Just like me, you are probably still on a high from seeing the Black Panther movie from the inspiration, positivity and community it displayed.
Last Wednesday, I had the privilege and opportunity to attend Edelman's Black Excellence in PR networking event in Washington, DC.
There were several PR professionals, HR recruiters and business owners present.
The purpose of the event was to celebrate the Edelman’s internal diversity and inclusion initiatives and raise a glass to Trisch Smith, a true visionary and Edelman’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director, U.S. Diversity and Inclusion.
The event was very truly inspiring and encouraging as a woman of color in the PR and marketing industry. I have to say this was a very smart and proactive idea from Edelman to sponsor this event as they look for more ways to hire more diverse employees.
Here are 5 ways to build your own WAKANDA tribe professionally:
1. Intentionally build your own tribe
As a professional, it is very import to make a conscious effort to build your own tribe of mentors and sponsors as your progress in your career. These are people who will have your back and speak up for you when you are not in the room. I am blessed to have a tribe that I can call on when I need them, share resources with and add value to each other lives.
Never get too busy to network, build authentic relationships with your tribe. Trust me it will pay off!
2. Help and pull others along the way
As you advance as a professional, it is important to no only get on the “elevator” to your promotion but not to forget to take someone along with you. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for mentors who have taken the time to reach back and help me as I strive to get where they are.
We must always remain humble and realize “we have not arrived” but we must help and pull someone else along the way because we are standing on the shoulders of others who have come before us.
3. Surround yourself with people who will support you, give you advice, tell you when you’re wrong and help you make tough decisions
It is critical as a professional to not only surround yourself with “cheerleaders” but to surround yourself with “coaches” as well. We all know and love members of our tribe who will cheer us on or provide encouragement but it is vital to have coaches in our tribe to help support us make those tough decisions or call us out when we are wrong and need to be corrected.
4. Make your own table even if they don’t want to give you a seat
As a professional, you may be discouraged but you have the power to chart your own career. No one is responsible for your career or how far your will go in your career except for you! Don’t be afraid to seek out mentors, suggest a new project or campaign that your team may not have thought of.
5. Be courageous and committed to making a difference
No matter what your job title or position is, it is important to leave your workplace better than you found it and be courageous to zealously pursue change and look for ways you can do things differently, save the company money, add value to your company and members of your tribe. Surround yourself with change seekers!
What are you doing today to build your own professional Wakanda tribe? If you have tips and advice, please share!
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