This month is Women’s History Month. It’s very much easy to acknowledge the great things that have been done and happened for women/by women. Decades ago we didn’t even have right, let alone Black women. Progressive action in the realm of defying gender roles. We now have women in top political positions. While we see that the times have progressed, we have to remember that there is still trials and tribulations. We still continue to have struggles and discriminations when it comes to businesswomen . Especially in the “Man’s” corporate world. A place dominated by men since the beginning of its creation.
A smart & successful business woman that I am so thankful to know agreed to me interviewing her for this week’s post. Omobonike Leigh is a strong advocate for social justice, a trained educator, an entrepreneur, and a mother of two. Over the years she has remained passionate about raising social justice awareness locally and globally. Through discussion and other educational processes in order to inspire personal responsibility and action. As well as to end oppression of any form. As someone with corporate world experience, I thought she’d be perfect to talk to about how to “survive” in such a male dominated setting.
Corporate world judgement & discrimination towards women
“The discrimination of women is not so obvious, I think it’s more structural.”
When it comes to the treatment of women in the workplace there is still a long way to go in terms of inclusivity. Bonike described the discrimination as more structural.
Structural discrimination refers to rules, norms, routines, patterns of attitudes and behavior in institutions and other societal structures that represent obstacles to groups or individuals in achieving the same rights and opportunities that are available to the majority of the population. (https://www.ohchr.org)
As a society, we are moving towards an era where if a woman is expecting a baby she takes maternity leave and her male partner takes paternity leave. As a way to support their spouse. It’s not just about men anymore, it’s now women as well. The corporate world is realizing this as well.
When interviewing, businesses are being asked about their Equality statements. Having Equality, Equity, & Inclusion as three buzz words that should be popping up. Not just inclusion of race ,but also gender as well. We’re moving in an era where corporate America is seeing that women have a lot to offer. In the future, you will see more women in corporate America ,but the fact are facts. We have a long way to go.
Q: Was there more judgement of you as a person because you were a businesswoman?
In the beginning of her career, Omobonike was in a male dominated role as a campus president for a community college. As she rose through the ranks, people would question her successes and her promotions. They would dismiss it with saying “Oh, the boss must really like you.” or “You must be such a likeable person to be in that position.” Not acknowledging the fact that it was her talent and hard work that got her to where she was.
“Everything was discounted…I was never given credit for it. ”
“In a male world dominated by masculine norms & values, I had to learn to adapt and cope.”
It’s possible that there were people who felt a certain way about her ,but never spoke out. She was a successful businesswoman and they became envious. But she didn’t let that stop her. It seems we are now moving forward in giving credit where it’s due for what women bring to the table.
Standing your ground as a woman
For Omobonike, being a strong willed woman it is a innate ability for her. She is known for speaking her mind and making sure everyone knows it. When I asked her how she stands her ground in such a harsh industry, she responded with two simple words…speaking up. It starts with when someone makes a joke. Whether it was sexist, racist, etc. Addressing it here and there is the first step. Usually, when we are uncomfortable the initial reaction is to laugh it off. Don’t laugh. Don’t make them see you’re uncomfortable. Especially, at a social setting or a workplace. You need to establish those boundaries. Tell them that this isn’t okay and you’re not going to tolerate it. Even if you don’t believe you have a strong personality, stand up for yourself. Still set those boundaries.
“As women we need to start practicing speaking up in all situations.”
Have CONFIDENCE
“I think before we develop skills , we need to develop confidence.”
It’s important to know that we are good enough. As for women, we need to stop competing with each other. Instead, start competing with ourselves. You may tell yourself “I want to be like this person.” But that’s not exactly achievable. Maybe you want to be like that person ,but even then you aren’t being authentic to yourself. Strive to be the better version of yourself. You want to be that businesswoman that when she walks in a room her presence is felt. As if everyone falls silent and listens. Work to have the confidence in your skills and abilities that you can do it. You are cut out to be a woman in a corporate setting.
BE DISCIPLINED
Sometimes we let life get in the way of our success. Whether you’re a mother, maybe a life even occurred, or money troubles happen. There’s always something happening. The facts are is that life keeps moving on without you. Whether you like it or not. You can’t let one thing stop you or block your path. At the end of the day you’re making excuses. The real thing blocking your way is yourself. As a woman, we are already having assumptions of us. People expecting the bare minimum. You gotta learn to be disciplined and prove them wrong.
Have STRONG NEGOTIATION SKILLS
You got to be able to leverage your skills. Get what you deserve. The questions you should always ask yourself is “what’s your worth?”. Don’t sell yourself short. Usually, when we are offered a job they give the price and we say yes. But being able to negotiate will show that you can professionally ask for what you want. There’s no such thing as you want too much or that you’re high maintenance. They just can’t afford you. Set the standard. Don’t lower yourself to meet them, let them try and reach you. It’s about moving from being passive about your future to being active. You want be an accomplished businesswoman, right? Welp, working for what you want is apart of it.
Network, network, and oh…NETWORK!
As a businesswoman, networking is an important skill to develop and keep at hand. Don’t just network within your inner circle, though. Venture out! Where there is comfortability, there is no change.
“If you’re comfortable your definitely not making change…you’re not making progress.”
You gotta make yourself uncomfortable. Remember that this is in a professional setting. As a woman, we are subjected to more uncomfortable situations than most. Staying within your bubble won’t get you far when it comes to the corporate world. By putting yourself out there, you are exposing yourself to more possibilities. Giving yourself access to new opportunities.
A Piece of Advice
As the interview came to a close, I asked Omobonike one last question. “Do you have any advice for young businesswomen trying to start up in their career?” There was a slight pause as she took a breath before letting out with her answer.
Be sure of what you want
Don’t settle
“Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we feel like we’re desperate. We want this and the first opportunity that comes along we go for it because we’re settling. We feel like we aren’t good enough, when in actuality we are.”
Practice patience
What you want may not come right away. When we aren’t patient that is when we start to settle. We’re so eager to get to the end goal that we’ll say yes to anything to get there. Just wait and you’ll see that the future abundance was worth the wait.
“Don’t budge, communicate that effectively, don’t make yourself small. Don’t be passive in your own development.”
Thank you, Omobonike!
I’d like to thank Omobonike for letting me interview her and write this blog post around her. She is truly the definition of a fierce, hardworking businesswoman. I’ve known her for many years now. Always has treated me with such love and kindness. Never let a chance go by to help me out, give me some needed advice, or helpful guidance. For more uplifting stories and conversations, go check out her podcast that she has with one of her very close friends, Grit and Grace with Bonike and Jumoke. Join them this upcoming Saturday for their live zoom call!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you guys for reading this week’s post! I am going to try and post more as school starts to wind down. If you have any suggestions for topics, comment below! Share my blog with your friends and on your Instagram. Until next time!
[…] Woman in the Corporate World: Interview with Bonike Leigh […]