Fortune Well | L'oreal Thompson Payton

Loneliness at work is a growing concern, especially among women, with 53% of women in the workplace reporting feelings of loneliness, according to a recent survey by TheLi.st. This loneliness becomes more pronounced as women climb the corporate ladder, impacting their mental and physical health. Senior-level women often feel unsupported and burnt out, leading some to resign from leadership positions. Loneliness is not just a workplace issue; it's linked to various health problems. The study also highlights how loneliness affects women of color disproportionately. This article discusses the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to combat workplace loneliness.

Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan

Colorism, a deeply ingrained bias, adversely affects the lives and careers of darker-skinned women globally, perpetuating the legacy of colonialism and white dominance. This article sheds light on the importance of inclusive leadership in addressing colorism in the workplace, offering three strategies to disrupt this insidious bias. Leaders must recognize how colorism can manifest within diverse teams, including among individuals of the same community but with varying skin tones, to foster greater inclusion.

Embrace Change | Cynthia Pong

In celebration of Women's History Month, it's essential to cease expecting women of color in the workplace to carry the burden of emotional labor, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education, and unacknowledged administrative tasks. This article calls for recognition of the systemic barriers women of color face and outlines seven actions organizations can take to genuinely support women of color, including valuing emotional labor, creating a collaborative workplace culture, ensuring DEI work is not siloed, and investing in career development for women of color. It also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's own fragility and being open to feedback and growth.

Catalyst | Research

This quick take provides essential statistics and insights about the demographic, educational, labor force, and leadership aspects of women of color in the United States. Explore key data points on their population growth, educational achievements, labor force participation, unemployment rates, and representation in leadership roles.

MIT Sloan Management Review | Deepa Purushothaman and Valerie Rein

Explore the profound impact of workplace toxicity on the physical health of women, particularly women of color. This eye-opening article delves into the alarming trend of women experiencing chronic stress-related conditions due to workplace stressors. Discover the urgent need for managers to disrupt this harmful pattern and prioritize the well-being of their employees.

Harvard Business Review | Hira Ali

Women of color often grapple with unique challenges in the workplace, including stereotypes, biases, isolation, and stress. This article explores the concept of "stereotype threat" and how it affects women of color. It provides three effective strategies to help women of color navigate workplace biases, overcome obstacles, and thrive in their careers.

Fairy God Boss | Zenica Chatman

Women of color often find themselves burdened with an unfair share of unpaid and menial tasks in the workplace, hindering their career advancement. In this article, we explore strategies for women of color to stand up against this unpaid workload and create opportunities for more meaningful assignments. From volunteering strategically and leveraging strengths to expertly delegating tasks and pushing for change within the corporate environment, these approaches empower women of color to take control of their careers and challenge workplace inequalities.

Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan

Being the only woman of color at work can exact a significant psychological toll, exacerbated by systemic bias and discrimination. This article delves into the mental health challenges faced by women of color in the workplace and highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health support tailored to their unique experiences. Danielle Jenkins Henry, a licensed marriage family therapist associate (LMFTA), offers four crucial strategies for women of color to prioritize their mental well-being in the face of systemic challenges.

LinkedIn | Deepa Purushothaman

"Quiet quitting" has become a significant topic of discussion, especially among Women of Color (WOC) in the workforce. This open letter sheds light on the challenges and pressures faced by WOC in leadership positions, addressing issues such as diversity and inclusion, additional unpaid responsibilities, and the struggle to maintain authenticity in a corporate environment. It emphasizes the need for companies to create a safe and supportive space for employees to discuss their challenges and to genuinely invest in a culture that values every talented individual, regardless of their background.

Shelmina Babai Abji

"Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work" by Shelmina Abji is a vital resource, especially for women of color, navigating the corporate world. This book addresses the unique challenges and biases that women face in the workplace, providing actionable strategies to transform obstacles into opportunities for success. Shelmina Abji's personal experiences and inspiring stories from other successful women offer valuable insights into achieving leadership and recognition.

Harvard Business Review | Deepa Purushothaman and Lisen Stromberg

Toxic rock stars, high performers who also behave as bullies at work, can have a detrimental impact on company culture, leading to high attrition rates, especially among women of color. Research shows that tolerating and rewarding such behavior can be costly for companies and drive away diverse talent. In an era where diversity is increasingly linked to better business outcomes, leaders need to prioritize creating inclusive and respectful workplace cultures.

Fortune | Deepa Purushothaman

"The recent confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson shed light on the challenges women of color face in the workplace, from heightened scrutiny of their qualifications to enduring microaggressions. This article explores the ""inclusion delusion"" that often plagues women of color in corporate America, where they may be highly visible but still feel like they don't belong or have real power. The author, Deepa Purushothaman, emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where companies genuinely listen to women of color, redistribute power, and establish policies that support them. As more women of color consider leaving traditional structures to create more inclusive cultures, businesses must adapt to retain diverse talent.

Deepa Purushothaman

"The First, The Few, The Only" by Deepa Purushothaman is a powerful call to action for women of color in the corporate world. This book encourages women of color to find their power from within, unite in the community, and advocate for a corporate environment where they are accepted on their own terms.

The Workplace, Redefined by Women of Color | TED Talk

In this thought-provoking TED talk, Deepa Purushothaman explores how women of color are redefining the workplace. As the author of "The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Redefine Power in Corporate America" and a leader in practice at the Harvard Kennedy School, Deepa delves into the experiences and contributions of women of color, shedding light on their transformative impact on the professional landscape.

Ruchika Tulshyan

"Inclusion on Purpose" by Ruchika Tulshyan is a vital guide for organizations looking to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Tulshyan emphasizes that true inclusion requires awareness, intention, and ongoing effort. Centering the workplace experiences of women of color, this book reveals the intersection of gender and racial bias and offers best practices for promoting DEI. With actionable insights, this book empowers leaders and organizations to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Harvard Business Review | Deepa Purushothaman, Deborah M. Kolb, Hannah Riley Bowles, and Valerie Purdie-Greenaway

Discover how negotiation can empower women of color (WOC) to overcome barriers and enhance their agency at work. In this insightful article, based on extensive research and interviews with professional and executive WOC, learn valuable strategies to navigate negotiation effectively. Gain a deeper understanding of how negotiation tools can enable WOC to make informed decisions and assert themselves in the workplace, even when faced with challenging situations.

PowHER Redefined: Women of Color Reimagining the World of Work | The Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative (BJKLI)

This white paper is an unfiltered exploration of the experiences of Women of Color (WOC) in the workplace. Drawing insights from over 1,500 surveyed WOC and further enriched by intimate salons and one-on-one interviews with Asian, Black, Latina, and White women, this report sheds light on why current corporate systems often hinder WOC from realizing their full potential. It serves as a platform to identify and discuss potential solutions to address these systemic challenges and create a more equitable work environment.

Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez

"For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts" by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez invites you into a world of empowerment. This book serves as a rallying cry for women of color, offering wisdom, resilience, and a path forward. Join the sisterhood, find your strength, and embrace success.

TED Talk | Deepa Purushothaman

Deepa Purushothaman, author of "The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Redefine Power in Corporate America," shares insights on supporting women of color in this enlightening TED talk. With interviews of over 500 senior women of color leaders, Deepa's work centers on their unique needs and experiences. As a co-founder of nFormation and a leader in practice at the Harvard Kennedy School, Deepa brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation on women and leadership.

Cosmopolitan | Yasmina Floyer

Imposter syndrome takes on a whole new meaning when you’re a woman of colour." In this insightful article, the author delves into her personal experiences and those of other women of colour to shed light on the unique challenges they face regarding imposter syndrome. It explores how societal factors, racial bias, and microaggressions contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of addressing these external elements while building inner confidence.