Black Excellence at What Cost?
BIPOC Executive Search Inc.
Specialists in the recruitment of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, staunch allies, & a 1-stop shop for EDIA services
“You have to be twice as good as them to get half of what they have.” This quote comes from an emotional scene between Rowan and Olivia in the ground-breaking television series Scandal, created by the visionary Shonda Rhimes. Olivia’s relentless pursuit of power through intellect, romance, fashion, and strategic acumen resonates deeply with many viewers, embodying a standard of achievement that many Black professionals aspire to. However, this quote also underscores the common experience of needing to exceed expectations to succeed—an experience that will resonate with many Black professionals. The attitude embodied in this interaction, while on the one hand motivating, also highlights the extra burdens and challenges that many Black individuals face in their careers.
Striving to be ‘twice as good’ often comes at a burdensome cost, as seen in the pressures faced by Black professionals in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to a global recognition of how work-related pressures can impact mental health and contribute to stress-related illnesses. Recent news stories in North America have highlighted the achievements of Black women professionals and scholars, alongside the extra scrutiny and judgment they often endure. From the controversy surrounding the resignation of former Harvard University President Dr. Claudine Gay to the tragic passing of Dr. Antoinette ‘Bonnie’ Candia-Bailey of Lincoln University of Missouri, we see that Black women must continue to strive for respect and equality in their fields against much adversity. Beyond the regular professional pressures they are faced with, they must also push for societal change at the same time embodying resilience and determination in the face of harsh conditions. This is a tall order for any individual.
Given these challenges, it’s crucial to create spaces where professionals from historically marginalized communities can find support, understanding, and opportunities for growth. Our firm—BIPOC Executive Search—recognizes the importance of fostering inclusive environments, where individuals can thrive without the added burden of masking or hiding their true selves. Within such spaces, Black professionals will be able to excel despite such obstacles. In this way we support the work towards building a world in which Black individuals can continue to break barriers.
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We invite you to connect with us, whether it’s to discuss your career aspirations, share ideas or simply to vent about the challenges you face. As you reflect on your own journey, consider: What steps can I take to amplify voices that might be overlooked in my industry? Let’s work together to dismantle barriers and create a more equitable future. Together, let's strive for progress, not perfection!
Writers: Avery Jackman Jessica Horton, MS and DT Miller
Editor: Chad Lawrence
Global HR and Operations Leader | DEI Champion | Organizational Transformation | Change Management
8 个月Thank you for sharing this insightful piece. The poignant truth of having to be ‘twice as good’ is a reflection of systemic issues that have long required attention. The work of organizations like BIPOC Executive Search is vital in creating the inclusive spaces needed for true meritocracy. It’s also a call to action for each of us to actively participate in amplifying marginalized voices and dismantling barriers, even when you yourself might be one of those voices. As an Organizational Transformation Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of diverse, inclusive environments, and I’m committed to advocating for and building structures that not only recognize but celebrate the richness of diversity in talent and thought.
Registered Social Worker/Wellness Navigator, Remote Private Practice Social Worker for Ontario residents / Licensed Minister /IWK Child &Youth Mental Health & Addictions Worker
9 个月Amen!!!
Manager at the Intersection of Data and Social Impact.
9 个月I am glad that the collective has invested in this conversation; from addressing not all skin-folk are kin-folk, to being sensitive about the burden of representation, to non-BIPOC advocates navigating the challenge of extracting talent in light of issues such as wage disparity, holding space to unpack, navigate, and invest in innovative solutions beyond February is an example of courageous leadership. Thanks for going beyond the echo chamber to include diverse experiences/narratives among the BIPOC community. Mindful of my social location and how I take up space, allow me to express gratitude for the opportunity to learn from this group.
Certified Trauma-Informed Practitioner & Consultant | Specialist in Nervous System Regulation, Attachment Theory, and Intuitive Healing | Helping People and Organizations Build Safe, Authentic, and Trusting Spaces
9 个月You should look into "weathering". It's a term used to capture the impacts of just being black in society has on our health. Even if we aren't trying to jump classes, just maintain our current existence takes a toll on our health that it doesn't on others. So then when you get into "excellence" you're adding more to it. There's a huge cost. https://www.amazon.com/Weathering-Extraordinary-Stress-Ordinary-Society/dp/0316257974
Helping You Prevent and Recover From Burnout | Empowering professionals with the strategies to preserve their mental well-being amidst the challenges of stress and burnout | Authoring a Book on Stress/Burnout
9 个月BIPOC Executive Search Inc., What do you feel the list of underlying reasons are that there is a need to do 2x as much to get half as much?