By There’s something to be said for staying in your own lane when making big moves. Many of us, as high achievers, have spent years just focusing on doing our own thing. It’s drilled into our heads that it’s the only way to get ahead.
Every rom-com featuring a high-powered industry leader opens with the same scene—a badass woman running the show, but she’s cold, strikes fear into the heart of every employee, treats her colleagues as competition, and (of course) she’s lonely.
Stories like these serve as cautionary tales, reinforcing the idea that a life of excellence is a life of isolation. But here’s the real truth—we don’t have to be alone.
In fact, that isn’t even how we’re meant to operate. As women, Black women, no less, community is an integral part of who we are. We thrive when we can connect with others and create a safe space to share our experiences, triumphs, lessons learned, and struggles.
It doesn’t have to be one or the other. You don’t have to sacrifice your individual achievements in order to lift up those around you—rather, having this powerful outlet and collaboration will only propel you to even greater heights.
Myths About High-Achieving Black Women
I know you know the tropes—we’re catty, domineering, ‘intimidate’ people who don’t support each other.
It’s all B.S. We are multifaceted and powerful, but we are also kind and generous with our time and resources. The media doesn’t do us any favors here (right back to the movie theme). Seriously, the writers need new material because I see the same four persistent myths play out over and over again.
We want to do it all.
Perhaps the most pervasive myth about us is that we don’t need anyone else. Sure, we are capable and competent, but who really wants to do it all alone?
Oh, we want help even if we sometimes don’t know how to ask for it. And admittedly, we probably need to get better at doing that.
We don’t like to help each other.
This myth could not be further from the truth. We love to offer support and advice and hold space for our sisters to reach their goals. When we come together, it’s less of a competition and more of a celebration—we know there is plenty of room at the top for everyone.
We gatekeep our success.
On the contrary, we know it’s important to talk openly and honestly about our salaries, bonuses, expenses, etc. It’s all about transparency and understanding our collective worth—there are no secrets here! We want to be able to discuss our successes and victories without fear of judgment. And let’s be honest, you can’t always discuss these things openly with the people in your life you love but who may not quite be operating on the level as you.
We’re catty.
You can file this right under the angry black woman nonsense. We want to share our triumphs and celebrate each other, not tear each other down. We’re here to build bridges rather than walls. We’re here for each other—to listen, to collaborate, and ultimately reach our goals with purpose and grace.
Let’s talk about the B-Word
Belonging is a crucial but overlooked aspect of happiness, in and out of the workplace. For those of you who remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs from Psychology 101, are physiological needs and safety, love and belonging are core human needs. We are social creatures who need a sense of connection to thrive.
Of course, when there’s money in the bank (and a savings account) and organic food on the table every day, it’s all too easy to dismiss any longing for more. This is particularly true if you come from a modest upbringing.
But don’t.
Wanting to feel like you belong isn’t silly, selfish, or indulgent—it’s human. And even you, superwoman, are human.
But the c-suite wasn’t made with Black women in mind, so it’s no surprise we feel a sense of isolation and loneliness on the climb to the top.
40% of people report feeling isolated at work.
40%!
How have we accepted this for so long?
And I’d wager anything that number extends across race, gender, sexuality, religion, and so on. We all crave belonging and that’s especially true for Black women in corporate America.
While there have been some workplace advancements in diversity and inclusion, Black women still face unique challenges. That’s why we need to create our own spaces where we can feel safe being vulnerable and honest about our experiences.
Up until now, there’s really only been one demographic with a sense of belonging in the boardroom. Let’s change that.
Our own club, our own table—one where we have an equal voice and can celebrate each other’s successes.
Sisterhood is Our Superpower
Collaboration, community, culture—these are the key to building that table.
Our commonalities bring us together, but we also contribute different experiences, strengths, and perspectives that are invaluable in problem-solving and progress.
It may seem like a stretch, sisterhood as a superpower, but think back to the suffragists or the women of NASA’s Hidden Figures. When we come together, the collective power of what we can do is immeasurable.
For your joy. For your career. For the world.
And it all begins with sisterhood—in our case, an executive sisterhood.
There is a powerful sisterhood of high-achieving women who understand the importance of community and belonging. This collective provides a space for connection, support, and celebration. And they’re waiting to welcome you with open arms.
By embracing sisterhood, we can take a step forward into a new era of success—one that is defined by safety, understanding, and mutual growth.
In the next blog, we’ll explore what that executive sisterhood looks like, what it means to be part of one, and how connection can elevate your career and personal brand.
What do you think?