Founded in 2011 by Lauren Wesley Wilson, ColorComm has been a driving force for advancing women of color in communications, marketing, advertising, and media by providing resources, mentorship, and connections. At the 9th Annual Conference, 黑料社joined over 400 women of color in engaging discussions on business, community, and inclusion.
This year鈥檚 ColorComm sessions were filled with wisdom that transcends industries, emphasizing the importance of owning your career, pushing boundaries, and speaking up. Success is often about creating your own path鈥攁nd the six takeaways below are a testament to the power of voice, courage, and intentionality in driving professional and personal growth:
1. Treat Your Health Like a Business鈥擯romote Yourself to CEO
Taking charge of your health is akin to running a business: it requires strategic planning, decision-making, and prioritization. Elevate yourself to the CEO role by setting goals, making informed decisions, and proactively investing in your well-being. Your health is your most valuable asset鈥攎anage it with the same attention and care you'd give to a thriving business.
2. Speak Up and Unlock Your Potential
Success begins with speaking up for yourself. Whether it鈥檚 advocating for a project, asking for a raise, or sharing ideas in a meeting, finding your voice is crucial. Many of us hesitate, fearing that we might say the wrong thing or be dismissed. But staying silent means missing out on opportunities. Remember, no one can know what you need or what you're capable of unless you voice it. By speaking up, you create opportunities for collaboration, recognition, and growth.
3. Brilliance Comes from People Willing to Take a Risk
Growth requires courage. Playing it safe may feel comfortable, but true brilliance emerges when you step outside of the familiar and embrace the unknown. Whether it鈥檚 taking on a new project, making a lateral move, or starting something entirely different, taking risks is the path to innovation and unexpected breakthroughs.
4. Change the Things You Cannot Accept
If there鈥檚 something in your professional or personal life that doesn鈥檛 align with your values or holds you back, make it a priority to change it. Whether it鈥檚 challenging unfair practices, addressing workplace culture issues, or redefining norms that limit your potential, push for changes that reflect your vision of equity and justice. Change starts with you-make it happen.
5. Don鈥檛 Block a Yes for Fear of a No
Fear of rejection can be daunting but don鈥檛 let the fear of hearing "no" stop you from asking for what you want. Whether it鈥檚 asking for a promotion, pitching an ambitious project, or proposing a new way of doing things, don鈥檛 self-sabotage by anticipating a negative outcome before you even try. Pursue the "yes" and trust that your ideas, ambitions, and requests are worth putting on the table. You might be surprised by how often the answer will be in your favor.
6. Believe in the Theory of Succession Planning
Think beyond your immediate role and focus on the bigger picture of your career. Succession planning isn鈥檛 just for senior leaders; it鈥檚 about preparing for the next opportunity. Invest in mentorship, both as a mentor and mentee, and prepare for future leadership by honing your skills today. The idea is to build a legacy that lasts, by ensuring you are not only elevating yourself but also paving the way for others to follow. When you鈥檙e ready to move up, be sure you鈥檝e helped someone else rise with you.
Sharon Cho is the VP of the Multicultural team based in the U.S., Chanel Lake is the SVP of Influencer Marketing, Faith McIver is a Senior Manager on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, and Iasha Watson is a Senior Account Supervisor for the Workplace Advisory team.
