Why Black Women Leaders Thrive with Black Women Coaches

January 22, 2025

Leadership is lonely. But for Black women leaders, it’s not just lonely, it’s a tightrope walk.

We navigate boardrooms where our voices are often questioned and our presence is seen as a rarity.

We are tasked with being bold but not too aggressive, brilliant but not threatening, and above all, perfect.

This isn’t just anecdotal.

Research shows Black women hold only 1.6% of C-suite roles in Fortune 500 companies.

While we’re more likely to pursue leadership development opportunities, the reality is most coaching relationships fail to address our unique needs.

That’s why culturally aligned coaching matters.

In a 2023 study on the experiences of Black women leadership coaches, researchers uncovered powerful truths about the impact of coaching relationships built on shared culture, empathy, and trust.

The findings affirm what many of us already know: Black women thrive when coached by Black women.

Here’s why:

1. Empathy: We Get It

When you’re the “only one” in the room, you don’t need to explain why microaggressions sting, why you over-prepare for meetings, or why you carry the unspoken pressure to represent an entire race.

Black women coaches inherently understand these experiences. Our shared journeys mean we can move past explaining and dive straight into transformation.

Empathy creates a space where you can be vulnerable without fear of judgment—a space that’s vital for growth.

2. Trust: Safe Spaces for Real Talk

Let’s be honest: Trust is harder to build when someone doesn’t understand your lived reality.

With Black women coaches, there’s an unspoken understanding—a cultural shorthand—that makes trust-building faster and more natural. Transparency and candor are not just welcome; they’re expected.

This trust enables real conversations about challenges and opportunities, empowering you to lead authentically and effectively.

3. Authenticity: Bringing Your Whole Self

Corporate culture often demands that we tone down, fit in, or leave parts of ourselves at the door. Black women coaches challenge that narrative.

We remind you that authenticity is a strength, not a liability. In coaching sessions, we encourage you to embrace every facet of who you are, from the boardroom strategist to the community builder.

When you lead authentically, you inspire others to do the same.

4. Resilience: Thriving Despite the Weight

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Being a Black woman in leadership is heavy.

The constant pressure to excel, the race-related stress, and the systemic barriers can take a toll.

Black women coaches understand this weight and equip you with strategies to navigate it.

Studies show that a strong racial identity correlates positively with well-being and resilience.

Coaching relationships that affirm this identity help you lead with confidence, no matter the challenges you face.

What This Means for Black Women Leaders

If you’ve ever felt unseen or misunderstood in traditional coaching spaces, you’re not alone.

But you don’t have to settle for a relationship that doesn’t serve you.

A culturally aligned coach isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. It’s a partnership that acknowledges your brilliance, validates your experiences, and equips you to thrive at the highest levels.

What This Means for Organizations

To the companies hiring, promoting, and retaining Black women executives, it’s time to reimagine what effective leadership development looks like.

This isn’t about optics or performative allyship.

It’s about investing in the tools, resources, and relationships that will unleash the full potential of your talent.

My challenge to you: Pair your Black women leaders with Black women coaches. Provide them with culturally aligned support.

Then watch them transform not only their leadership but your entire organization.

The Legacy We’re Building

Black women in leadership aren’t asking for permission to succeed, we’re already doing the work.

What we’re asking for is a space to lead authentically, with empathy, trust, and resilience.

Because when Black women coach Black women, we create a ripple effect of excellence, equity, and empowerment.

Together, we rise. Together, we lead. Together, we thrive.

Join my mailing list to stay connected for insights, resources, and updates designed to help you thrive as a Black woman executive.

Source: Carter, A.D., Sisco, S., & Fowler, R. (2022, in press). Since We Are, Therefore I Am: Ubuntu And the Experiences of Black Women Leadership Coaches. [Special Issue]. The State of Black Leadership. Consulting Psychology Journal. American Psychology Association.