Based on my experiences documented in “Mastering a High-Value Company Culture,” I have seen both the obstacles and success of Black women in taking the C-Suite path. In today’s post, I’d like to present inspiring tales of women who have traveled successfully through to the C-Suite, and offer actionable tips for followers in their footsteps.
Roz Brewer: Breaking through at Walgreens
The Ascent
Roz Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, joined the ranks of only two Black female CEOs in the Fortune 500. Her journey involved:
- Strategic leadership positions at Walmart
- Starbucks’ COO
- Crafting inclusive cultures
- Propelling innovation through diversity
Success Factors
Referencing my book’s leadership development chapter:
- Exceptional operational expertise
- Clear strategic vision
- Emphasis on talent development
- Passion for mentorship
- Authenticity in leadership
Thasunda Brown Duckett: Breaking through in Finance
Ascent
As CEO of TIAA, Duckett’s journey is an exemplar of purposeful leadership:
- Emerging through JPMorgan Chase
- Inspiring financial inclusion
- High-performance teams
- Opening doors for others
- Staying authentic
Strategic Action
Consistent with my book’s cultural transformation principles:
- Data and fact-based decision making
- Nurturing strong relationships
- Cultivating diverse talent
- Crafting inclusive environments
- Delivering measurable impact
Ursula Burns: Breaking through in Leadership
History Marked
The first Black woman CEO at a Fortune 500 company (Xerox):
- Joined as an intern
- Climbed through engineering
- Spearheaded major transformation
- Championed STEM educational development
- Left a lasting mark
Leadership Principles
Echoing my cultural evaluation chapter’s principles:
- Excellence as a non-negotiable
- Networks strong and becoming a part of
- Calculated risks taken
- Opening up to change
- Lifting others in ascending
Emerging Commonality
1. Education and Expertise
- Robust educational background
- Schooling continuous
- Industry expertise
- Tech-proficient
- Business becoming a part of
2. Building Relationships Strategically
As discussed in my book’s chapter on trust development:
- Building mentors
- Sponsoring relationships
- Building networks
- Helping others develop
- Keeping key relationships
3. Resilience and Flexibility
From my chapter in maintaining cultures:
- Overcoming obstacles
- Learning through mistakes
- Changing in response
- Keeping one’s bearings
- Developing emotional intelligence
Building Your Road to the C-Suite
1. Lay a Foundational Building
- Build technical expertise
- Acquire general business experience
- Look for leadership experiences
- Establish your platform
- Document your success
2. Strategic Career Planning
- Set specific objectives
- Develop development plans
- Ask for stretch assignments
- Acquire cross-functional expertise
- Monitor progress
3. Building Relationships
- Acquire mentors and sponsors
- Construct professional networks
- Build a system of support
- Get involved in industry networks
- Give back to others
Overcoming Typical Obstacles
1. Visibility
- Take key assignments
- Publicize success
- Build presence
- Present at industry events
- Position yourself as a thought leader
2. Bias and Prejudices
- Confront problems head-on
- Build advocates and allies
- Document success
- Project a professional image
- Stay focused
3. Integrating Work and Home
- Set clear boundaries
- Build a system of support
- Prioritize care for yourself
- Design efficient processes
- Hand off appropriately
The Road Ahead
These path-paving women illustrate that, while getting to the C-Suite will not be simple, it can be accomplished. That success opens doors for others and helps change cultures in companies.
Keep in mind:
- Excellence is a must
- Relationships count
- Toughness is a must
- Honesty is powerful
- Your success opens doors
Conclusion
The path to the C-Suite involves careful planning, high performance, and strong relationships. As these women have proven, shattering the glass ceiling is a real possibility with proper preparation, support, and determination.
For guidance in developing your journey to executive leadership and developing inclusive cultures for your workplace, contact Che’ Blackmon Consulting at admin@cheblackmon.com . We enable professionals and companies to maximize their potential.
#WomenInLeadership #CSuite #CareerDevelopment #DEI #BlackWomenLeaders #ExecutiveLeadership #CorporateCulture #LeadershipDevelopment