Why Is the Corporate Ladder Still So Steep for Black Women?
04/18/24 • 50 min
Karen & Brittany's candid conversation sheds light on the systemic obstacles Black women leaders face climbing the corporate ladder back by disturbing findings from the McKinsey and LeanIn 2022 report. Learn how Black women, ambitious and poised for executive roles, are still being underestimated and labeled, their judgment second-guessed, and resilience tested in today's professional environments.
Dive into the nuances of identity politics, its role in shaping opportunities, and how we can leverage it to break down barriers for people of color. We engage with the historical context and its effect on the corporate presence of Black women, emphasizing the significance of collective action to amplify representation and authority in leadership spaces. This episode is a rallying cry for individual and corporate responsibility to actively dismantle biases and cultivate a culture where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.
We wrap up with an insightful discussion inspired by Bozoma Saint John's bold moves at Netflix, evaluating workplace biases and their legal ramifications. The conversation moves through a spectrum of subtle to overt prejudices, from body size to communication style, and how they impact women's careers, particularly those of color.
We then shift focus toward creating workplaces that champion inclusivity and support all employees, highlighting the importance of a workplace that not only recognizes but embraces the unique attributes and life choices of its workforce.
Continuing Education
- Black Women Leaders Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work, McKinsey And Lean In Study Finds
- Is There A Corporate 'Caste System'?
- 2022 Women in the Workplace Report
- Women are held back at work due to 30 biases out of their control, says new study: ‘They were never quite right’
- Code-Switching and Concrete Ceilings: How Racism in the Workplace Affects Black Women
- Racism and Sexism Combine to Shortchange Working Black Women
- The Infuriating Journey From Pet To Threat: How Bias Undermines Black Women At Work
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
Karen & Brittany's candid conversation sheds light on the systemic obstacles Black women leaders face climbing the corporate ladder back by disturbing findings from the McKinsey and LeanIn 2022 report. Learn how Black women, ambitious and poised for executive roles, are still being underestimated and labeled, their judgment second-guessed, and resilience tested in today's professional environments.
Dive into the nuances of identity politics, its role in shaping opportunities, and how we can leverage it to break down barriers for people of color. We engage with the historical context and its effect on the corporate presence of Black women, emphasizing the significance of collective action to amplify representation and authority in leadership spaces. This episode is a rallying cry for individual and corporate responsibility to actively dismantle biases and cultivate a culture where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.
We wrap up with an insightful discussion inspired by Bozoma Saint John's bold moves at Netflix, evaluating workplace biases and their legal ramifications. The conversation moves through a spectrum of subtle to overt prejudices, from body size to communication style, and how they impact women's careers, particularly those of color.
We then shift focus toward creating workplaces that champion inclusivity and support all employees, highlighting the importance of a workplace that not only recognizes but embraces the unique attributes and life choices of its workforce.
Continuing Education
- Black Women Leaders Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work, McKinsey And Lean In Study Finds
- Is There A Corporate 'Caste System'?
- 2022 Women in the Workplace Report
- Women are held back at work due to 30 biases out of their control, says new study: ‘They were never quite right’
- Code-Switching and Concrete Ceilings: How Racism in the Workplace Affects Black Women
- Racism and Sexism Combine to Shortchange Working Black Women
- The Infuriating Journey From Pet To Threat: How Bias Undermines Black Women At Work
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
Previous Episode
Intro to The E Word
This E Word is hosted by Brittany S. Hale and Karen McFarlane.
Brittany S. Hale, Founder and CEO, BND Consulting
Brittany S. Hale transcends the conventional role of Founder and CEO; she stands as a visionary, catalyst for transformative change, and beacon of inspiration for leaders across diverse industries. With a background in litigation, politics, and risk management, Brittany has paved her way to founding BND Consulting Group—an embodiment of her passion and unparalleled expertise.
At BND Consulting Group, Brittany empowers senior leaders with the tools to harness values to ignite better decision-making and turn purpose into profit in today's dynamically evolving landscape. As a trusted guide, she enables leaders to navigate intricate organizational transitions by operationalizing aspirational values. Her impact spans enterprises, government institutions, and startups alike. She has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Essence, TechCrunch, and Fast Company for her insights into entrepreneurship and leadership.
In her capacity as CEO, Brittany has crafted impactful organizational culture strategies for numerous entities. Her strategic insights led to a 21% increase in employee retention and savings of an additional $400,000 through astute operational advisement. As Interim CEO of an entrepreneurial-focused nonprofit, Brittany achieved impressive milestones, increasing donor contributions by 16%, reducing attrition from 27% to 0% in just 14 months, and boosting research-based revenue by a substantial 41%. In Fall 2022, Brittany shared her expertise by lecturing on managing human behaviors in organizations at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies.
Karen McFarlane, Founder and CMO, Kaye Media x Colossal Work
Karen McFarlane, the founder of Kaye Media, is a seasoned chief marketing officer with over 25 years of experience. Her expertise in shaping compelling brand narratives and strategies has guided businesses toward transformative growth and market clarity. Her work spans the technology, artificial intelligence, professional services, ecommerce, education, and entertainment industries — from startups to nonprofits to Fortune 1000 companies.
Karen's role extends beyond her fractional marketing company, as evidenced by her impactful tenure as President of the New York chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), where she earned eight Chapter Excellence Awards and now champions equity as the Chair of DEI Innovation. Additionally, Karen serves on the Board of the Hudson Valley Credit Union, New York's fifth-largest credit union. Her influence is also felt nationally as the President-Elect and DEI Co-Chair for the AMA’s Professional Chapters Council and through her work with Momentum and Value for People of Color, where she champions equitable opportunities for young people of color.
Recognized as a thought leader, Karen frequently speaks on inclusive marketing and conflict resolution, and her contributions to the field have earned her recognition as one of the most notable figures in marketing and PR by Crain’s Business. Karen's commitment to advancing racial and gender equity in Corporate America is evident through her
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
Next Episode
Why Can't We Unravel the Strands of Hair Equity and Expression in the Black Community?
Every strand tells a story, and in our latest episode, we weave through the complex tapestry of hair's role in equity and self-expression. I open up about the personal hurdles I've faced sporting dreads and dyed hair in professional spheres, while we also unravel the historical battles for acceptance that many like Daryl George have endured. This isn't just talking about hair grooming – it's a deep-rooted discussion about societal norms, where we spotlight the need for an inclusive reimagining of workplace and societal perspectives on hair.
We then pay tribute to the powerful legacy of Black women's hair, a resilient emblem of identity through the centuries. From the oppressive tignon laws to Madam C.J. Walker's pioneering beauty empire, we celebrate the artistry and resistance sewn into every braid, twist, and coil. Icons like Issa Rae and Tina Turner serve as our muses, illustrating hair's role in empowerment and cultural pride. By sharing how to genuinely support others' hair journeys and debunking myths with grace, we champion a future where every hair texture and style is not merely tolerated but embraced with open admiration.
Continuing Education
- The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being (National Library of Medicine)
- Is Hair Discrimination Race Discrimination? (American Bar Association)
- The CROWN Act hasn’t ended hair discrimination in Texas (Brookings)
- A Black student was suspended for his hairstyle. The school says it wasn’t discrimination (Associated Press)
- The CROWN Act
- How Hair Discrimination Affects Black Women at Work (HBR)
- Penalizing Black hair in the name of academic success is undeniably racist, unfounded, and against the law (Brookings)
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
The E Word - Why Is the Corporate Ladder Still So Steep for Black Women?
Transcript
What's the E-Word ? It's the E in DEI that everyone ignores , but we're here to bring it to the forefront . Welcome to the E-Word .
Karen McFarlaneHey Brittany ,
Karen McFarlaneHello .
Brittany S. HaleHow's it going ? How you doing ?
Brittany S. HaleIf you like this episode you’ll love
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