Things I Wish I Knew in My 20s as a Black Woman in Corporate America

Things I Wish I Knew in My 20s as a Black Woman in Corporate America

If I could go back to my 20-something-year-old self, the girl just starting her journey into the corporate world, I would give her a hug first. I’d tell her she’s about to embark on a path filled with ambition, dreams, and challenges. But most importantly, I would sit her down and share the lessons I had to learn the hard way—lessons about navigating corporate America as a Black woman, where the stakes are high, the hurdles are hidden, and the game is often rigged.

Lesson 1: You’ll Have to Play Chess, Not Checkers

In my 20s, I thought that working hard and being good at my job was all it would take. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The corporate world is not a meritocracy; it’s a chessboard. Every move you make has to be strategic. The unfortunate truth is, as a Black woman, you will often find yourself underestimated or left out of conversations that could fast-track your career.

In my early years, I didn’t realize the importance of playing the long game. I wish someone had told me that networking wasn’t just about “knowing people”—it was about positioning yourself so people can’t forget you. It’s not about attending every happy hour; it’s about being in the right room when important decisions are being made. And when you’re not in that room, find an advocate who is.

I learned the hard way that it wasn’t enough to be the hardest worker. I had to be the smartest strategist, making calculated moves to ensure my voice was heard.

Lesson 2: Your Authenticity is Your Power, But It Will Be Tested

There’s a certain armor you develop when you’re a Black woman in corporate America. You feel the pressure to blend in, to conform, to be “palatable.” But let me tell you: your authenticity is your superpower.

In my 20s, I spent too much time silencing parts of myself to fit in. Whether it was how I styled my hair, how I spoke, or even how much of my culture I let shine, I was constantly shrinking myself. I thought I had to fit into their mold to be accepted. What I wish I had known was that the real power comes from standing firm in who you are, unapologetically.

Now, that doesn’t mean there won’t be moments when you question yourself. Corporate America can make you feel like you’re “too much” or “not enough,” often at the same time. But authenticity is not negotiable. It is the one thing that will differentiate you from everyone else in that boardroom, and it’s also what will keep you grounded in your purpose.

Lesson 3: The Game is Twice as Hard, But You’re Built for It

One of the most difficult truths I wish I’d known earlier is that you will have to work twice as hard for the same recognition as others. And even then, you might not get it. The cards are stacked, and you’ll face microaggressions, assumptions about your abilities, and the weight of representing an entire race in rooms where you’re the only Black woman.

I remember once sitting in a meeting and sharing an idea, only to have it dismissed, then repeated and celebrated when a white colleague said the exact same thing. That kind of experience chips away at your confidence if you let it. But here’s what I wish I knew: you’re not there by accident. You are not “lucky” to have a seat at the table—you earned it. And even when the game feels rigged, you have every right to keep showing up and demanding what you deserve.

Yes, it’s unfair. Yes, it’s exhausting. But you are built for this. You are a force, and while the road may be longer, the view from the top is worth every step.

Lesson 4: Self-Care is Not a Luxury, It’s a Necessity

Corporate America will try to drain you. Between the late nights, high expectations, and navigating a world that wasn’t designed with you in mind, burnout is real. What I wish I had known in my 20s is that self-care is not a reward for hard work—it’s the fuel that allows you to keep going.

In my early years, I thought I had to constantly prove myself. I worked long hours, skipped lunches, and rarely took time off. I now know that taking care of myself wasn’t selfish; it was critical. You can’t pour from an empty cup, sis. Rest, recharge, and protect your mental health fiercely.

Lesson 5: Find Your Tribe and Protect Your Peace

You can’t navigate this journey alone. In my 20s, I tried to be Superwoman, handling everything on my own. I didn’t realize the importance of finding my tribe—other Black women and allies who understood the nuances of my experience.

Now, I know how essential it is to surround yourself with people who see you, who support you, and who will hold you up on those days when you’re tired of fighting. Your tribe will remind you of your worth when the world tries to make you forget it.

Conclusion: PPCS Can Help You Play the Game Smarter

The lessons I’ve learned didn’t come easily, but they made me stronger. As a Black woman in corporate America, you will face challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Premier Potential Coaching Solutions, we empower Black women to navigate these very challenges with confidence, strategy, and authenticity.

You deserve to thrive, not just survive, in these spaces. Let PPCS be the partner that helps you build the foundation, strategy, and mindset you need to rise through the ranks without losing yourself along the way.

Sis, you are built for this. Now, let’s get to work.

premierpotentialcoaching.com

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