Why Is the Corporate Ladder Still So Steep for Black Women?

The E Word

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

1. Black Women Leaders Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work, McKinsey And Lean In Study Finds
2. Is There A Corporate 'Caste System'?
3. 2022 Women in the Workplace Report
4. Women are held back at work due to 30 biases out of their control, says new study: ‘They were never quite right’
5. Code-Switching and Concrete Ceilings: How Racism in the Workplace Affects Black Women
6. Racism and Sexism Combine to Shortchange Working Black Women
7. 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.

Chapters

1. Black Women in Leadership Challenges (00:00:00)

2. Breaking Barriers for Black Women Leaders (00:06:27)

3. Workplace Bias and Discrimination Discussion (00:18:13)

4. Creating Inclusive Work Environments for Women (00:37:59)