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One thing you will find through your journey in the corporate jungle, is that as “professional” and nice as everyone else seems to be, it still IS very much a jungle…And you still need to survive, perform, exceed expectations, and climb up that ladder…There, as in any other highly competitive environment where minorities are under-represented, and women are still striving to leave a mark, it’s about “survival of the fittest“. As simple, basic and raw as that…Except here, in addition to learning the mechanics and politics of the job, you are also facing the ghosts of prejudice and stereotype. And that’s when it becomes about survival, and keeping yourself, and most importantly your most precious asset, your mind, from succumbing to the pressure…

And that requires mental preparation and acute awareness of the type of environment you are working in, and the various personalities you are working with…An African-American woman executive once gave me this piece of advice, that I’ve preciously carried with me ever since, and that has served me in professional as well as in real life: ” If you’re gonna succeed, the most important thing to do is train your mind to prepare and confront difficult situations and difficult people.” A bit pessimistic? Not very positive…Maybe, but certainly quite real and fitting to any sister’s journey in the corporate world…

As you step into the double glass doors of that law firm you’re just starting in as an associate, or as you’re getting ready to give this presentation to your team, or even as you are presenting new ideas and concepts to your boss, it’s important that you have mentally prepared before-hand. Knowing your material, looking the part, or developing persuasive arguments is no longer enough…In order to not only survive, but thrive, you must mentally ready yourself for the most difficult of situations and the most uncertain of outcomes…And for each one of these undesirable scenarios, be mentally prepared to have a professional yet sharp, game-changing response…

As they say, preparation is key, but mental readiness is priority….

The Corporate Sister.