by Solange Lopes | Oct 10, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
As a working woman, how would you like to have a secure space for yourself and other fellow women to discuss your careers? What if you could bypass the rampant sexism, discrimination and good ol’ “Old Boys Club” that still very much exists in our businesses and organizations? What if you could call the shots when it comes to your network, and by extension, your career?
This is the simple, yet powerfully effective premise of Bumble’s latest app, Bumble Bizz. The Bumble app started as a dating platform geared at women, with a social networking side called Bumble BFF focused on female friendships. The product has now evolved into Bumble Bizz, a modernized take on professional networking for women. The concept is the same as the original dating app, whereby women are the ones to make the first move and initiate a professional connection. With over 20 million users, the app makes it easy and empowering for women to establish connections.
Bumble Bizz app – Photo credit: thebeehive.bumblebee.com
The Bumble Bizz app includes a safe photo verification device to confirm people’s identity. When you register on it, you will be able to set up your digital resume, as well as fill out your skills section and even provide work samples. It’s free and has been available in the US, Canada, France and the UK since the beginning of October 2017. It will be available on Google Play on October 18, 2017.
I personally love the concept, as it may very well help bring down many of the barriers and obstacles women face when it comes to networking. Society has unfortunately excluded many women from traditional networking avenues, which has definitely impacted our ability to grow and progress in our careers. With such apps as Bumble Bizz, working women can get re-acquainted and grow more comfortable with networking.
While I salute this innovative app, I also recognize that we mustn’t limit ourselves to networking solely among women. It’s important to also grow and extend our network as much as possible, while still reserving our right to nurture our own “Old Girls Club”.
What is your take on this? Do you agree that this is a great initiative?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 21, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips |
The Awakened Family by Shefali Tsabari
There are few books that have made me think about my family history and the way I parent my children more than “The Awakened Family” by Dr. Shefali Tsabari. As a working mom of two, it’s so easy to get wrapped in the busyness of every day and avoid consciously thinking about parenting. Although there’s so much advice out there around the “right” way to be a parent, how to discipline our children, what to do and not to do, there’s no set formula for raising balanced, fulfilled kids.
The truth is, when it comes to parenting, many of us learn as we go. As much as we may like to pretend we know what we’re doing, most of us face, at some point or another of our parenting journey, the ultimate question: “Am I doing this right?”
The premise of “The Awakened Family” is that as conscious parents, we must focus on ushering our children into their destiny and allowing them to be their own persons, rather than seeking to impose our own will and desires on our kids. Dr. Tsabari encourages us to distinguish between the parenting habits we’ve acquired from our culture, experience or social conditioning while growing up, and parenting that actually helps our children be more of who they are.
I’m a world citizen born and raised in Senegal (West Africa) with African and European influences, who now resides in America and is married to a Cape Verdian man. Quite the cultural melting pot! If you now add to the mix kids born in America in a household that speaks Wolof, Creole, French and English, plus the mainstream Spanish because: Despacito and the need to get your hair pressed pin straight, we’re in International Land!
That’s also what Dr. Tsabari talks about in her book, as she recounts her own experience as an Indian woman who studied and later settled in the US. Faced with the impact of her own culture on her understanding and interpretation of life and parenting, she made the conscious decision, with the support of her parents, to stop allowing external influences from her upbringing and prior experiences to determine her destiny and how she raises her child.
In the same way, she advises us as parents to take a good hard look at how our own upbringing, cultural values and generational traditions, are standing in the way of our being able to parent consciously. We often repeat the same parenting patterns we’ve seen in our childhood, forgetting (or denying) some (or all) of the damaging effects these may have had on us. This is not to diminish the precious cultural values we’ve received in any way. Rather, it is to awaken us to the fact that each child is different, and must be raised as a way to enhance their strengths and qualities, rather than reject what may not agree with what we’ve been taught or exposed to.
Similarly, we also often allow outside circumstances and the weight of our personal lives and experiences, to affect the way we relate to our kids. We forget that we tend to project onto them our feelings and beliefs, without taking into account that they are their own people with their own dreams, destinies, tastes and preferences. Instead, we may unknowingly impose our worldview on them under the premise of absolute parental authority.
Reading Dr. Tsabari’s books, I was reminded of all those times when I repeated some of the parenting patterns I experienced as a child. While these were certainly valuable, they may not apply to the human beings I am given the privilege and responsibility to raise. Instead of looking at them as individual personalities in-forming, I may at times have projected onto them my own behaviors, thoughts, patterns, and wishes.
How many times do we stop and ask ourselves if the way we raise our children is for their greater good? How many times do we stop and collaborate with them to better understand them, rather than constantly telling them what to do? And how often do we stop and consider that their misbehaving and rebelling may actually be calls to pay attention to who they are, rather than who we want them to be? Most importantly, how often do we question ourselves as parents, and try to grow first before casting judgment on our children?
In her book, Dr. Tsabari explores our need to better understand ourselves and be more in touch with who we are as parents first. Children can very easily catch up on our vibes, even when we pretend to be someone we’re not. As such, we must first master ourselves, independently of the influences that may have shaped us. It’s only then that we can mirror to our children the values we try so hard to instill in them, but often fail to do so because they don’t see us living what we preach.
All in all, this book has changed the way I look at parenting, especially as a multicultural woman. I highly recommend it to all parents and anyone else looking to be more conscious of the way they parent.
What other books would you recommend?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 7, 2017 | Career
Being a woman of color at work often means being the only one, if not one of the only ones, in the room. It also means that the rules of success are somewhat different for women of color than they are for others.
According to this report by AAUW, “most minority groups and women” are under-represented, be it in the private or public sector. While Black women account for only 8% of the private sector workforce and 1.5% of leadership, Hispanic women make up for 6% of the workforce and 1.3% of leadership.
As a woman of color in the corporate world, I’ve also had to learn that the rules for women of color at work are different. There are so few of us in the corporate trenches, as we’re also faced with the double bias of being women and of a different race. While speaking up and raising our voices may be encouraged for everyone else, they may be interpreted differently for women of color. Hence the “angry black woman” and other stereotypes of the same kind…
From my experience and learning from so many other women of color in the corporate world, here are 10 rules for success you can start applying today:
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Stop being afraid of being yourself
Most people in the corporate world wear a mask. It’s just a fact. However, for women of color at work, wearing a mask has many times been a necessity. According to studies by the Center for Women Policy, 21% of women of color do not think they can be themselves at work. Another 28 to 44% believe they must downplay their ethnicity to increase their chances of success at work.
While this is still the reality in many, if not most, corporate environments, authenticity is still the best way to change the dialogue about women of color at work. The more we hide behind our corporate masks, the less we can bring focus on the actual issues faced by women of color at work.
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Get used to being uncomfortable
Being a woman of color at work rhymes with being uncomfortable. Not only are there very few other women of color in the room, but our lack of representation can also make it challenging for others to understand the struggles we may face.
However, being uncomfortable is also an advantage. The more uncomfortable you are, the more prepared you tend to be. Getting used to uncomfortable and challenging environments is also the key to being innovative and a high performer.
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Find your sweet spot
There are many challenges associated with being a woman of color in a corporate environment. Yet they shouldn’t prevent you from excelling and being the best you can be. Finding your sweet spot, that overlap between your skills, interests and opportunities, is crucial to achieving success, especially as woman of color at work.
The reality is very often, you may have to work harder at convincing others of your competence and professionalism. Hitting on your key kills and interests will give you that competitive edge you’ll need to attract the right opportunities.
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Challenge yourself to speak up
Speaking up as a woman of color at work can be double-edged sword. On one hand, you may be labeled as “too assertive” or downright “angry”. On the other hand, not raising your voice may make you seem incompetent or disinterested.
Whatever bias you may have to confront, I’ve found that the best answer, more often than not, is to speak up. You have way too much knowledge, insight and experience not to share it to empower others and increase your team and company’s efficiency.
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Keep showing up
As a woman of color in the corporate world, there were many times when I was tempted to stop showing up. For many of us, the challenges can be so overwhelming that we may think of giving up, stopping to volunteer or participate, or even flat-out resign.
Keep showing up, persevering and demonstrating your best efforts. While your work may go unnoticed at times, it’s important to consistently show up and bring your best contribution to the table.
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Share your experience
During my interview with Forbes Books, one of the questions that was asked of me by Gregg Stebben had me thinking about how we share our experiences as women of color at work. The question was: “What would you want someone like me (a white man) to know about women of color’s experience at work?”
His question made me realize that although we may face numerous challenges at work, we rarely share our experiences to help others understand us better. The reality is, there is always going to be a certain level of unconscious bias embedded in people. It’s up to us to change the norm by changing others’ understanding of who we are and what we experience.
Whether you create a group for women of color at work, educate your co-workers and peers, or mentor a fellow woman, use your experience to empower others and create a positive environment.
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Mentor another woman of color
I wish I had another woman of color tell me about what to expect as a woman of color in the corporate world. Someone who would have gone through similar experiences, and would prepare or advise me on the best ways to handle certain situations and still thrive at work.
In general, women need more mentors in the workplace. While no one woman’s experience is the same as the next, there are similar themes in the challenges we face. As women in general, and women of color in particular, it’s our responsibility to mentor one another. It’s another way to keep that door of opportunity open for those coming behind us, and to better our work environments with each generation of women leaders.
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Don’t just sit at the table, move to the front of the room
Yes, there are many more women of color who are sitting at the table. Many of us are even leading the conversation. Yet, there are still too many of us who are either not in the room, or sitting somewhere in the dark, unseen, unappreciated and barely accounted for.
When you get the opportunity to enter the room, don’t just sit at that table. It’s not enough. Move to the front row, at the top of the table, and dare to assert yourself as the leader that you are. It’s a difficult first step, especially when you may be the only one in the room, yet one that may spell a world of difference for yours and others’ success.
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Let your behavior dispel stereotypes
Stereotypes, such as the “angry black woman”, and other pre-conceived (and generally false) ideas about women of color, may not disappear any time soon. However, the most effective way to dispel them, and prove some of the myths and beliefs around women of color wrong, is through consistent, positive behavior.
While I was tempted to directly confront certain stereotypes in the course of my career, I came to understand that positive action is most effective.
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Be open to change!
Progress and growth require change. As women of color at work, our career paths may not always be predictable, for a host of obvious (and some not so obvious) reasons. To circumvent many of the barriers standing in the way of women’s leadership and advancement, we must learn to welcome and embrace change.
Whether that means saying yes to non-traditional opportunities, embarking on different career paths, or knowing when to forego comfort for growth, be open to change!
What other success rules can you share about being a woman of color in the corporate world?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 5, 2017 | Career
Say Goodbye to Digital Eye Strain with Phonetic Eyewear: Review and Giveaway
Disclosure: The Corporate Sister has partnered with Phonetic Eyewear to review a pair of eyeglasses through the blog and on Instagram. We’re also hosting a giveaway for our readers to receive a free pair of Phonetic Eyewear glasses. Please note that this post contains an affiliate link and I may be compensated if your purchase a product through the link provided.
As a recovering Certified Public Accountant as well as a writer and entrepreneur, I spend quite a bit of time in front of the computer and smartphone. Actually, the running joke in the family is that my laptop is my third child, or possibly, my long-lost boyfriend. From crunching numbers during my corporate career to whipping up articles and e-books in my second life, dealing with digital eye strain is a given. It doesn’t help that I’ve also been wearing glasses and contact lenses for over two decades.
“Abby” Phonetic Eyewear Computer Glasses
When I came across Phonetic Eyewear at the BlogHer17 conference, I had to do a double take (no pun intended). A brand of glasses that offers relief from computer eye strain through prescription, non-prescription and reader glasses? A much-needed product for anyone exposed to the glare of computers on a constant basis. Even if you don’t work at a computer all day long, prolonged use of smartphones can also do a number on your eyes.As a working woman, I was also attracted to Phonetic Eyewear because of their stylish frames. It’s one thing to be relieved of digital eye strain at work and at home. It’s another (and better) thing to do so in style!
Phonetic Eyewear Computer Glasses
My red “Abby” Phonetic eyewear pair doesn’t just boast a special premium lens coating to deflect harmful blue and violet light. It also features a fabulous flared eye shape and some side bling to protect my eyes in style!
Sporting my red “Abby” Phonetic Eyewear Computer Glasses
The result? More productive days, and finally getting rid of those tired eyes that made me feel (and look) exhausted and worn out. It’s making a significant difference in my eye health, and also in the way I’m now able to work.
I’d love to share this opportunity with you, and that’s why I’ve partnered with Phonetic Eyewear to give away one pair of computer eyewear. In order to enter, follow the below rules on Instagram:
- Follow The Corporate Sister on Instagram
- Click on my Phonetic Eyewear Instagram Giveaway post and invite at least one friend by tagging them in the comments
- Follow Phonetic Eyewear on Instagram.
The giveaway will end on September 19th, 2017.
If you’re interested in purchasing a pair for yourself, you can save 10% by using code TCSISTER at this link.
I’m excited to share this amazing product with all of you, as I’m sure it will help you avoid digital eye strain while still enjoying the use of your digital tools.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and good luck!
The Corporate Sis
