

The legend James Brown once said, "This is a man's world, but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl."
Since JB declared that statement in his 1966 hit, it's not just a man's world anymore. While women have been and are still the minority in many industries, we are are increasing in numbers and are making impressive strides in male-dominated industries. However, despite our triumphs, we still struggle at times. Because it can be difficult to demonstrate our leadership skills while maintaining our femininity and sense of self, we sometimes struggle when working in spaces where males are the majority.
We recently caught up with four girl bosses from varied professions, and they shared their biggest tips on affirming and empowering themselves in male-dominated industries - high heels and all. Click through the gallery below.
1.Sheridan Labbé
What She Does:
Forrmer Director of Marketing for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Founder of Southern Kouture
What She Says:
"I believe that you should always maintain your femininity in whatever respect that means. Do not feel like you have to tone down who you are or be someone you're not. Your employer hired you because of who you are, not someone who they are forcing you to be (or who you think they want you to be). [To me] femininity means different things for every woman, and you should be comfortable in your own femininity and own it. If your boss wanted to hire someone else, they would have. They hired you because of the diverse perspectives you can bring to the table. My advice?
"Be a boss babe and bring your light, amazing hustle, and energy to every space you occupy."
2.Marquetta Moore
What She Does:
Director of Music & Celebrity Relations at REVOLT TV
What She Says:
"One challenge that I have faced and have overcome is making sure that my voice is always heard. I know my job better than anyone else at the table, which is why I am there, so I had to learn to not let my suggestions be swept to the side. I have affirmed myself as a leader by remaining consistent and truthful, and always standing by my beliefs."
"As women, our femininity is maintained by being who we individually are."
"Every woman's feminine side is expressed differently, and it is unique to the individual, which is why it is important to always be yourself."
Her Advice To Boss Women:
- Always speak up, no matter who is in the room. Your opinion matters!
- Maintain a healthy work/life balance.
- Find your tribe of sisters and cherish them. You will keep each other going when things seem impossible.
3.Sherita Nzali
What She Does:
Experienced HR professional, working in Silicon Valley
What She Says:
"My strength is that I am okay with being me. I am very clear on what type of leader I want to be and how I want people to see me in the workplace. I think sometimes we get in our own heads when it comes to what leadership should look like. My perspective is, find out what works for you and own it!"
"When you're comfortable in your own skin, it's hard for people to knock you off your square."
"While Corporate America certainly is male-dominated, I don't see male leaders or coworkers as roadblocks, I see someone who has a different perspective or someone I'd like to collaborate with on a project. Mutual respect goes a long way and when I'm challenged by a male leader or coworker, I take the same approach as I would with anyone."
Her Advice To Boss Women:
- Don't try to think like a man. Embrace your femininity and think like a woman; that, in itself, is powerful.
- Be confident, but don't fake it. Get to know yourself and get comfortable in that space. Whether you are truly confident or "pending" confident, people will listen to you and they will have expectations that you can deliver. If you plan to keep your brand intact, you must deliver – so be prepared.
- Be self-compassionate. It's important to know your strengths and areas of opportunity. It's also important to actively work on those growth areas – and forgive yourself when you're not quite there.
- Be a champion – for yourself AND other women. Celebrate others' accomplishments and put the practice of shade aside.
4.Brittney Hill
What She Does:
Transformational HR Operations Leader
What She Says:
"An organization I once worked with was not only predominantly male, but also more senior in age. Admittedly, at first, I questioned myself a lot thinking, 'How do I get them to see me?' Not only see me as an equal, but also see me as an individual that is able to provide value of substance."
"At the time, the organization was in transformation and growth mode, which presented the opportunity for me to assist in strategic projects. So I took this challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities and values, in spite of my gender and age. I was able to lead and implement a series of strategic initiatives that gave me attention, which helped me gain credibility."
"I believe there is a constant battle when you are the minority in gender and age, fighting to be an equal at the table, especially when alignment of management is needed for consensus to move the organization forward. But instead of feeling defeated and accepting that I was seen as inferior, I persisted. I soon realized my competence and my confidence in myself was my greatest asset in gaining confidence by my peers, superiors, and company as a whole."
"Through the years, I've maintained my femininity by displaying to my peers and leaders that I don't have to take on the role of a male in order to be a valued contributor. I always celebrate my values and what I bring to the table as a female, and see those as strengths."
"I don't conform by participating in male-driven discussions or activities, if it borders on the loss of who I am and compromises me as a respectable, professional female."
"It's important for females like myself and others to remember not to play into the good ol' boy segment. When you think the only way to survive and advance is to start playing into the good ol' boy network, then you've lost your feminine identity to become one of them. Find a way to celebrate your femininity and use every opportunity to ensure that other people around you understand that you approach things with the professional views of being a female."
How do YOU maintain your femininity in a male-dominated workplace? Share your tips below!
- Women in Male-Dominated Industries and Occupations | Catalyst ›
- Women who succeed in male-dominated careers are often seen ... ›
- Women in Male-Dominated Careers — Cornell HR Review ›
- Success Tips For Women In A Male-Dominated Industry ›
- Women in male-dominated industries - what it's like to experience ... ›
- 10 Powerful Ways Woman Can Succeed in a Male-Dominated World ›
- The Skills You Need As A Woman In A Male Dominated Industry | Time ›
- 30 Women Who Have Revolutionized A Male-Dominated Industry ... ›
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
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.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Tisha Campbell Shares Why She Got A Mommy Makeover & And We’re Here For The Transparency
Tisha Campbell is still here. Here. Here. Here. (If you know, you know.) The 56-year-old actress and singer is living her life loudly and without apology, all while keeping it real about the work she's had done.
While gracing the 2025 BET Awards red carpet last week, the My Wife & Kids alum let it be known that she has nothing to hide as she revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she recently had a mommy makeover. "I had extra skin from the baby and a little bit of droppage here and a little bit of droppage there," she shared with the outlet as an exclusive. "They tighten me together."
The mother of two shared that changing her body wasn't about anyone else; it was first and foremost about pleasing herself. "I'm a single mom, not ready for dating," she added. "But I just wanted to feel good for me."
Why Tisha Campbell Chose to Share About Her Plastic Surgery
Tisha isn't new to keeping it a buck and has always been transparent about subjects that others might shy away from, whether it's about her decision to walk away from the show that put her on the map as an actor or her decision to walk away from a 22-year marriage to ex-husband Duane Martin. Cosmetic surgery is simply another topic for the Tisha to be open about.
Even in a post-BBL era, cosmetic procedures are something that is still taboo to talk about, especially among women in Hollywood who have spent decades in the public eye, like Tisha. The self-proclaimed "open book" shared her why behind disclosing her surgery:
"I just think it's more important for people to know why one does it. If you wanna feel good about you. And I just wanted to be honest about it," she told ET. "I think it's more important, to be honest, to know that you know I didn't all this by myself. It's nice to be a little bit more snatched around that area."
Tisha Campbell is serving confidence and honesty about her mommy makeover 👶✨ #BETAwards #tishacampbell #kyliejenner #mommymakeover
So, What Is a Mommy Makeover?
For those who are unfamiliar, a "mommy makeover" refers to a combination of cosmetic procedures and can differ for every woman depending on her personal goals. While the overarching intention of a mommy makeover is often to "restore" their bodies to their "pre-baby" status, the procedures are customizable and ultimately based on what feels good to her personally.
This might look like a tummy tuck or liposuction, a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, a labiaplasty, or any other nips and tucks that support how they feel in their bodies after giving birth.
What stood out in Tisha's clip wasn't just her transparency in action, but also the intention behind her decision to have surgery. She waited until her sons Xen, 23, and Ezekiel,15, were older to have her procedure and made it clear that she centered herself in her choice. In her new season life, this is how she is honoring herself.
"For me. It's not for everybody, it's for me."
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Featured image by Rob Latour/Shutterstock