From the streets of Southeast, Washington, DC to the heights of senior leadership in technology - my path defines the power of perseverance and ambition. As a black man, it’s not just about reaching the top but lifting others and creating opportunities as I climb. Unfortunately, my reality is striving to be seen as exponentially better just to level the playing field. Despite these challenges, determination, excellence, and resilience define my journey. It is my responsibility to continue to dismantle biases and assist in creating a world where merit, not stereotypes, paves the way and inspires the next generation of leaders. #BreakingBarriers#ExcellenceOverExpectations#InspireInnovateElevate#BlackExcellence
The most transformative Black women leaders I know have one thing in common:
They lead from a place of deep personal conviction and purpose.
I used to think I had to fit in to succeed as a leader.
But then I realized: My authenticity is my competitive advantage.
Here's how I learned to embrace my unique leadership style:
1. I got clear on my values and let them guide me
2. I owned my strengths and experiences
3. I built meaningful relationships and alliances
4. I practiced courageous self-advocacy
5. I prioritized my growth and well-being
Want to make a real impact as a Black woman in healthcare leadership?
Start by owning your unique power.
Lead with authenticity, speak your truth, and lift others up.
And watch as you create ripples of change that transform the industry.
💥🧠 THIS is what Neurodiversity in Leadership looks like:
"As you progress into leadership roles, and senior leadership roles, you’ll never need a stronger mindset. You have to do the work on understanding yourself and understanding others. You have to have really hard conversations. And as a result of that, you have to develop the courage to be disliked." ~ 🌈 Cherie Clonan
Thank you, Cait Emma Burke for highlighting the incredible strengths and wisdoms of 🌈 Cherie Clonan, CEO of The Digital Picnic.
If you're still stuck in the story that neurodiversity at work is ONLY about employers supporting disabilities, you're missing out. Big time.
Here's three neuroaffirming tips from Cherie that I'm storing in my personal inclusive impact insights brain inbox 🧠🌟. If you're a Neurodivergent Leader -
1️⃣ Double down on innovation, and foster an environment where big ideas are encouraged and valued.
2️⃣ Protect your calendar. FIERCELY. 🌈 Cherie shares how she blocks out two days a week for focused work, schedules buffer times in between meetings, and includes her personal life priorities in her schedule (all practical, science-backed strategies that are music to my time-blind brain 🧠)
3️⃣ 'Take up space'. Do what it takes to learn how to stand up and stand out with pride and intentionality.
"I’ve reached a point, personally speaking, where I sleep really well at night knowing that on any given day I’ve done the most good that I can do when it comes to the people that I’m leading and I’m proud of who I am, and how I serve. But it’s taken huge mindset work to get to this place, as well as investing in incredible leadership coaching and consulting." ~ 🌈 Cherie Clonan
More. Of. This!🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
Cherie, I couldn't agree more!! I personally believe our different kind of brains are capable of creating the different kind of solutions our world so desperately needs right now 🌏💛
Know another neurodivergent leader who could do with seeing their strengths in someone's story? Please share this article widely, and contribute to creating inclusive impact!!
P.S - If you're a neurodivergent leader or ally looking for a neuroaffirming space to accelerate your own personal and professional development journey, I'm thrilled to share applications for The NeuroIMPACT Network are open. Deets on my website, or DM for more!
#neurodiversity#executivecoaching#coachingpsychology#peakperformance#innovation#neuroinclusion
🧠 Proudly Autistic CEO at The Digital Picnic | Passionate servant leader | Took my agency from 4k to 4mil in 4 years | LinkedIn Top Voice | B&T Woman of the Year, 2024 | B&T Glass Ceiling winner, 2024
“To my fellow neurodivergent leaders: there aren’t many of us, and we need more divergent thinkers in leadership roles.”
Thrilled to be featured over at Fashion Journal on a "how I got here" piece, and thrilled - as always - to bring Autistic leadership to the forefront of conversation[s].
Thank you so much for platforming me Cait Emma Burke ✌️
Link to the article in the first comment below 👇
💪🏽 Transformational Leadership in Action! 🌍
As business leaders, we strive for fairness, equity, and systemic change in all we do. 🎥 This clip of Judge David M. Fleischer stepping up in a courtroom to call out racial injustice is a powerful reminder that transformational change can happen at all levels of society—starting in the courtroom, boardroom, or classroom.
🫵🏽His bold decision to dismiss this wrongful charge reflects the leadership we should all embody, no matter the space we're in. Watch how a moment of courage creates a ripple of justice.
Let’s continue leading with integrity and standing up for what's right, no matter the cost. #TransformationalLeadership#SocialJustice#LeadershipMatters#EquityInAction#CertifiedRicoCage
Happy President's Day to the professional network!
Today, we honor the legacy and leadership of the Presidents who have shaped the United States of America. It's a day to reflect on the principles of governance, courage, and dedication that have driven the nation forward.
In the spirit of this day, let's take a moment to consider the qualities of leadership that have been exemplified by the Presidents throughout American history. From vision and resilience to integrity and the ability to inspire, these are traits that transcend the political arena and are invaluable in our professional lives.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities in our careers, let's draw inspiration from the leadership lessons of the past to build a better future. Whether it's leading a team, driving innovation, or contributing to community development, each of us has the potential to make a positive impact in our own sphere.
Let's commit to excellence, embrace diverse perspectives, and foster a culture of collaboration and respect. Here's to growing and thriving together, inspired by the leaders who have paved the way for us.
#PresidentsDay#Leadership#ProfessionalGrowth#Innovation
🌟 On Leadership and the Power of Decency 🌟
In a world that often heralds IQ and EQ as the beacons of successful leadership, I was deeply moved during one of the recent town hall meetings with Ajay Banga, President of The World Bank. Among various insightful topics, one resonated with me profoundly: the concept of DQ or the Decency Quotient.
🤝 Decency — how we conduct ourselves, treat our peers, and collaborate to cultivate environments where everyone thrives — is sometimes undervalued. And yet, it's fundamental to transformative leadership and meaningful change.
I'm reminded of a remarkable figure, the late Polish Professor Władysław Bartoszewski, who, despite enduring the greatest horrors of the 20th century, championed the principle of decency throughout his life. One of his most famous quotations: "It's worth being decent, although it doesn't always pay off. It pays off to be dishonest, but it isn't worth it".
As we observe another International #HolocaustRemembranceDay, let’s not only reflect on our shared history but also carry forward the legacy of leaders like Bartoszewski. Let’s strive to make decency a cornerstone of our professional ethos.
📖 Want to be inspired by Professor Bartoszewski’s life? Dive deeper here: https://lnkd.in/dadtfic7#Leadership#DecencyQuotient#DecencyMatters
Dive into our latest blog, "Embracing the Past While Moving Into the Future," authored by the talented Grace Benally (Diné). Discover the incredible journeys of our Cultural Capital and Artist in Business Leadership fellows as they honor Indigenous creativity and culture: https://bit.ly/3R3FyhZ
There are stereotypes and biases that the best type of leader is one that is charismatic extroverted, and outgoing.
Leading quietly can be an equally impactful style as this type of leadership is one that demonstrates empathetic listening for improved teamwork, strategic and analytical thinking for systematic approaches, and effectivness for building trusting relationship with individuals.
Being introverted and leading quietly is an asset to organizations.
#leadership#quietlyleading#strengthsbasedleadership
"The stereotype of the charismatic, outgoing CEO often dominates popular narratives. But, a quieter but equally impactful style has been gaining recognition—introverted leadership." https://bit.ly/3zxcIAH (via Forbes)
Fundraising and nonprofit executive
7moSay it, Damon!