Tips and lessons on making masterful moves in one’s career came during session 2 of today’s’ State Farm hosted Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit. The panel “Masterful Moves with Optimal Impact†featured speakers Bozoma Saint John, SVP & Head of Global Marketing for Beats Music; Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, CEO of the YWCA; and Donna Fielding, ADP Human Resources Division Vice President Global Enterprise Solutions. The panel was moderated by Star Jones, president of the Professional Diversity Network and National Association of Professional Women.
Jones began the panel by asking ongoing, thoughtful questions that made the crowd nod their heads in approval upon hearing them. Topics like family upbringing and its impact on success, how to obtain a mentor, and navigating through challenges for women in leadership roles provoked memorable moments at the session.
“I continued making a name for myself,” said panelist, Richardson-Heron. “I was often fueled by people saying what I cannot do. So I’ve taken assignments and [worked] to not be afraid to take risks. I had to advocate for myself. I had to say, ‘I can have my own dream.’â€
Saint John shared her family’s impact and pressure with stories of being an immigrant child from Ghana. “There was no way you were going to hide. There was no way you were going to be mediocre and I think for me, I didn’t appreciate that out of the discomfort of the environment,†She said. But it made her stronger, “I was put in situations that I had to behave without fear. So there was no need for me to be afraid of environments that were comfortable.”
Bringing 20 of her company’s female executives to the Women of Power conference with her, Fielding was cheered on before important career tips. “Do the best job you can differentiating yourself,†she said. “And that’s when the change happens.â€
Stay tuned for more updates from Women of Power and head to womenofpower.com/summit to watch the live stream.