Founded in 2011 by Lauren Wesley Wilson, ColorComm has been a driving force for advancing women of color in communications, marketing, advertising, and media by providing resources, mentorship, and connections. At the 9th Annual ColorComm Conference, Edelman joined over 400 women of color in engaging discussions on business, community, and inclusion.
This year’s ColorComm sessions were filled with wisdom that transcends industries, emphasizing the importance of owning your career, pushing boundaries, and speaking up. Success is often about creating your own path—and the six takeaways below are a testament to the power of voice, courage, and intentionality in driving professional and personal growth:
1. Treat Your Health Like a Business—Promote Yourself to CEO
Taking charge of your health is akin to running a business: it requires strategic planning, decision-making, and prioritization. Elevate yourself to the CEO role by setting goals, making informed decisions, and proactively investing in your well-being. Your health is your most valuable asset—manage it with the same attention and care you'd give to a thriving business.
2. Speak Up and Unlock Your Potential
Success begins with speaking up for yourself. Whether it’s advocating for a project, asking for a raise, or sharing ideas in a meeting, finding your voice is crucial. Many of us hesitate, fearing that we might say the wrong thing or be dismissed. But staying silent means missing out on opportunities. Remember, no one can know what you need or what you're capable of unless you voice it. By speaking up, you create opportunities for collaboration, recognition, and growth.
3. Brilliance Comes from People Willing to Take a Risk
Growth requires courage. Playing it safe may feel comfortable, but true brilliance emerges when you step outside of the familiar and embrace the unknown. Whether it’s taking on a new project, making a lateral move, or starting something entirely different, taking risks is the path to innovation and unexpected breakthroughs.
4. Change the Things You Cannot Accept
If there’s something in your professional or personal life that doesn’t align with your values or holds you back, make it a priority to change it. Whether it’s challenging unfair practices, addressing workplace culture issues, or redefining norms that limit your potential, push for changes that reflect your vision of equity and justice. Change starts with you-make it happen.
5. Don’t Block a Yes for Fear of a No
Fear of rejection can be daunting but don’t let the fear of hearing "no" stop you from asking for what you want. Whether it’s asking for a promotion, pitching an ambitious project, or proposing a new way of doing things, don’t self-sabotage by anticipating a negative outcome before you even try. Pursue the "yes" and trust that your ideas, ambitions, and requests are worth putting on the table. You might be surprised by how often the answer will be in your favor.
6. Believe in the Theory of Succession Planning
Think beyond your immediate role and focus on the bigger picture of your career. Succession planning isn’t just for senior leaders; it’s about preparing for the next opportunity. Invest in mentorship, both as a mentor and mentee, and prepare for future leadership by honing your skills today. The idea is to build a legacy that lasts, by ensuring you are not only elevating yourself but also paving the way for others to follow. When you’re ready to move up, be sure you’ve helped someone else rise with you.
Sharon Cho is the VP of the Multicultural team based in the U.S., Chanel Lake is the SVP of Influencer Marketing, Faith McIver is a Senior Manager on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, and Iasha Watson is a Senior Account Supervisor for the Workplace Advisory team.
