Latest / WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk with Elaine Lou Cartas / 31. How to Advocate for Yourself as a WOC in Corporate America with Lindsey Ingram

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31. How to Advocate for Yourself as a WOC in Corporate America with Lindsey Ingram · WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk with Elaine Lou Cartas

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Are you being your most authentic self in the work you do?
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: Be honest.
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: Well, this episode is for you.
• 0:08
  SPEAKER_00: If you're not feeling aligned, you're not feeling like you're being your most authentic self at this current period because you know we're humans, we evolve.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm excited to bring in my powerhouse client.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: We've been working together for two years, and she's young.
• 0:25
  SPEAKER_00: I'm talking about 25 years old.
• 0:29
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm just so jealous.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: I'm just straight up being honest with you all.
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: Because she's been able to accomplish so much at a young age.
• 0:37
  SPEAKER_00: And I can't wait until she is more seasoned because we don't use the word older in this podcast.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: You know what I'm saying?
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: So Lindsay Ingram shares her experience on how she's navigated herself as a woman of color in corporate America.
• 0:52
  SPEAKER_00: And in this interview, she shares how she's been able to speak up and how you can also speak up and be listened to.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: And Lindsay will share how she left her career that she's no longer aligned to and help you identify what markets to look for.
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: And Lindsay also shares how she doubled her salary, and more importantly, how she's a lot happier.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: All right, enough of me talking.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: Let's drop the beat.
• 1:44
  SPEAKER_00: Because our ancestors sacrificed so much so we can have this life of choice.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: Now, grab your coffee, tea, andor boba, and let's call your dreams too.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: Create your legacy.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: Hey legacy makers.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the newest Color Your Dreams episode.
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_00: And excited to have this powerhouse.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: I always call her a powerhouse.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: My client, Lindsay Ingram, who we worked together a year, a year and a half.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: Lindsay, remind me.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_01: It's been, it's been since like the start of the pandemic.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_01: So two years?
• 2:24
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: Happy Tier anniversary, babe.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, this is actually a two year anniversary celebration.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: So two years and uh Lindsay, she is only 25.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: I always forget.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: And sure, I could share how she's doubled her income, but she's a market director for a vision care company.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: So I don't know, guys.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: We have a big boss here.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: And I know a lot of you have listened and given business tips, had my business coaching clients, but I wanted to mix it up and bring someone who I've helped with their career.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: And the theme of this episode is talking about advocating for yourself as a woman of color in corporate America.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: And I think we can all agree that is an interesting thing to talk about in the past, you know, since we were born, or even prior to that.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: But Lindsay, anything else?
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for coming.
• 3:21
  SPEAKER_00: Anything else you want to share and brag about yourself?
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, I think you kind of covered a lot of the bragging about me.
• 3:27
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm sure we'll get into more of it.
• 3:29
  SPEAKER_01: But I'm just excited that you're having me on the podcast.
• 3:31
  SPEAKER_01: As Elaine has said, we've been working together for two years, and she's gone from being a stranger that I found on the internet to being my career coach to being a good friend of mine.
• 3:42
  SPEAKER_01: So just very excited to be here today.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: And the first time we met was actually the an in-person event, a Claire James event, January prior to the pandemic starting, and then things close off.
• 3:57
  SPEAKER_00: But anyways, we're not gonna talk about the crazy times.
• 4:00
  SPEAKER_00: We're gonna actually nothing was the same.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, we're just gonna, I, you know, my intentions for all of you to hear Lindsay's story and some takeaways and actions that you can take away, especially for fellow women of color and allies listening who want to know how to advocate for themselves in corporate America.
• 4:21
  SPEAKER_00: So when you started your career, what were challenges you had as a woman of color that you faced?
• 4:27
  SPEAKER_00: And how did you overcome it?
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: Obviously, you don't share the companies that it was, but in general.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_01: I think a big thing that women of color, and I'm a black woman, go through, is figuring out how you fit into the company and kind of how you can act at the company.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_01: Not saying that there is a certain way for you to act, but of course, you know, we are taught that in a corporate space, we have to bring our best self.
• 4:53
  SPEAKER_01: We have to bring the self that is going to be approved of, and that might not always be who we are at heart.
• 5:01
  SPEAKER_01: So I think that was a big thing for me is going to work every day and putting on this persona that was not truly me and doing that for eight hours, sometimes longer, and then coming home.
• 5:12
  SPEAKER_01: And the lines start to blur because when you start to act like somebody that you're not for a while, you start to become that person.
• 5:19
  SPEAKER_01: And I found that since I was moving so far away from who I was, I wasn't happy with who I was.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_01: And I was very angry and upset about things.
• 5:29
  SPEAKER_01: And it was time to make a change because Elaine just kind of sat me down and told me, like, hey, I get it.
• 5:35
  SPEAKER_01: We go through like hard times, but like you're harboring a lot of anger.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_01: And I think it's deeper than this.
• 5:41
  SPEAKER_01: So finding the right place and finding the right job really did a turnaround for me.
• 5:46
  SPEAKER_01: You can ask Elaine, like, being at my current company, I've really found my place and it feels good.
• 5:52
  SPEAKER_01: And I think there's a visible change in who I am because of it.
• 5:57
  SPEAKER_00: There is.
• 5:58
  SPEAKER_00: You're just a lot happier and living a holistic life.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, Lindsay is now a cat mama, and I think it was like about a year ago, you have a dog.
• 6:08
  SPEAKER_00: So cat, yeah, you both have a cat and a dog.
• 6:12
  SPEAKER_00: I don't think that would have been possible before because you were just so stressed out.
• 6:17
  SPEAKER_00: One of the things that comes up when I'm doing career coaching as well as business coaching is balancing, you kind of talked about it, your identity.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_00: You know, when someone says something and having that emotion come in, how do you process that?
• 6:34
  SPEAKER_00: And then how do you communicate that to a colleague or a boss and not make it personal?
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_00: Because I also want to let people know like emotions are valid, but I think we could just learn and grow from it.
• 6:45
  SPEAKER_00: So, how do you balance your own identity being in corporate America?
• 6:49
  SPEAKER_01: I think it first starts with who you are and being comfortable in who you are and saying, This is Lindsay, and this is the person that I want to bring, want to work with me based off of who I truly am, not some persona that I create.
• 7:03
  SPEAKER_01: And then it's also just finding a place in people whose support's a really important aspect is finding people that want to help you grow because that's honestly what's propelled me to where I am, is just having those people who see the talent in me and are like, you know what?
• 7:19
  SPEAKER_01: I'm gonna help you in any way that I can.
• 7:21
  SPEAKER_01: And just slowly over time learning that like I didn't, there was no reason for me to change who I was.
• 7:27
  SPEAKER_01: Like Graham is great, and it's just learning that for yourself and also having other people tell you, like Elaine, and just having those constant reminders and having the people around you who see the best in you, even when you don't see it in yourself.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_00: I love what you said.
• 7:43
  SPEAKER_00: You shouldn't have to change for another company, and you should always be true to yourself.
• 7:50
  SPEAKER_00: And if you're giving feedback to a colleague or boss that they're willing to hear it and grow from it and learn from it, you know, it's not about who is right or wrong, it's learning to understand one another.
• 8:04
  SPEAKER_00: So, how did you find a company that valued you holistically?
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_00: You know, what advice would you have and what advice would you have to others where they're finding themselves, I can't be myself here?
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_00: How do I leave?
• 8:15
  SPEAKER_00: How do I find another company?
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_00: I know it's something that you and I have worked on when we were working together.
• 8:20
  SPEAKER_00: So, what do you want to share in your journey?
• 8:22
  SPEAKER_01: I think one, ask people, like talk to your friends.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, you want to talk to people who are going to keep that you're looking for a job and confidence if that's what you want.
• 8:32
  SPEAKER_01: But talk to people at other companies, see what their work life is like, what their company culture is like, their benefits and how they're getting paid.
• 8:40
  SPEAKER_01: Because of course, with the way that gas prices are and inflation, you know, you want to get paid well.
• 8:45
  SPEAKER_01: You want to have those benefits that secure you.
• 8:47
  SPEAKER_01: And then when you're interviewing for jobs, ask them questions.
• 8:51
  SPEAKER_01: Like think about the things that you were not happy with at your previous company and turn it into a question so that you can understand if that's something that you're going to go through at the next company or if you know you need to keep looking.
• 9:04
  SPEAKER_01: So for example, for me, being a black woman, working for a company that not only sees the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, but puts their money where their mouth is, actually puts action behind their words and supports their employees that come from marginalized backgrounds and lifting them up, ask them questions.
• 9:25
  SPEAKER_01: So that's what I did.
• 9:26
  SPEAKER_01: I asked them questions.
• 9:27
  SPEAKER_01: What are your DEI efforts?
• 9:29
  SPEAKER_01: You know, how are you all trying to change these things?
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_01: And by asking those questions, I learned that, okay, this is a company that is putting their foot in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.
• 9:40
  SPEAKER_00: I'm just gonna joke around.
• 9:41
  SPEAKER_00: It's kind of like dating, guys.
• 9:42
  SPEAKER_00: Actually, it is dating, right?
• 9:44
  SPEAKER_00: It's asking, hey, do you believe in monogamy or polygamy?
• 9:48
  SPEAKER_00: And there's no right or wrong, just making sure you're on the right stage, right?
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_00: Or like, where are you at right now?
• 9:53
  SPEAKER_00: Do you see marriage?
• 9:54
  SPEAKER_00: Do you want kids?
• 9:55
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, I don't think I've shared this in my podcast episode, but my boyfriend asked me, what's your credit score on our third date?
• 10:03
  SPEAKER_00: I'm like, what?
• 10:04
  SPEAKER_00: But you do need to be up front because you have to think about it.
• 10:08
  SPEAKER_00: When you're spending nine to five out, like 9 a.m.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_00: to 5 p.m.
• 10:12
  SPEAKER_00: at a job, you better enjoy it.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_00: Right.
• 10:16
  SPEAKER_00: And asking those value-based questions.
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_00: And I think that's what's new and so great for our generation, because it's not the loyalty where if you stay there forever, they're gonna promise you a pension and social security and all that stuff.
• 10:33
  SPEAKER_00: It's like, we don't even know we're gonna have that for our generation.
• 10:36
  SPEAKER_00: So, what are you doing to keep us making sure it's aligned with your values?
• 10:39
  SPEAKER_00: What Lindsay is sharing in terms of connecting with people, and I'll have this in another episode of doing those target market calls.
• 10:47
  SPEAKER_00: Put a list together of people.
• 10:49
  SPEAKER_00: That's what we worked on.
• 10:50
  SPEAKER_00: Like, put a list of people together that you want to connect with and ask those questions of what do you enjoy about your company?
• 10:56
  SPEAKER_00: What are their DI values?
• 10:58
  SPEAKER_00: What made you decide to work with them?
• 11:00
  SPEAKER_00: What advice do you have for me to find a company like that?
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_00: Do you have anyone that I could talk to?
• 11:06
  SPEAKER_00: One or two people.
• 11:07
  SPEAKER_00: If you notice it wasn't the, hey, do you have a job for me?
• 11:11
  SPEAKER_00: It's like asking for sex on a first date.
• 11:14
  SPEAKER_00: Go ask questions.
• 11:15
  SPEAKER_00: Any other advice you have when it comes to doing those target market calls when you were transitioning and finding a job that was more aligned?
• 11:22
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, I think it's also being open to talking to people who don't have a similar experience to you.
• 11:29
  SPEAKER_01: So what was really important to me was connecting to women of color who had been in corporate.
• 11:34
  SPEAKER_01: But not all of the women that Elaine connected me to were black women.
• 11:38
  SPEAKER_01: They came from different backgrounds, different parts of the country.
• 11:41
  SPEAKER_01: So it's important to get a different perspective because, you know, one of the women she introduced me to was in her 40s and I'm 25.
• 11:47
  SPEAKER_01: We have a completely different experience, but there are things that I can still learn from her of her experiences.
• 11:53
  SPEAKER_01: Maybe she went through a challenge that she shared with me that someday along the way I'm going to think of and be like, oh, I remember that so-and-so told me this is how she handled that situation.
• 12:03
  SPEAKER_01: Let me see if that works for me.
• 12:04
  SPEAKER_00: How did she get over that?
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_00: Because a challenge that a lot of women of color have is asking for help.
• 12:11
  SPEAKER_00: Right.
• 12:11
  SPEAKER_00: We grew up where it's like you could figure this stuff out on your own and you were seeking for help.
• 12:16
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, you work, you've worked with me, you connected with the network I've given you and other women of color.
• 12:22
  SPEAKER_00: What advice would you have to get over that hurdle as opposed to nope, I could figure this out on my own.
• 12:27
  SPEAKER_00: It will just come to me.
• 12:29
  SPEAKER_01: I've definitely tried the I can figure it out on my own route.
• 12:33
  SPEAKER_01: And it doesn't work because I don't know everything.
• 12:35
  SPEAKER_01: And by working with other people, seeking that feedback, you are pulling together all these different brains with all this different experience.
• 12:44
  SPEAKER_01: And you can go so much further.
• 12:47
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, you can go far by yourself.
• 12:48
  SPEAKER_01: We have all of these people that say they they made it to where they are by themselves, but think about how much further you can go if you have a village behind you supporting you.
• 12:58
  SPEAKER_01: It's so much, it feels so much better to go through things when you have people to celebrate the wins with and cry with when things don't go well, when things fail.
• 13:08
  SPEAKER_01: And why would you want to go through that alone?
• 13:11
  SPEAKER_01: You shouldn't have to go through that alone.
• 13:12
  SPEAKER_01: And having other people by your side, it's it's the better way to go through things, having them for the good times and the bad times.
• 13:18
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, guys, I just want to remind all of you, Lindsay's 25 at a market director.
• 13:25
  SPEAKER_00: I'm like, by the time you are 30, you're gonna be in C suite.
• 13:29
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, Lindsay's already a powerhouse, but you were brave enough to ask for help early on.
• 13:35
  SPEAKER_00: You know, actually, yeah, I remember hiring like my first career coach around that time because I realized the people around me couldn't support me.
• 13:44
  SPEAKER_00: And it was weird, a weird concept, right?
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_00: Hire a coach, hire a therapist.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_00: I was like, well, something hasn't been working for people I know, so I need to go do something different.
• 13:54
  SPEAKER_00: And when I did, it's like it was just a game changer of being more happier and more aligned, as cordial as that sounds, and investing in yourself.
• 14:04
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 14:04
  SPEAKER_01: Investing in yourself.
• 14:06
  SPEAKER_01: So many people say to like, you know, put others first.
• 14:11
  SPEAKER_01: And this is the time in your early 20s, that is the time in your life to be selfish about things, to really put that effort into yourself, because that's the most time that you'll have to yourself in your life.
• 14:23
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, like if you're a person that plans on getting married, having a family, when you're in your 20s, if you haven't done that, that's like your chance to like really go out there and just mess up and figure out what works for you and what doesn't.
• 14:35
  SPEAKER_01: Like this is our trial and error phase.
• 14:37
  SPEAKER_00: And look what happens.
• 14:38
  SPEAKER_00: You found what you want, right?
• 14:41
  SPEAKER_00: And and that goes to my next question.
• 14:44
  SPEAKER_00: You found a company that values DENI.
• 14:48
  SPEAKER_00: How did you advocate for more DI measures?
• 14:51
  SPEAKER_00: And just for you guys to know, I believe, Lindsay, you didn't you do a presentation with a VP, if I remember?
• 14:56
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, we did.
• 14:57
  SPEAKER_01: It was like a discussion call amongst our vision care employees.
• 15:01
  SPEAKER_01: So we had five of them, and it was to discuss the hate you give, which is a movie.
• 15:07
  SPEAKER_01: And they were amazing.
• 15:08
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, that they were discussion groups for employees to talk about what emotions the movie brought up, how they felt, and how it applied to their lives.
• 15:16
  SPEAKER_01: And it was the first time that we did it with the entire employee group, but it was such an amazing experience.
• 15:22
  SPEAKER_01: And I was able to lead it with two other phenomenal people, one from our operation side, and then the senior vice president of my division, which was really exciting.
• 15:31
  SPEAKER_00: Congrats.
• 15:31
  SPEAKER_00: And I know recently I actually shared with you this certification for DI.
• 15:36
  SPEAKER_00: How did you get your company to sponsor it for you?
• 15:39
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, so I asked.
• 15:42
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, that's the thing, is you won't get anything if you don't ask for it.
• 15:46
  SPEAKER_01: What is it?
• 15:47
  SPEAKER_01: My grandmother says, Close mouths don't get fed.
• 15:50
  SPEAKER_01: So just going and asking and advocating your case.
• 15:54
  SPEAKER_01: So for me, earlier this year, I was invited to lead the discussion work stream that sponsored the events and helped put them together.
• 16:02
  SPEAKER_01: And I'll get to work very closely with the senior vice president of my division.
• 16:07
  SPEAKER_01: But being given that role, I wanted to make sure that I understood all aspects of diversity.
• 16:13
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, I have my own experiences as a black woman, but there are various other facets of diversity that I don't have experiences with.
• 16:21
  SPEAKER_01: You look at disabilities, you look at sexual orientation, I'm a straight woman.
• 16:26
  SPEAKER_01: So there are things within that that, yes, I've talked to friends and you know, I've read up on various things, but I haven't taken the time.
• 16:35
  SPEAKER_01: It's not my lived experience.
• 16:36
  SPEAKER_01: And there's so much more that I need to learn.
• 16:39
  SPEAKER_01: And so I went to my manager, her manager, and the other leaders in my company and just said, hey, this is something that I think would be beneficial for me to bring back to the company and help further my education, especially taking on this additional role of leading our discussion group work stream.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_01: And they were all very supportive of it, very excited for me to be able to bring this back to the company, perhaps teach other people in our division.
• 17:05
  SPEAKER_01: And, you know, it it asking for people to pay for things, even when it's at your company, it's it's it's a little scary.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_01: So I was kind of like, okay, this is a decent amount of money.
• 17:15
  SPEAKER_01: Do I want to ask them to pay for it?
• 17:16
  SPEAKER_01: And it's like, yes, because this is going to help me do my job even better.
• 17:21
  SPEAKER_01: And they agreed and they're supporting me in it.
• 17:24
  SPEAKER_01: So it's really exciting and amazing to see that I have leadership at my company that supports the goals and efforts that I am trying to do and is making sure I have every opportunity to succeed in those goals and efforts.
• 17:38
  SPEAKER_00: Which is different from other jobs and experiences you had.
• 17:44
  SPEAKER_00: But I hope those that are listening is that it is possible to find a company that aligns with your values.
• 17:53
  SPEAKER_00: I get frustrated sometimes when I like see people online where, uh, I left corporate America because they don't believe in this A, B, and C.
• 18:02
  SPEAKER_00: And yes, there are companies that don't, but it's finding the right company that does match and value that.
• 18:10
  SPEAKER_00: And I want people to see what has happened to Lindsay where it is possible.
• 18:16
  SPEAKER_00: But it it was that level of awareness you had where you were unhappy, you couldn't be yourself to okay, what can I do to change?
• 18:27
  SPEAKER_00: What actions you invested in yourself.
• 18:31
  SPEAKER_00: You started networking, doing informational interviews.
• 18:35
  SPEAKER_00: And then from those informational interviews, it led you to your job, but you made sure you're intentional asking those right questions.
• 18:41
  SPEAKER_00: Where are you at with E and I measures?
• 18:44
  SPEAKER_00: Anything else you want to add to how amazing you are and other action items that first can do?
• 18:49
  SPEAKER_01: I think on top of asking questions, it's I I mentioned it earlier, but I have a leadership team that supports me.
• 18:57
  SPEAKER_01: And that is a game changer of having people that have been at the company, are tenured, know the industry, have connections, and having them advocate behind you and knowing that I don't have to do it alone and that they support me in it.
• 19:13
  SPEAKER_01: I think find a company where you have that.
• 19:16
  SPEAKER_01: Find a company where your leaders share the same values that you do because it makes these things, yes, they're always going to be an uphill battle.
• 19:24
  SPEAKER_01: Like creating change is always going to be an uphill battle.
• 19:27
  SPEAKER_01: But when you have people at the top that support and believe in the initiatives, it's way less of an uphill battle if you've got somebody pulling you up that hill.
• 19:35
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, so good.
• 19:37
  SPEAKER_00: No, I'm just like kind of like in awe with all the advice that you've given and everything that you've created for yourself, Lindsay, because it took you a while to get here and you're here.
• 19:45
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 19:46
  SPEAKER_00: So I would love for you to share your experience working with me.
• 19:51
  SPEAKER_00: Why did you decide to work with me?
• 19:53
  SPEAKER_00: What did you enjoy about me being your coach?
• 19:56
  SPEAKER_01: Well, I think what well, I found you on what was it, event right?
• 20:01
  SPEAKER_01: One of those things.
• 20:02
  SPEAKER_01: And your event was centered around women of color.
• 20:05
  SPEAKER_01: And that that's one of my biggest identifiers being in corporate America working in vision care, which is a part of the entrance industry.
• 20:13
  SPEAKER_01: You don't see a lot of black women.
• 20:16
  SPEAKER_01: So I was pretty set on finding spaces where I could surround myself with women of color that I could learn from and just be able to spend time with.
• 20:25
  SPEAKER_01: So when I found your event and attended that and was able to speak to you, I was like, okay, let me go to some more of these Elaine events and see how they go.
• 20:33
  SPEAKER_01: Let me let me see if she really gonna help me color my dreams.
• 20:37
  SPEAKER_01: And you were just there to support me and give me feedback.
• 20:41
  SPEAKER_01: And from the very beginning, you just made it very clear that you wanted to help me grow, that you just saw something in me and that you were excited to be a part of it.
• 20:51
  SPEAKER_01: And I think that's what really made me want to work with you.
• 20:55
  SPEAKER_01: And then amidst the George Floyd protests and everything else that was happening in May of 2020, you put out a scholarship for Black women.
• 21:04
  SPEAKER_01: And I was like, okay, this is my opportunity to work with Elaine and being able to have that scholarship and work with you, it showed me that it wasn't about the money to you, that you really did want to help me grow.
• 21:16
  SPEAKER_01: So I was like, okay, if somebody is going to put this into me and is willing to put this much into me without me giving them a ton of money, like this is somebody that really wants to help me soar.
• 21:32
  SPEAKER_01: And I worked for you for what, like a year and a half, I think.
• 21:35
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, year and a half, two years.
• 21:37
  SPEAKER_01: And it was phenomenal because it was just I learned so much from you, but you also gave me that raw feedback when I needed it.
• 21:44
  SPEAKER_01: So we call her Tiger Mama.
• 21:46
  SPEAKER_01: She will put you in check when you need it.
• 21:48
  SPEAKER_01: And you may not always like it in the moment.
• 21:50
  SPEAKER_01: I definitely gave her some eye rolls or my infamous death glares, but it helped me become the person that I am right now, and I'm really grateful for it.
• 21:58
  SPEAKER_00: Oh my gosh.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_00: And it was, it was, I just am so glad that I did that scholarship.
• 22:05
  SPEAKER_00: And then you went from being like the scholarship winner to like continuing to work with me and, you know, paying the amount.
• 22:13
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm just so humbled and honored to have worked with you because just everything you're doing for fellow women of color, the changes that you are creating within your company so that they can celebrate more diversity and create more inclusion.
• 22:29
  SPEAKER_00: And you kind of shared with folks already like how I am as a coach.
• 22:33
  SPEAKER_00: For anyone that's kind of on the sense on wanting to work with me, what advice would you have for them?
• 22:39
  SPEAKER_01: I would say that if you want to work with Elaine, be in the stage of your career where you have your foundation.
• 22:46
  SPEAKER_01: You know, you know that this is the industry that you want to work in.
• 22:49
  SPEAKER_01: You know that this is where your future, at least for the next few years, is, because obviously things can change, but have some longevity there, have some future there and know that, okay, here's my foundation.
• 23:01
  SPEAKER_01: Now I really want to make my systems work for me.
• 23:04
  SPEAKER_01: Now I'm at the stage where I want to find that work-life balance and create the life that I want.
• 23:10
  SPEAKER_01: That's when you're ready to work with Elaine and just be able to figure out how do I give myself the life that I want.
• 23:18
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, yes, I have an amazing job.
• 23:20
  SPEAKER_01: And yes, you know, there are weeks where we're where I'm doing more than 40 hours, but I also have the ability to hang out with my friends and see them and create my own schedule.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_01: And, you know, those are trade-offs that if I know I have somewhere to be, I've got a friend's celebration, I need to leave work a little early one day.
• 23:39
  SPEAKER_01: I can do that.
• 23:40
  SPEAKER_01: There's no one breathing down my neck.
• 23:43
  SPEAKER_01: So I think you just help me learn.
• 23:46
  SPEAKER_01: Like, make sure that you're asking.
• 23:48
  SPEAKER_01: If you're if you're not working for yourself, make sure that you are asking for the things that are going to enable you to live the life that you want.
• 23:56
  SPEAKER_00: You know me so so well, Lindsay.
• 23:58
  SPEAKER_00: You're dropping things for my own branding and messaging.
• 24:01
  SPEAKER_00: Like, are you coloring your dreams?
• 24:03
  SPEAKER_00: Like, do you have your foundations?
• 24:05
  SPEAKER_00: What is the life you want?
• 24:06
  SPEAKER_00: I was like, ooh, Lindsay knows.
• 24:09
  SPEAKER_00: And what has been, I mean, what has been results since working with me?
• 24:14
  SPEAKER_00: You just shared that you have more of a personal life.
• 24:16
  SPEAKER_00: What else do you want to share?
• 24:18
  SPEAKER_01: I've been able to follow my passion at work.
• 24:21
  SPEAKER_01: So, yes, I'm working on vision care, but now I'm being able to see how can we bridge the gap between vision care and DE and I.
• 24:29
  SPEAKER_01: How do we bring this into the work that we're doing?
• 24:31
  SPEAKER_01: And a year ago, I do I would not have thought that this is something that I'd be doing, but it's exciting.
• 24:38
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, you're listening to a podcast, but I'm grinning right now because a year ago, two years ago, I didn't think that I would be in this spot.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_01: So it's just, it's, it's so funny to see how things change in such a short time span.
• 24:51
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I know, Lindsay, you don't mind me sharing, but Lindsay would just cry to me.
• 24:56
  SPEAKER_00: And now she's just smiling, and she's more concerned that her cat and dog are gonna make sounds in the background during this episode.
• 25:04
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, that's a good problem to have, you know.
• 25:07
  SPEAKER_00: And they're laying down now, they're behaving.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_00: And Lindsay, Lindsay actually listens to my podcast episodes.
• 25:14
  SPEAKER_00: I love ending with what is a color your dreams reflective question.
• 25:20
  SPEAKER_00: So can you share that answer that you would like folks to just reflect on?
• 25:26
  SPEAKER_00: Can you be your authentic self where you work?
• 25:30
  SPEAKER_00: That's a good question.
• 25:31
  SPEAKER_00: Can you be your authentic self where you work?
• 25:35
  SPEAKER_00: And what happens if the answer is no?
• 25:37
  SPEAKER_00: Run kidding.
• 25:38
  SPEAKER_01: Is it worse?
• 25:39
  SPEAKER_01: Like, then I think you need to evaluate if that's a company you should still be at.
• 25:44
  SPEAKER_00: And by the way, what I want folks to hear is that doesn't mean you go leave your job.
• 25:49
  SPEAKER_00: That's not what it means.
• 25:50
  SPEAKER_00: No, that's not what it means.
• 25:51
  SPEAKER_01: It doesn't mean like help that company change it and make it a space where you can be your authentic self because every company needs help.
• 25:58
  SPEAKER_01: Like, no, we're not all experts in this, you know, we're trying.
• 26:03
  SPEAKER_01: And if you have people at your company that are willing to take that feedback and try and make that change, that doesn't mean that you need to leave.
• 26:11
  SPEAKER_01: It just means that there's work that needs to be done.
• 26:13
  SPEAKER_01: But if you're seeing resistance to that, then it's worth taking into consideration where is this resistance coming from?
• 26:20
  SPEAKER_01: And is this some, is this an environment that I can see myself being happy in down the line?
• 26:26
  SPEAKER_00: And if it's not, then you just start taking actions like that we mentioned of doing those informational interviews, of connecting with others and learning.
• 26:36
  SPEAKER_00: And the last question is how can people create action?
• 26:41
  SPEAKER_00: Like, what's one action you would like folks to do?
• 26:45
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, okay.
• 26:47
  SPEAKER_01: So if you it was the book that you told me to buy, what is it?
• 26:52
  SPEAKER_01: Nice girls don't get the corner office.
• 26:54
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, it's so good.
• 26:56
  SPEAKER_01: I think an action is buying that book and it's got activities that you'll do.
• 27:00
  SPEAKER_01: So you'll do a little evaluation and it gives you where you have your strengths and your weaknesses.
• 27:07
  SPEAKER_01: So one of my weaknesses was not feeling like I could speak up about things.
• 27:12
  SPEAKER_01: So I would just go along with what was going on in the workplace.
• 27:15
  SPEAKER_01: And it's like, no, even if I didn't like it, even if I thought it wasn't a good idea, I would go along with it and understanding that no, that just that doesn't do anything for anybody.
• 27:23
  SPEAKER_01: Speak up.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_01: And if it's a valid concern, then we work to change it.
• 27:28
  SPEAKER_01: So yeah, I think it's just a great way to kind of get a new perspective on yourself and be able to work on those things and advance those things.
• 27:38
  SPEAKER_00: Well, legacy makers, I hope you took a lot of notes, unless you're driving, that you took mental notes.
• 27:44
  SPEAKER_00: Lindsay, thank you so much for your time and all these tips and advice.
• 27:49
  SPEAKER_00: Of course.
• 27:50
  SPEAKER_00: Happy to help.
• 27:51
  SPEAKER_00: And also, how can people find you if they do want to find you, by the way?
• 27:54
  SPEAKER_00: Forgot to ask.
• 27:55
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, yeah.
• 27:56
  SPEAKER_01: So I have Instagram.
• 27:57
  SPEAKER_01: If you'd like to follow me on Instagram, it is at lens l-in d s underscore K15.
• 28:04
  SPEAKER_01: Um, so you all can follow me there.
• 28:06
  SPEAKER_01: And yeah, or you can connect with me on LinkedIn.
• 28:09
  SPEAKER_01: I have LinkedIn too.
• 28:10
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm sure Elaine will have my info somewhere in the show.
• 28:14
  SPEAKER_00: I'll put it in the show notes.
• 28:15
  SPEAKER_00: That's what I'm doing.
• 28:16
  SPEAKER_00: Fancy.
• 28:17
  SPEAKER_00: I know.
• 28:17
  SPEAKER_00: All right.
• 28:18
  SPEAKER_00: Well, thank you so much, Legacy Makers.
• 28:20
  SPEAKER_00: I'll see you guys in the next episode.
• 28:22
  SPEAKER_00: Legacymaker, aren't you inspired by this powerhouse?
• 28:26
  SPEAKER_00: So don't forget to buy that book.
• 28:28
  SPEAKER_00: Nice girls.
• 28:29
  SPEAKER_00: Don't get the quarter office.
• 28:31
  SPEAKER_00: I'll put in my show notes just in case you want to look it over.
• 28:35
  SPEAKER_00: It's what I recommend to all of my career coaching clients.
• 28:38
  SPEAKER_00: And if you're relating to Lindsay and realize you are not living your most authentic self, just going through the motions.
• 28:47
  SPEAKER_00: And once you just know how you could be happy again, aligned, authentic, and you want to see how it looks like to work together, I would love for you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute legacy career review call where we will identify your personal and professional goals and you'll receive three action items.
• 29:09
  SPEAKER_00: So to get the 30-minute legacy career review call, go to ElaineLew.com forward slash call.
• 29:28
  SPEAKER_00: So more women of color and allies can benefit too.
• 29:34
  SPEAKER_00: And if you have one or two friends that would get so much from this particular episode, please share.
• 29:41
  SPEAKER_00: The intention behind the Color Your Dreams podcast was to contribute and give back to our people.
• 29:48
  SPEAKER_00: All right, we'll see you next Thursday for our newest Color Your Dreams episode.
• 29:54
  SPEAKER_00: And don't forget to color your dreams too.
• 29:57
  SPEAKER_00: Create your legacy.