The Power Of The Woman

Women have consistently been perceived as the underdog, necessitating the adoption of a "tough woman" persona to prove our ability to compete with men. Any display of emotions is met with societal judgment, branding us as weak or incapable of handling challenges.

Especially as black women, we are raised not to reveal our emotions to advance in life. We're taught to maintain composure, regardless of exhaustion, and to be self-reliant, avoiding dependence on others. While this tough mentality has served many women well, it remains crucial in today's society for career advancement.

Personally, I struggle with showing vulnerability. Growing up, emotion was rarely expressed, and even now, my mom holds back tears in difficult moments. This behavior has influenced me, leading to professional success and overall confidence. However, there are instances when I feel a heaviness in my chest or shoulders, wondering why despite my accomplishments, I sometimes feel alone or in a funk.

The fear of judgment haunts me during these moments. What will others think if I show vulnerability? Will my son feel responsible for my sadness? Will my husband perceive me as weak? Will my boss question my readiness for a promotion if I have a meltdown? These doubts create a cyclical pattern, recurring every other month, becoming my norm.

As I write this blog, I can feel the tightness in my chest. Yet, I'm determined to embrace my vulnerability and celebrate the softness inherent in being a woman. It's our differentiator, providing an advantage in leadership and making us exceptional friends, daughters, sisters, and mothers.

Expressing gratitude for my achievements, I acknowledge the joy in my life. However, there are times when life becomes overwhelming, and I yearn to express my emotions freely. This year, I encourage all women to reveal their soft side. If someone objects, it's their issue. If I miss a promotion for sharing my feelings, it wasn't meant to be. If I can't sit at the "big boy" table, I'll create my own.

It's time to reshape the corporate world with more women in C-suite positions. A company led by a woman promises a superior engagement and culture. We possess more power than we realize. Embracing our authentic selves, rather than emulating the corporate white man, will lead to unstoppable success. So, let's allow ourselves a good cry and then pull up our big woman pants because we have some ruling to get back to!

Happy Women’s History Month, Loves! 😉