Do I even want to be in this race?

Navigating the professional world as a Black woman often means contending with unique challenges and expectations shaped by cultural upbringing. The intricate dance of balancing ambition and cultural conditioning profoundly impacts how black women present themselves in the workplace. Drawing from personal experience as a Nigerian born, UK raised black woman, this article delves into the influence of cultural upbringing on my career ambitions and professional progression.

The Cultural Conditioning of Black Women

Understanding Cultural Upbringing

Cultural Roots and Expectations

Cultural upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping our behaviour, values, and ambitions. For Black women, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, cultural expectations often emphasise excellence and high achievement. This upbringing can instil a strong drive to succeed academically and professionally.

Conflicting Messages

Growing up with messages to strive for excellence while simultaneously being advised to remain humble and not too visible creates a complex internal conflict. This duality can affect how Black women navigate professional spaces, often leading to a tension between ambition and the desire to avoid standing out too much.

Impact on Professional Presentation

Work Ethic and Performance 

The cultural emphasis on hard work and excellence translates into a strong work ethic in the professional sphere. Black women, driven by their upbringing, often go above and beyond in their roles, aiming to exceed targets and deliver outstanding results.

Hesitation to Seek Opportunities

Despite their hard work, many Black women hesitate to actively seek career advancement opportunities. The cultural conditioning to remain modest and not ask for more can result in missed opportunities for growth and progression. This hesitation often persists until later in their careers, as seen in my own experience.

My Personal Journey: From Hesitation to Assertiveness

Early Career Struggles

In my early career, I worked diligently to exceed expectations, yet I struggled to assertively ask for advancement opportunities. It wasn't until I reached my 30s that I began to openly question, "What are the progression opportunities here?" This shift marked a significant change in how I navigated my professional path.

Challenges and Disappointments

Even with a newfound assertiveness, I encountered resistance from organisations that pigeonholed me into specific roles. They saw me as excelling in my current position but were reluctant to support my progression into new roles. This resistance was both exhausting and disheartening, leading me to question whether the pursuit of advancement was worth the struggle.

Ambition vs. Cultural Conditioning

Drive and Ambition

The drive instilled by cultural upbringing pushes many Black women to aim high and work tirelessly. However, this ambition is often tempered by the ingrained cultural conditioning to be humble and avoid making waves.

Questioning the Race

The constant effort to prove ourselves and seek recognition can lead to burnout and disillusionment. For many Black women, the question arises: "Am I running this race for myself or to make my mum (or someone else) proud?" I know that for me, everything was about making mummy and the family proud; however if it had just been about me, would I have persevered considering how hard it was?

Navigating Professional Spaces

Overcoming Stereotypes

Black women frequently face stereotypes and biases in the workplace, further complicating their professional journey. Overcoming these stereotypes requires resilience and a strategic approach to career advancement. 

Building Confidence and Asking Boldly

Building confidence and learning to ask boldly for opportunities is a critical step in overcoming cultural conditioning and also getting the opportunities you deserve. As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’ and this has been true for many. For me, reaching my 30s marked a turning point where I began to unapologetically seek the progression I deserved. It took becoming a single mother for me to step up.

Strategies for Success

Mentorship and Support Networks

Mentorship and support networks are invaluable for Black women navigating the professional landscape. The crabs in a barrel mentality has historically held us back from supporting each other, but I feel like we are having a breakthrough and now understanding the power of connection. Connecting with mentors who understand the unique challenges faced can provide guidance and encouragement. If you see someone that inspires you and you think you can learn from them, then ask them. It is highly unlikely they will say no. Trust me.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Investing in continuous learning and skill development is essential for career progression. Black women must equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to seize opportunities and excel in new roles. I was on a call recently and someone said, “If we can spend money on designer bags, then we can spend money on our professional development”. If you don’t invest in yourself, how can you expect others to? This could just mean investing the time to find out what your organisation offers and what you can take up; or if you’re self-employed it could mean funding it yourself. Either way, do it!

Creating Inclusive Work Environments 

Organisational Responsibility

Organisations play a crucial role in creating inclusive environments that support the progression of Black women. This includes recognising and addressing biases, providing equitable opportunities, and fostering a culture of inclusion. It’s unfair to expect the victims of systematic injustices to also be the ones to fix it. If you have Black women in your organisation that are great at their jobs but also aspire to progress. Support them to do that.

Advocacy and Allyship

Advocacy and allyship are vital in supporting Black women in their professional journeys. Colleagues and leaders must actively advocate for equitable opportunities and challenge discriminatory practices. Change won’t happen overnight, and cultural conditioning can sometimes prevent Black women from putting themselves forward for new opportunities. Advocacy and allyship are crucial to support these women to shine and climb, should they desire it.

Conclusion 

Navigating the professional world as a black woman involves balancing cultural conditioning with personal ambition. While cultural upbringing instils a strong drive for excellence, it can also create internal conflicts that impact career progression. By building confidence, seeking mentorship, and advocating for themselves, Black women can overcome these challenges and achieve their professional goals. Organisations also play a crucial role in creating inclusive environments that support the advancement of Black women, ensuring that their talents and contributions are recognised and valued and that when they are ready and able to step up, they’re not faced with the concrete ceiling. 

If you want to discuss how I can help you create Inclusive workplaces, where ALL employees can progress; schedule a free discovery call with me https://calendly.com/grace-mosuro/introductory-call-1