Black History Month: Authenticity in Diversity
As I think about this year’s Black History Month theme, Resistance, I reflect on the early days of my career as a young black woman in a predominantly and historically white male industry. I think about the journey to discovering my authentic voice that now allows me to add to our culture and bring unique value to our business. But it wasn’t always this way.
I recently chatted with Tawanna Streater, host of DIY DEI on Chicago Access Network TV. In our conversation we discussed The Authenticity of Diversity. This discussion highlighted the importance of being your authentic self in a work environment and the active resistance to a culture of assimilation that does not leverage the value of diversity.
What does it mean to show up and lead as your authentic self?
One thing that stands out about my journey is my mom’s reaction to my career. She was elated and excited that her daughter was working at a big bank, which is an opportunity that was not afforded to her. She would constantly send me messages – both overt and subtle – such as, “keep your head down, do a good job and make sure you keep that good job.” As a good daughter I listened to my mom, kept my head down, did my job and did it well. As I was “keeping my head down” I saw the careers of my white male counterparts accelerate and I started to question why. Did I have to assimilate to enjoy a similar level of success? Was doing my job well not good enough?
As I matured as a person and in my career, I realized the power in showing up as my authentic self and being comfortable with who I am and my lived experience as a black woman from the west side of Chicago. There is true power and value in bringing my full self to the corporate spaces I occupy and within systems we all exist. If we are to create more equitable and inclusive spaces, we must be reminded that corporations, institutions and systems don’t change themselves, the people within them do. As I work to bring about change in the organizations I work for, I think about mentoring others and encouraging them to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
How do you encourage others to show up and lead authentically?
Early in my career, I remember seeing a black woman who styled her hair in a way that was quietly unacceptable in a bank. I had never seen a woman who looked like me take that bold step. She is forever etched in my memory, and I recall feeling more empowered to do the same. She gave me permission to bring more parts of my authentic self to the workplace. She didn’t know it, but she was one of my mentors and I hope to do the same for others.
As I think about mentorship and supporting the next generation of leaders, I have a few tips to help others along their journey of discovering their authentic selves in the workplace.
- Understand your values. Aligning yourself with an organization that has similar values to you that will create a pathway to show up more authentically. People do their best work when they feel supported, comfortable and empowered. It is advantageous to companies to create an inclusive environment that is welcoming to diversity, which gives permission for people to be themselves and contribute their best work to the organization.
- Bring authenticity in a way that is appropriate for the environment. My authenticity is nuanced with friends, family and coworkers. I always evaluate what parts of my skills, talents, experiences, culture, etc. are needed to create the best outcomes for all.
- Stay on the journey. The pathway to discovering your authentic self is not linear nor is it a one-time event. We all evolve and change as we gain experience and confidence, which informs our unique journey.
Being your authentic self and resisting the messages to assimilate is indeed an act of resistance and change that shifts the status quo, giving others permission to explore their journey to authenticity. I hope you take some time to think about how you can bring more of your authentic self to the spaces you occupy – at work and in your community – and be a catalyst for change. I encourage you to watch the full two-part conversation as Tawanna and I talk about navigating authenticity in the workplace as black women.
