I'm Not Yelling

"You're on mute." For Black women in corporate America, these words symbolize more than a video-call mishap—they reflect a history of being silenced.

1. Embrace Your Story and Your Voice

Finding and embracing your authentic voice starts with understanding your story. Black women often haven’t taken the time to reflect on their experiences, which can make it hard to discover the power of their voices. Author Elizabeth Leiba emphasizes that self-discovery is essential for growth and empowerment.

Leiba herself had to take this journey. She realized she didn’t fully know who she was beyond her polished professional persona. By embracing her experiences—the good, the bad, and the complex—she uncovered confidence and creativity hidden beneath the surface. Leiba acknowledged the pain of her false arrest at 19, recognized her hard work through multiple degrees, and confronted the limits she had unknowingly imposed on herself.

When she truly owned her story, her life changed. Opportunities like speaking engagements and media coverage followed. People who truly valued her authenticity entered her world, while she let go of spaces where she wasn’t respected. Embracing one’s story unlocks the door to unapologetic self-expression and fuller potential.

Examples

• Leiba's false arrest for a $2.49 battery pack initially buried her in shame but later became a story of resilience.
• Her boldness attracted attention from major outlets like The New York Times and Forbes.
• Reflecting on childhood dreams helped her reconnect with her exuberant, expressive self.

2. Recognize and Reframe Imposter Treatment

Many Black women are labeled as dealing with "imposter syndrome," but Leiba argues the issue isn’t internal doubt—it's external treatment. Instead of believing the narrative of personal inadequacy, she reframes this as "imposter treatment," highlighting societal biases that diminish confidence.

Leiba came to this realization during a revealing conversation with a peer. She recognized that the doubts she harbored weren’t hers but were projected onto her by others questioning her competence. Similarly, microaggressions—subtle yet harmful workplace behaviors—reinforce these feelings by causing women to second-guess their experiences.

Leiba urges Black women to confront this treatment directly. Though initially uncomfortable, challenging colleagues who spoke over her or dismissed her ideas sent a clear message: harmful behaviors were no longer welcome. This doesn’t only change individual workplaces—it lays the foundation for broader cultural shifts.

Examples

• Leiba noticed her supposed "imposter syndrome" vanished when the environment became supportive.
• Gaslighting at work made her question her capabilities until she chose to confront it.
• Addressing microaggressions directly led her team to treat her with greater respect.

3. Free Yourself From Code-Switching

Code-switching—altering language, mannerisms, or appearance to fit workplace norms—feels like a survival tactic but erases authenticity. Leiba describes how years of managing her image, including damaging her hair for conformity, left her feeling stifled and unhappy.

The societal expectation for Black women to suppress their natural selves extends beyond speech to include clothing, accessories, and hairstyles. This pressure erases vibrant individuality for the sake of appearing "acceptable." However, this effort comes at a heavy emotional and psychological cost, making many women feel detached from their true selves.

Quitting code-switching transformed Leiba’s sense of identity. Her decision to embrace her natural afro, bold colors, and lively personality allowed her inner confidence to flourish. By staying authentic in both personal and professional spaces, she reclaimed her joy and self-worth.

Examples

• Leiba traded her relaxed, heat-damaged hair routine for her natural afro.
• She incorporated her love for bright pink lipstick and gold earrings into her professional style.
• Her expressive, animated communication style became consistent across all settings.

4. Challenge Workplace Inequality

Inequality is ingrained in corporate America, and Black women often bear its brunt in isolation. Leiba draws attention to the emotional toll of these systemic biases, advocating for not just awareness but action.

For years, Leiba tolerated unequal pay, being dismissed in meetings, and extra work without acknowledgment. But she also sought change by documenting these disparities and addressing them openly. Speaking out requires bravery, but remaining silent perpetuates the problem.

Advocating for fairness doesn’t just benefit one employee—it has a ripple effect. When one person demands equity, it empowers others to do the same, slowly reshaping workplace norms for future generations.

Examples

• Leiba noted how Black women with mentors earned significantly more over time.
• She called out undermining behaviors in meetings to set boundaries.
• Her willingness to challenge inequality inspired peers to back her actions.

5. Rethink Leadership as Ownership

After finally reaching leadership roles in traditional workplaces, Leiba felt disillusioned by the empty promises of respect and rewards. Like many other Black women, she realized that true power lies in creating one’s own opportunities rather than waiting for others' approval.

More and more Black women are leaving corporate settings to become entrepreneurs, with businesses owned by Black women growing by 50 percent between 2014 and 2019. This movement reflects a shift from conforming to redefining success on their own terms.

Leiba encourages women to explore what leadership means to them. Whether it’s rising within an organization or starting from scratch, pursuing personal fulfillment often yields greater satisfaction—and creates space for others to follow.

Examples

• Leiba chose to leave her corporate role to build projects aligned with her values.
• The entrepreneurial boom among Black women demonstrates this trend.
• Black women with mentors reported earning substantially more than those without.

6. Find and Be a Mentor

Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Having a mentor doesn’t just provide guidance—it also strengthens networks and opens new doors. Leiba highlights the transformative effects mentors had on her path and calls for more women to pay it forward.

Mentorship also boosts career earnings dramatically. A study found that Black women with mentors earn, on average, $22,000 more annually than those without. Beyond financial rewards, mentorship allows women to navigate challenges without feeling alone.

By mentoring others, you create a legacy, contributing to a culture where nobody has to rise alone. It’s a way to encourage growth and dismantle systemic barriers for the long term.

Examples

• Leiba’s success often stemmed from mentors who recognized her potential.
• Black women with mentorship roles reported higher career satisfaction.
• Leiba herself now mentors other young professionals breaking into their fields.

7. Use Affirmations as Ongoing Support

Powerful affirmations can sustain confidence and reinforce self-worth throughout daily challenges. Leiba frequently adopts mantras like "My voice is worthy of respect" to maintain focus and strength.

Affirmations work as mental anchors, reminding women of their value. They build resilience when dealing with systemic challenges by reinforcing what’s true: your presence is valid, your work is valuable, and your goals are achievable.

Practicing affirmations regularly transforms how you approach situations, helping overcome doubts and external negativity.

Examples

• "My story is my power" became a mantra for staying authentic.
• "I belong in every space I enter" countered feelings of exclusion.
• Writing affirmations daily guided her through challenges like confrontation.

8. Celebrate Individuality

Too often, workplaces demand conformity at the expense of individuality. Leiba’s journey illustrates the importance of celebrating what makes you unique instead of hiding it to fit in.

From her Caribbean heritage to her bold, expressive personality, Leiba leaned into authenticity as a source of strength and creativity. By standing out, she didn’t just thrive—she inspired others to do the same.

This celebration is about claiming space unapologetically and recognizing that individuality enriches any environment.

Examples

• Leiba’s colorful fashion choices became a trademark of her confidence.
• Her LinkedIn posts openly discussed topics other professionals wouldn’t touch.
• She brought her full cultural identity to her projects and public speaking.

9. Advocate for a More Equitable Future

Every act of self-affirmation, boundary-setting, or mentorship contributes to a wider push for equity. Leiba calls for each woman to consider how her actions will impact the next generation.

Leiba believes transformation happens one person at a time. By stepping into your power, you help create workplaces where respect and fairness thrive—for yourself and for others.

This ripple effect is what ultimately changes the culture, making space for diverse voices and leadership styles.

Examples

• Mentorship programs established by Black entrepreneurs are on the rise.
• Companies responding to advocacy have revisited diversity programs.
• Social media activism by Leiba and others provided a space for collective reflection.

Takeaways

1. Own your story—embrace all aspects of your past and present to deepen your authenticity and confidence.
2. Confront microaggressions and biased behaviors immediately to set boundaries and demand respect.
3. Seek mentorship opportunities, both to grow yourself and to uplift others, investing in a more equitable workplace culture.