When discussing success in leadership, particularly for African American/Black women, the typical image often highlights breaking barriers and securing top executive roles. Historical figures such as Madame C.J. Walker and Mary McLeod Bethune set a strong precedent of resilience and achievement despite systemic challenges. Today, while African American/Black women continue to make remarkable strides, there remains significant underrepresentation in leadership.
According to a 2019 report from McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org, African American/Black women represented only 4.8% of senior managers, directors, and vice presidents, and an even smaller 1.4% of C-suite executives in corporate America. With such stark underrepresentation, the few who reach these positions are often regarded as models of success. However, the women interviewed for this study emphasized that success should not be defined solely by job titles or corner offices.
Success Beyond the Title
While breaking into senior positions has proven difficult for African American/Black women due to compounded barriers of racial and gender bias, many see success in more personal and relational terms. One participant expressed that for her, true success was about building meaningful relationships. “Getting my name out there, building rapport, and getting to know people” became her priority in leadership, reflecting a shift away from simply pursuing positions of power. She found that relationships form the bedrock of leadership, a view echoed by experts who emphasize the importance of “social capital” — the goodwill and trust built through authentic relationships.
The Harvard Business Review reinforces this, stating that leaders who prioritize relationships often perform better in the long run. African American/Black women, in particular, leverage their networks to navigate the complex landscape of leadership, where they may face additional challenges due to race and gender.
Another participant described leadership as an act of service, not just as a position of authority. For her, the success of her leadership lay in the trust and unity she cultivated within her team. Research consistently shows that leaders who adopt a service-based mindset, prioritizing the well-being of others, experience higher levels of trust and engagement from their teams. This approach not only enhances team performance but also leads to stronger loyalty and cohesion.
Similarly, one of the participants underscored the importance of valuing people over accomplishments. “The most precious resource we have is our human capital,” she remarked. Her success was not measured by personal achievements but by how she supported and developed those around her. This perspective aligns with findings from the 2020 Catalyst study, which revealed that 80% of African American/Black women in senior leadership roles attribute their success to the collective progress of their teams rather than individual accolades.
Impact Over Position
Success is not always about the position held but rather the impact one has. One participant shared that for her, success meant making a difference in the lives of others—a value instilled by her family. “When I leave, I want it to be that I helped people,” she said. Her leadership journey was driven by the desire to create positive, lasting change, both within her team and in the organization as a whole.
This focus on impact over position is supported by a Center for Talent Innovation study, which found that 85% of African American/Black women leaders define their success based on their influence and the legacy they leave behind. For these women, leadership is not just about attaining high-level roles but about creating a sustainable, meaningful difference for those they lead.
Another participant discussed how her success was tied to the growth of her team. By fostering environments where others could thrive, she measured her leadership not by her own advancement but by the collective growth of those around her. This aligns with research from the Kellogg School of Management, which shows that leaders who invest in their team’s development tend to cultivate more innovative, productive, and loyal teams.
Redefining Leadership for the Next Generation
The leadership experiences shared by African American/Black women executives offer a broader understanding of success—one that transcends conventional markers like titles and positions. Their stories reveal that true success lies in authenticity, service, relationships, and the lasting impact they leave behind.
Despite the ongoing underrepresentation and systemic barriers faced by African American/Black women in senior leadership, the focus is shifting. A 2021 LeanIn.Org study noted that while 59% of African American/Black women aspired to senior leadership roles, they often faced challenges such as racial bias, lack of mentorship, and under-recognition of their contributions. Even with these hurdles, many leaders define success not by their ability to simply overcome adversity, but by how they uplift and empower others along the way.
As leadership for African American/Black women continues to evolve, it is essential to redefine success. It is not just about individual accomplishments or breaking through barriers; it is about forming lasting relationships, uplifting others, and leaving a legacy that goes beyond personal gain. True leadership focuses on service, community, and humanity, helping others rise alongside you.
Key Takeaways:
- Success is more than a title – It’s about relationships, service, and the positive impact on others.
- Impact over position – True leadership is measured by the difference you make, not just the position you hold.
- Leadership through service – Building trust, fostering unity, and caring for others are the core elements of meaningful leadership.
- Legacy matters – Success is defined by helping others grow, not just by individual accomplishments.
- Redefine success – For African American/Black women, success aligns with authenticity, community, and humanity, not just professional advancement.
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Sneak Peek: Upcoming Two-Part Series on Garnering Support
Success, particularly for African American/Black women in leadership, does not happen in isolation. African American/Black women, in particular, rely on robust social networks to navigate the unique challenges of their positions. Building and leveraging these networks is key to advancing in leadership roles.
The next two-part blog series will explore how to cultivate influential relationships and build support systems that are crucial for leadership success. Stay tuned for practical strategies on how to establish a strong professional network and develop a reliable support system that aligns with your leadership journey.
As we dive into this next topic, remember that success is not just about personal advancement; it’s about growing with and supporting others along the way.