There are times in life when we may doubt ourselves, that can either hold us back, or catapult us into new levels of success. Ursula Burns knows this better than anyone.
Burns grew up in poverty, and she was one of the few black girls in her classroom. When she started working in a corporate setting, she was even more of a minority, something many of us know way too well.
Instead of being uncomfortable working for a Fortune 500 company, the engineer found her comfort zone. She moved up the ranks, eventually becoming President and CEO of the printing firm. Burns gave the blueprint of how she did it.
Being the only Black female employee in meetings, Burns stood out significantly. Knowing that all eyes were on her, she used the spotlight to bring her ideas to the company and did not hesitate in making her opinions heard. Instead of being an outcast, the executive became a star.
While all situations are not the same, there is hope when you’re one of few, if not the only, Black person in the room. Just remember that they can’t ignore you. Let your star shine bright.