IAM A BLACK CAREER WOMAN Meet Cara Owsley Director of Photography, Cincinnati, Ohio How do you make your coins? Thankfully, I have had a full-time job with the Cincinnati Enquirer for 16 years in December. Being in the news industry, like most, has its struggles, and to still be employed doing what I love is […]
Whether it’s the colleague who takes all credit or the boss who cannot stop bombarding you with calls during weekends – all of us have co-workers, subordinates, and managers whose habits can get rather annoying. Well, nobody is perfect and just like your co-workers, even you are bound to have some habits that might be […]
I’ve never liked the saying, “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.” While I understand what the speaker is attempting to communicate, this pessimistic notion can feel demoralizing. What’s the point in having access to my dessert but not being able to enjoy it? What’s worse, I believe many black women have subconsciously […]
Mentoring is supposed to be a positive experience between two individuals – mentor and mentee. Many of the organizations we work in have the best of intentions with their mentoring programs and activities. And we, as employees, are excited to know that there are leaders in our organizations which we can learn from. But sometimes the […]
After coming out of the 2020 pandemic, one of the things that have been on many minds is a career change. Whether your job was temporarily on hold, eliminated, or you were fortunate to keep your job, shifting to a different career has been on the rise. So, what must one do to transition to […]
I finally did it! After an hour of apprehension, I clicked the “Going” button to a networking event invite. Ok, I got that part over with. I would spend the next week preparing my mind and my nerves to endure 90 minutes of small talk, being bombarded with business cards, and wondering how and if […]
Everybody has their sources of inspiration at the times of personal crisis and discouragement: consulting with family or close friends, reading favorite blogs and watching favorite TV shows, reminding oneself of inspirational quotes, listening to some relaxing music or stress-eating. I personally found my latest source of inspiration in the memoir Becoming by the former […]
Have you wondered why you have such great experience but can never seem to get an interview? I have news sis: it may be your résumé! Let’s review a few common mistakes that you could be making when applying for career opportunities and why they are detrimental to you, followed by tangible actions that you […]
It is one thing to come to work and complete your daily tasks. It is another to show up and win at work. There are plenty of ways to be a great employee, such as showing up on time and producing great results but winning is so much more. Winning sets future leaders up for […]
Work can be a blessing. It not only brings in income, but it can also provide you with self-esteem, friendship and a sense of professional identity. Many of us are highly committed to our work, but at times, we may experience job-related stress. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, workplace stress […]
A colleague of mine, at least once a week says to me “Breathe Woman!” She means this in both the literal and figurative senses. On any given day something happens in either my personal or professional life that makes me… hold my breath. Holding your breath is holding you back! In the literal sense, I […]
Branding is a term that’s commonly used in marketing by organizations. We could learn a lot from organizations. They take extensive measures to determine their brand and protect their image. It’s because they understand the value of branding. Think about it this way, just like people buy based on brands, employers hire based on brands. Implementing […]
As a millennial professional, I think it was and still remains refreshing to gain wisdom from executives who have acquired desirable lifestyles and shared their professional experiences. I am still grateful that I attended the second annual Black Career Women Network (BCWN) Conference that was held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio, which […]
After completing my PhD, I was eager to start my career. I spent years studying theories, completing internships, buried in books and homework, and making a less than modest salary. I was 29 years old and just starting my first BIG girl BOSS job. Prior to embarking on a career, thoughts of imposter syndrome rain […]
Research over the last two years has pointed to the paradox in the careers of Black women. Our burning ambition is smoldering in our hearts but not realized because of factors both in and out of our control. As an award-winning Organizational Psychologist, I know first- hand the grafting and the skill set needed to move on […]
There is probably no situation in the life of an employee that’s more awkward and stressful than asking the boss for a raise. If you’ve never done it before, you might be afraid to ask for one, simply because you absolutely have no idea how to approach the situation. Having cold feet might lead to […]
Whether you’ve been let go, you’ve just graduated, or you’re looking for something new, searching for a job today can lead to depression. While a few decades ago it was a simple process to find a new job, and there were plenty of high-level jobs for people with skills, experience, or degrees, now there is […]
Black women in the United States who work full-time, year-round are typically paid just 63 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. Women of color face unique challenges when negotiating, via their white female counterparts. July 31, 2017, is known as #EqualPayDay for black women because that’s how long it takes for them […]
Like many Black women I know, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had some amazing Black women as mentors and colleagues. We’ve supported each other, shared our knowledge, and championed each other when other folks didn’t want to see us succeed. But, recently I was speaking with a new friend and the topic turned to […]
A mid-career professional recently shared a passionate story with me about her employer not valuing her professional worth. Intrigued, I asked for details, and she indulged me with stories related to how she works long hours to exceed objectives. However, no one ever rewards her with a thank you, promotion, or raise. Instead of receiving […]
As we embark on a new, provocative season of ABC’s most notorious prime time dramas written by the illustrious Shonda Rhimes, I can’t help but think about how much Olivia Pope is more than just a fictional character I see every Thursday night. For those who haven’t succumbed to the #TGIT , Olivia Pope is […]
#1 LACK OF SUCCESS There seems to be this unspoken rule that many of us have instilled within us that relates to what constitutes failure. The fear of failure can be crippling and some people even see taking risks as reckless. Not getting things done exactly how you envisaged or set out to apparently means […]
Many of us have heard others or ourselves say these dreadful words that no manager or supervisor wants to hear “That’s not a part of my job”. Before you get up in arms, starts a strike and call the union let me share with you why that statement should no longer be a part of […]
Working in our society can be challenging. Over the years, the workplace landscape has changed. More and more women are working and flourishing into roles that were invisibly labeled “men only”. However, working while a black woman has many more hurdles than anyone in the job market. A variety of topics from how we wear […]
If you’re used to nibbling on your lunch in between keyboard strokes or having the luxury of preparing home cooked meals while in your pajamas, you may have forgotten the rules of dining etiquette. But you’ll need etiquette reminders if you receive that sparkly invitation to a holiday party this year. Don’t worry: we have […]
“It takes a village.” When it comes to your career, this is definitely true. Savvy professionals know that being successful in any job or position involves having many individuals focused on their success, helping them achieve their career goals along the way. They know that no one builds a successful career alone. Such professionals also […]
People are judging you everyday. They are using the information at their disposal to determine if they want to hire, promote, or book you as a speaker for an upcoming event. Don’t miss out on a chance to influence how people perceive you. People will begin to see you as a thought leader in your […]
Microaggressions can be defined as “the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership (Wing Sue, 2010).” These subtle snubs can creep up in the work environment in the most unlikely places. In […]
Fear is one of the major self-imposed obstacles women, in particular, place on themselves that can forever block their growth and prevent their career from moving forward and upward. I know, I have been there and done that! The truth about FEAR – is that it is False Expectations Appearing Real. Ok, on the real, […]
Being an advocate for your own career can be empowering and increase your confidence. There will be times when you need to speak up at work. When this happens you must use good judgment. Although, speaking up can make some people feel uncomfortable, leaving things unaddressed can unravel into bigger problems. Here are 6 situations […]