Breaking the Chains: My Journey from Overcompensation to Embracing a 'Soft Life' in Corporate America?

Every journey of self-discovery starts with a moment of realization. This subtle epiphany reshapes the trajectory of our path—my moment emerged as I navigated the intricate web of Corporate America, facing the myriad challenges that come with being a Black woman in the predominantly White business world.

A Battle to Overcompensate

I often felt the pressure of having to do more than everyone else. This urge wasn't simply about proving my worth and surviving and thriving. As a black woman, I needed to show up earlier, stay later, work harder, and contribute more to ensure I received the same recognition as my colleagues.

With time, this internal narrative became my modus operandi. But as the days turned to months and the months to years, I realized I wasn't merely trying to keep up with my colleagues; I was attempting to overshadow them. Not out of malicious intent but out of a deeply ingrained belief that this was the only way to ensure I was seen, recognized, and appreciated.

Anger Without a Rightful Place

This mindset began to permeate my interactions with my manager. I recall one particular instance when I felt my role and duties exceeded my title. I wanted to function as a leader, even though I had yet to be granted the official title. I was resentful when my manager did not allow me to take on those responsibilities.

My anger wasn't necessarily directed at my manager but at the system. A system that, for so long, had made me feel I needed to overcompensate to earn my place.

Embracing a Soft Life

But as time went on, I began to question this approach.?

• Was it sustainable??
• Was I truly happy??
• Was the recognition and validation I sought even worth the stress and exhaustion?
• Did I REALLY want to continue carrying the weight of a manager with direct reports and not receive all of the benefits that went along with it?

I decided that it wasn't worth the mental, emotional, and energetic struggle. It was time for a radical shift.

I began my journey towards living a 'soft life' in Corporate America. This wasn't about compromising my skills, qualifications, or ambitions. Instead, it was about understanding that my worth was inherent and not tied to the unending hours or the excessive workload.

I started setting boundaries, allowing others to learn even if they were bound to make a mistake, taking time to rest, and saying 'no' when necessary. I began to prioritize self-care and emotional well-being over constant hustle. The transformation was as much internal as it was external. I reminded myself daily of my qualifications, achievements, and the fact that I did not need to overextend myself to prove my worth.

Today and Beyond

Today, I stand proud as a highly qualified Black woman in and outside of Corporate America. Not as someone constantly racing against an invisible clock but as someone who understands her value and refuses to be defined solely by her output.

To every woman, especially every Black and Brown woman in the corporate realm: Your worth is intrinsic. Refrain from letting the systems, the pressures, or the stereotypes dictate your pace. Embrace softness, embrace self-worth, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours.

Your seat at the table is earned, not just by your qualifications but by the very essence of who you are. Embrace that, Queen, and let the world adjust.

An Invitation to Begin Your 'Soft Life' Journey

For those of you who find yourselves nodding in agreement, feeling the weight of constant overextension, or simply yearning for a different approach in Corporate America, there's an opportunity awaiting you.?

I am thrilled to announce a unique masterclass, "Embracing a Soft Life in Corporate America?," scheduled for September 26th from 7-8:30 pm CT.?

Registration doors swing open next week.?

Watch my LinkedIn page for the direct registration link to secure your spot and subscribe to this newsletter. If you prefer a personal touch, slide into my direct messages, and I'll ensure you receive the link as soon as it's up and running.?

For businesses or groups interested in a collective transformation, special arrangements can be made for groups of 10 or more. Kindly reach out to me directly for such registrations.?

It's more than just a masterclass; it's a beckoning towards a softer, more sustainable way of existing in the corporate sphere.?As your Executive Trauma Coach for Black and Brown Women, I highly encourage you to attend!

Join us, and let's co-create a new narrative together!

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Meet Anita Charlot?-?your conscious leadership consultant, trainer, and all-around advisor for conscious leaders and businesses.?Anita digs deep into the big "why's" of your business,?walking you through?how your purpose, values, and social impact can go hand in hand with your bottom line.

She's all about?helping leaders like you make sense of your place in the world, using real-world strategies, metaphysical insights, and philosophical principles to navigate decisions that sync up your business actions?with what matters most for your Black and Brown employees, particularly women in leadership.

Anita is passionate about?guiding leaders through the ins and outs of allyship - from what it means to be an ally to the different levels of it.?She creates a?"no judgment" zone?for you to ask all those "uncomfortable questions"?and helps you?create a supportive environment that forms a "glass bridge" instead of a "glass cliff" for Black and Brown women in leadership roles.

Anita is also the?go-to person for Powerful Women of Color who've dealt with corporate trauma?and are looking to bounce back and thrive, no matter where they work.

If you're a member of the?C-Suite or an up-and-coming leader?who wants to take the first step towards a more conscious and inclusive leadership style, based on your company values, click the link below to book time on Anita's calendar:

www.calendly.com/coachanitacharlot

If you're a?Black or Brown woman?ready to heal from corporate trauma and empower yourself professionally, contact Anita:

https://anitacharlot.com/contact.

For media, speaking gigs, and more, head over to:

www.calendly.com/coachanitacharlot.

Are you ready??

Reach out to Anita Charlot today.?

Let's make a positive change together.