Not long ago, I wrote an article titled “5 Things Women Leaders Should Stop Doing. Today.” on LinkedIn that was viewed by over 13,000 readers. Judging by the feedback, their favorite bit of advice was “Stop making yourself small so others can feel big.” Response to the article confirmed what I intuitively know. Many women leaders share … Read More
I can’t recall when I first realized I “worried” more than the average person. While the consciousness came later, the signs were present early. My aunts tell stories of a very young Tara turning away from people who tried to say hello. “You were so serious!” they recall. My godparents remember finding me in my … Read More
Gender equality is more than a notion. It’s one thing for corporate America to change its mind about the role of women in high-level leadership positions. That takes commitment, culture change, and accountability. It’s another thing entirely to actively and intentionally prepare women to lead in a way that leverages their unique abilities. I recently … Read More
1. Raise your own leadership high bar. You don’t have to compete with other women leaders. Collaborate with them, learn from them, offer your talents and experience. Build together, and see how much more distance you can cover. 2. You were born with a purpose. There is a calling … Read More
Most leadership experts believe there are fundamental truths at the heart of effective leadership and professional advancement. While I agree in theory, I also recognize how tempting it can be to treat the leadership journey like a check list. Every truth – if interpreted too concretely – is potentially misleading, and can cause us to make … Read More
We’re going to talk about workforce diversity, but first, let’s go back. It’s 1994 – two decades after the birth of the personal computer, and roughly two decades before now. I was a sophomore working in the computer lab at Spelman College in Atlanta. In 1994, personal computer household penetration was 24%. A few women … Read More
Whenever I speak or teach, someone in the audience always asks about my purpose journey. Of course, we look to others’ experiences as a guide of sorts – why and how did you do that? And what, if anything, can I learn from it? I imagine those who inquire feel they have greater value to … Read More
2015 has been quite the year. In January, I declared it “The Year of Purpose,” and vowed to let my purpose inspire my behaviors, choices, and approach to relationships. I’ve learned a lot about what Saying YES looks like practically speaking, and have experienced a true transformation of sorts. Now that the “season of gratitude” … Read More
