color.
With 2022’s theme being “Ladder Up: The Right Strategies to Get You to the Next Level”, four Black female professionals in business gathered together for a panel to equip others with a wealth of wisdom and inspiration on how to climb the corporate ladder effectively and successfully.
The empowering discussion was facilitated and guided by the Founder & CEO of Crawford Leadership Strategies and author of Show Your Ask, Joyel Crawford.
Panelists included Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer,
UnitedHealth Group, Joy Fitzgerald, CEO and President at FedEx Custom Critical, Ramona Hood, and President at Simmons University, Lynn Perry Wooten, Ph.D.
While these women are all powerhouses in business, they explain that hard work is not enough to get one to the top. They provided an effective strategy when seeking promotion in one industry.
As well as providing strategy, these mighty women debunked myths about Black women’s promotion in the corporate world as well as resisting the urge to conform to their environment.
Fitzgerald explained the potential obstacles workers should consider when working to obtain higher pay and position.
“To get promoted and advanced it might mean that you have to raise your hand and take the job that no one wants,” Fitzgerald said. “And when you take it, slay it.”
She also reminded the room about the importance of cooperation and teamwork rather than taking the full load solo.
“WE CAN ONLY ACCOMPLISH LONELINESS FROM WORKING BY OURSELVES,” FITZGERALD SAID. “BUILD A TEAM THAT MAKES YOU BETTER.”
The corporate leaders also exposed the myths that are assumed in a Black woman’s journey to succeed in corporate America including why “performance is not enough,” and how “distancing yourself from other Black people is not the key to success.”
Fitzgerald gave a preview of her upcoming book while informing the guests on why finding your “authentic rhythm” is critical.
“I had to figure out my authentic rhythm,” she said. “Your authentic rhythm is power. You can’t be scared of it.”
