Many of the articles I write focus on enabling women in their career journey, securing the resources they need, pursuing the right opportunities, and building the right connections. I've talked about the importance of identifying mentors and sponsors to help you effectively navigate your workplace and set yourself apart from your peers.
But let's turn the tables: When was the last time you made the effort to help another woman in your workplace? When was the last time you seized an opportunity to open the door for another woman at work? If you're thinking, "Well, I'm not sure how much I can do for someone else. I'm still trying to make it myself," don't sell yourself short.
Here are three ideas on how you can empower the next woman while you're still on your own journey:
1.Get her at the door!
One of the biggest turning points in my career came during my very first week at my current company. My department manager, a Black woman, pulled me into her office and talked to me about the appropriateness of my apparel. While we can debate another time about whether my clothes were truly an issue, it was the conversation that followed that was most important. She schooled me on the unwritten rules of the organization, some of the mistakes she made starting in her career, and key people I needed to be connected with as a new Black woman in my career. After we talked, she also took the next step to introduce me not only to managers, but peers at my level as well.
Even if you're not in management, but have been at the company for a period of time, you've likely created some valuable connections that a newbie could benefit from. You have also learned some of the specific nuances about your work environment that can help a new person avoid starting off on the wrong foot. You know who to make nice with, and who to steer clear of. So when you see the new girl joining your team, be willing to take her under your wing so she can learn from you and get set up for success early on.
2.Recommend her for a high-profile project or initiative.
Is your team looking for a project lead or even just a participant? Advocate for another woman to be given the role. This is an opportunity to give her exposure, a new experience, and most importantly a chance to shine! Often we think that if we put someone else on, it may be robbing us of the spotlight. However, let's be honest. We would love if someone would do it for us!
And the truth is, giving another woman room to glow doesn't dim your light in any way. Your expertise isn't diminished. Sometimes if there aren't enough seats at the table for us, we have to be open to sharing the one we do have.
3.Help her look good.
We've all been in those presentations where someone is crashing and burning badly, past the point of no return, and you can't do anything but watch *insert Chrissy Teigen gif*. Don't let that happen to another woman if you can offer assistance. Be her sounding board to walk through critical management presentations and prepare her for the tough questions. Listen to her new ideas to give feedback and make sure she has thought the concepts all the way through. Help her create a brag sheet to leverage in her next performance review when she plans to ask for a raise/promotion. Use your expertise to help her stand out as she works to do so on her own.
While it's hard enough being women in corporate America, we have an opportunity to help each other successfully navigate our workplaces and create a smoother journey for those coming behind us.
For more information about Julia Rock, check out Rock Career Development or follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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