More companies like Netflix, Lowe’s, and Comcast are working to be more inclusive and diverse, reflective of our multicultural society. There are few dimensions that can help in the advancement of women in leadership roles and the workplace. One of the key dimensions is representation.
Though it may seem trivial to certain communities, representation matters because it contributes and reflects how minorities view themselves and are viewed by society. It’s incredibly important that we’re starting to see the media move to reflect more diverse stories, especially for marginalized women.
Seeing another BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People/Person of Color) achieve great success can propel a woman into action to make that success a reality for yourself and inspire others. Dee Robinson and Rita Scott embody this, and to put it frankly, they both are #goals. Rita Scott, the first black female general manager of a Charleston major media station, recently introduced me to her great girlfriend Dee Robinson over brunch at a well-known establishment – Magnolia’s.
Dee was dressed to kill, exuded confidence and is just boss babe goals x 10. She is a self-made millionaire, business owner, investor, artist, leader and entrepreneur. Founder of the Robinson Hill Group, she was 2017’s Business Leader of Color and amongst incredible company with past Business Leaders of Color members including former First Lady Michelle Obama; Valerie B. Jarrett, former senior advisor to former President Barack Obama; Adela Cepeda, managing director, PFM Financial Advisors LLC, and Board director, UBS Funds, Consulting Group Capital Markets Mutual Funds, Mercer Mutual Funds, and BMO Financial Corporation amongst notable others.
The Robinson Hill Group manages and operates award-winning food & beverage, news & gift concessions stands in travelers’ hubs across the country extending from Chicago’s Navy Pier and Midway National Airport to Boston Logan International, Reagan National, and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airports. Visiting her home was like a dream out of Home and Garden – decadent, plush and everything I have basically ever saved on my Pinterest Board.
The warmth I felt from her embrace reminded me of one of my favorite Serena Williams quotes. More importantly, seeing all that she accomplished (by herself!) was empowering and inspiring as a black woman.
“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.”
~ Serena Williams ~
I was so lucky to have her pour into me and am excited to share a few of the tips she imparted to me to help me feel empowered and FEARLESS.
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Be bold in your convictions and believe in yourself – her famous motto and featured on wristbands she created: “‘I can, I will, I have faith”
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Failures are stepping stones to success. You won’t always get it right but that doesn’t mean you aren’t close or to give up. Learn from your failures and use them as fuel to improve.
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Remain teachable – be open to new experiences
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Invest in yourself and your peace
Meet other C suite women like Dee and gain access to invaluable resources with the C-Suite Directory found here.
Check out the 5Cs of Leadership – how do you rank yourself on each?
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Competence
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Courage (and Compassion)
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Compass
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Communications
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Coaching Skills
Don’t wait to invest in yourself: register for our free March C-Suite Virtual Boss Camp for here!