Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of Black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is Google’s Global Head of Inclusion for Women of Color, Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey.
Name: Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey
Title: Global Head of Inclusion for Women of Color, Google
My first job
was Express clothing store in Kings Plaza mall in Brooklyn, New York. Lasted all of three days but I loved it.My big break came when I challenged a no I received for what would become my first formal role in the D&I space. Getting that first role put me on the path to walk in my purpose every day since.
I’ve had to work hardest at putting one foot in front of the other even as I battle negative self talk, because duality is a thing.
I never imagined I would get to work in service of Black women and parents/caregivers as my day job. It’s the hard work and heart work that I was made for.
I wish I’d learned sooner that perfectionism, trying to get everything accounted for and right on the first try, gets in the way of progress and most importantly growth.
The risk I regret not taking is … I’ve pored over this for days and I can’t think of one. What’s for me will always be mine and it may not come to me in a linear manner, but it will come. Faith over FOMO (fear of missing out).
If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent on a pristine beach, immersed in the water, laughing at myself when the waves push me over, giggling as the water splashes my face, being in total communion with my inner child. It would also have to end with a multiple course meal with lots of freshly caught seafood.
Plotting on lessons I want to share and experiences I want to have with my children before I leave this earth keeps me up at night.
When I’m struggling, I say to myself, “Breathe, Rest, Trust” —Morgan Harper Nichols
I am unapologetically, respectfully, doing the damn thing in this life of mine.
Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.