This year alone, approximately 300,000 Black women have exited the US workforce. Behind this statistic lies a profound reality that demands our attention – the unique challenges Black women face navigating corporate America.
In this candid conversation, we sit down with two successful Black professionals – Patrice Nash, a senior category manager at a Fortune 10 company, and Zola, who works in private equity. They peel back the curtain on what it truly means to operate in predominantly white corporate spaces while being both Black and female.
The women reveal the exhausting necessity of "code switching" – adjusting language, appearance, and behavior to fit corporate expectations. "I need time to mentally prepare because it's a draining experience," Zola explains. "It comes so natural where it's like in the parking lot, I'm like, I got to put it on." They describe how white colleagues can simply arrive at work without greeting everyone, while Black women must be excessively pleasant to avoid being labeled "aggressive" or having a "bad attitude."
One of the most disturbing patterns shared is what could be called "recognition theft" – where Black women's achievements are systematically attributed to others. Patrice recounts transforming an underperforming distribution center in just two months, only to watch her white male assistant receive an award for excellence. Adding insult to injury, she was asked to write the recommendation letter for him. Both women emphasize the importance of documentation ("keeping receipts") as essential protection in these environments.
Despite these challenges, both women have developed strategies for success and are passionate about mentoring the next generation. "We should be teaching 'Code Switching 101' and 'Surviving Corporate America 101' at HBCUs," Zola suggests, underscoring how these survival skills must be intentionally passed down.
Listen to this powerful episode and share it with someone who might be struggling with workplace microaggressions. Let them know they're not alone.
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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner
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