Advocating for Yourself: A Pathway to Growth and Opportunity
Entry and success in corporate America didn’t come easily for me. I grew up in a blue-collar home with hard-working parents who taught me that effort and perseverance would pay off. But they didn’t have the experience to counsel and guide me through the murkiness of corporate politics—a skill I’m still learning. As someone who values speaking their truth, I’ve often found navigating corporate America to be both challenging and rewarding.
I was the first in my mother’s immediate family to graduate from college, a milestone I’m deeply proud of. However, my entry into the workforce coincided with a recession, making the job market even more daunting. During college, I worked as a collections representative at the thenNationsBank (now Bank of America). After graduation, I stayed on, trying desperately to move into the management training program. Despite my persistence, I couldn’t break through.
I watched friends with accounting or finance backgrounds advance, while my marketing concentration seemed to hold me back. A year after graduation, I made a pivotal decision: I quit without another job lined up. It was a risk, but I knew I couldn’t afford to be pigeonholed in collections. I moved to a new city, lived with my godparents, and found a role in a regional bank’s management training program.
Here, I quickly learned two things: bank operations, and that I didn’t enjoy the sales aspect of being a branch manager. When an opportunity arose in compensation, I advocated for myself again. I shared with my manager that sales wasn’t for me, but I wanted to stay with the company. That conversation led to my first role in HR, which was where I truly wanted to be.
The Benefits of Self-Advocacy
Advocating for myself has been a recurring theme throughout my personal and professional life. At its core, self-advocacy is about taking ownership of your journey. It’s about ensuring that your needs, aspirations, and contributions are not overlooked or dismissed. While it can feel uncomfortable—especially for those who are underrepresented in their workplaces—the benefits of self-advocacy are profound:
1. It Builds Confidence
Every time I stood up for myself, whether in a corporate setting or a personal situation, I felt my confidence grow. Confidence doesn’t mean being free of fear—it means acting despite it. Self-advocacy helps reinforce your belief in your abilities and the value you bring to the table.
2. It Opens Doors
When I expressed my disinterest in sales and interest in HR, I unlocked a new career path that aligned with my passions and strengths. Advocacy helps ensure that opportunities don’t bypass you simply because others didn’t know you were interested or capable. When I expressed my interest in leading a team, I was promoted to head of employee relations. When I expressed the fact that “this” is not working for me, I was graciously exited in a manner that did not lead me to bankruptcy within a month.
3. It Establishes Boundaries
Early in my career, I worked on a co-op assignment at Nortel Networks. Initially, I was treated more like an errand runner than a valuable contributor. When I expressed my dissatisfaction with the lack of meaningful work, I was reassigned to a challenging role where I thrived. That experience taught me the importance of setting boundaries and refusing to settle for less than what I deserved.
4. It Promotes Professional Growth
Advocating for yourself forces you to clarify your goals and articulate your value. It’s an exercise in self-awareness and strategic thinking. As a result, you’re more likely to find roles and responsibilities that align with your skills and aspirations.
5. It Encourages Authenticity
As Audre Lorde once said, “When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” Selfadvocacy empowers you to stay true to your values and your authentic self. For me, living my truth has always been non-negotiable, even when it meant swimming against the tide.
Self-Advocacy as a Lifelong Journey
Self-advocacy didn’t start for me in corporate America—it began long before. Growing up, I had to advocate for myself against bullies, in toxic relationships, and even with my first college roommate. Each of these moments shaped my ability to stand up for myself in professional settings.
As a Black woman in corporate America, self-advocacy has often been met with resistance. Speaking up, even respectfully, can be misinterpreted as being “difficult” or “angry.” Despite this, I operate as a B.A.D. woman—Boldly, Audaciously, Dynamically myself. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. Self-advocacy has allowed me to remain grounded in my values and has given me the courage to challenge the status quo when it didn’t align with my principles.
A Call to Action: Advocate for Yourself
To anyone navigating corporate America—or any part of life—I encourage you to embrace self-advocacy. As Michelle Obama reminds us in Becoming, “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Owning your story means owning your voice. Advocacy isn’t just about securing promotions or opportunities; it’s about aligning your career with your identity and aspirations.
To anyone navigating corporate America—or any part of life—I encourage you to advocate for yourself. It’s scary, yes. Yes, it is uncomfortable. But it’s also empowering. Self-advocacy helps you set boundaries, align your career with your values, and unlock opportunities you might not even see yet.
I want the same for my clients and for anyone who reads this. Speak up, claim your space, and live your truth.
You deserve it.
Go out and be B.A.D (BOLD. AUDACIOUS. DYNAMIC)
Janet
