HLK’s Post

"Black women leaders must bend but not break." This is a statement made during my interviews with prominent Black women leaders. For some, this line may trigger discomfort, as the notion of compromise can be unsettling. However, for seasoned Black women in leadership roles, navigating the intricate labyrinth of authority—with its traps, pitfalls, valleys, and mountains—often requires them to be all things to all people. They have learned the art of adaptation for the greater good. "Bending but not breaking" is not about compromising one's values; rather, it signifies flexibility, the wisdom to choose battles wisely, and the understanding that building and maintaining relationships is crucial for long-term success and longevity in leadership roles. To upcoming Black women leaders, the phrase "bend but not break" may not resonate verbatim, but consider what it means to you: the ability to remain resilient while upholding your integrity, navigating challenges with grace, and fostering connections that empower and elevate your leadership journey.

This was a fantastic session and perfect for the year's start as we are all in the goal setting mindset about career and life. Be intentional about what you want to achieve and how you are going to achieve it. Thank you Lenetra. I can't wait to read the other gems in your book. Unwritten Insights: A Career Playbook for leaders of Color

The Rise of Black Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship" In an ever-evolving business landscape, the rise of black women to leadership positions is not just inspiring—it's transformative. Their journey, against odds stacked high, embodies resilience, innovation, and strength, paving the way for a future rich in diversity and empowerment. Their success is more than personal achievement; it's a beacon for change, inclusivity, and equity in the corporate world and entrepreneurship. It underscores the importance of support and coaching tailored to black women's unique business challenges. This movement towards a more inclusive future in leadership and business is a testament to our collective progress. You're not alone for those ready to lead and make an impact. Visit www.drrobmcneill.com for support on your journey to unlock your full potential and elevate your leadership. Together, let's rise and soar to new heights.

It was so fun to do a Q&A with Women in Retail Leadership Circle and to talk a bit about career and experiences. We talked about leadership values, confidence and creating boundaries. Sometimes, as women it can be a big challenge to maintain a work/life balance and we can sometimes struggle with the confidence to feel like we belong in the room. I'm always looking for new tips and would love to poll my connections: -What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance? -What advice would all of you give to the next generation of female leaders? Such a great organization to get to be a part of. Women supporting and teaching each other. https://lnkd.in/gzHF5WQs

In today's #AudioArticle: the increase in female leaders in retail indicates an evolution toward a more inclusive, resilient, and adaptable sector. Don't miss Anabell Trejo, CEO and Co-Founder of Getin , in "Beyond Representation: Reflecting on Female Leadership in Retail." Out now! #MexicoBusinessNow #MexicoBusiness #MexicoEntrepreneurs

Sometimes I take working at Chief for granted. A company that exists to bring the most inimitable women executives together in community to raise their leadership game even higher AND walks the walk by modeling its mission internally? That's normal, right? It's not. Leadership is growing more complex and challenging by the day and, at the same time, we're seeing more companies retreat from policies that helped underrepresented groups — including women — advance in the workplace. That's why Chief is so special and our mission to maximize the leadership impact of women executives is so important. Today we announced a big step toward our mission by introducing a *new* Chief with customized membership packages, more community events, and a Concierge team that's dedicated to connecting members with the resources that matter most to their leadership journey. Our new membership is for executives who want to create change, not just navigate it. Learn more at http://chief.com/.

In recognition of Black History Month, Odgers Berndtson US invites you to join us tomorrow for an in-depth panel discussion with three exceptional corporate leaders on the “Importance of Innovative Leadership” in today’s business environment. Moderated by Conrad Woody, the conversation will center on the cultural nuances and best practices for navigating the work environment as Black executives in 2024 and beyond including: 1. How to effectively build strategic relationship capital inside and outside your organization, and insights on corporate governance. 2. Advice for women and Black executives on navigating career and leadership development. 3. How to compete for your first board & insights on Corporate Governance. 4. Live Q&A. We're pleased to feature, Nelda J. Connors, Founder & CEO of Pine Grove Holdings, LLC, Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, and Denise Gray, CEO of DKTN Consulting for this timely discussion. Register to join us, and share this post with your network! Date: February 28th, 2024 Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET Webinar Registration: https://lnkd.in/evYB7k8p #blackhistorymonth #executiveleadership #innovativeleadership #ceo #dei #executivesearch

Deeply honored to be named as a Diversity Impact 50 honoree by Career Mastered Magazine, following my previous recognition as the 2023 Top Entrepreneurial Woman to Watch. Gratitude fills my heart as I join an elite group of women leaders committed to diversity, inclusion, and resilience. Looking forward to celebrating at the National Women’s History Leadership Summit in May! 🌟 #DiversityImpact50 #Resilience #Gratitude"

White Women: If you support Black women in leadership, allies are also welcome to register. If we (white women) want to be part of meaningful change, white women must choose womanhood over whiteness. This requires us (white women) to unlearn what we have been taught about about racial injustice, discrimination, and white supremacy in this country. We must be willing to relearn what it will take to dismantle white supremacy. White women have been part of white supremacy in America since the very beginning, experts point out, dating back to their role in slavery. “They were at the table when the system was designed,” Stephanie Jones-Rogers, a history professor at UC Berkeley and author of the book They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South, told Vox. “They were co-architects of the system.” It’s hard for a lot of white women to read that last paragraph and embrace this reality. White women historically have leveraged their white power and privilege to gain advantage over women of color; leveraging their whiteness was an intentional strategy when one is operating within a predominantly white male patriarchy. Whiteness over womanhood is easy math. Having privilege doesn’t make white women bad people, and acknowledging privilege shouldn’t be a burden. Acknowledging privilege is an opportunity to learn, grow, and be better, so we can create a just, equitable, and inclusive world. Benefiting from privilege doesn’t make you a bad person, but it does require you to use your privilege to interrupt, challenge, and ultimately end white supremacy. We can’t dismantle what we cannot see. We have to be intentional by practicing seeing how racism is baked into systems and how those systems shape and influence the lives of people and communities. We need to put Black women’s voices at the center of our ongoing journey to reeducation in this country. Need some inspiration? Start by exploring these voices: Anna Julia Cooper, Ntozake Shante, Maria W. Stewart, Joan Morgan, Angela Y. Davis, Tressie McMillan Cotton, Mia Birdsong, Claudia Jones, Mikki Kendall, Paula Giddings, Marita Bonner, Nora Neale Hurston, Lorraine Hansberry, and Rev. Pauli Murray. This is not an exhaustive list, but a great start. This list was provided by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz, authors of DO THE WORK, An Antiracist Activity Book. https://a.co/d/aq6A6BZ Here is Amazon link for the book, $13.99, small investment with a big payoff.

Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Security: A Catalyst for Change 🌟 In a world where security leadership is more crucial than ever, women leaders are making a profound impact. With a mix of decisive action, strategic insight, and empathy, they’re shaping the future of security. These trailblazers navigate challenges gracefully, drive innovation, and champion inclusivity. It’s essential we support more women rising to these key roles. Their unique insights are vital for tackling today’s complex security issues. Let’s celebrate and encourage the next generation of female leaders. Their role is key for a safer, more secure world. 🚀