Black Executive Assistants Matter

Learning leadership helped me understand that what matters is people’s strengths, talents, and willingness to make a difference. I believe in black & white, not black or white. 

Three definitions are important to have in mind before we continue:

Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age or sexual orientation. (American Psychological Association) 

Racist behavior often results in racial discrimination, with its obvious negative consequences, ranging from simple neglect, or the avoidance of those believed to be different and inferior, to more explicit forms of harassment, exploitation or exclusion. (United Nations)

Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It is also the belief that no one should have poorer life chances because of the way they were born, where they come from, what they believe, or whether they have a disability. (Equality and Human Rights Commission)

I was raised in a black family that chose to base children's education on equality. I was always part of intercultural environments; I learned not to judge or make myself and others less valued due to the colors of their skins. With the word “equality” planted in everything we did and decided, there was no doubt that racism or discrimination would never block me from being the leader of my journey to a successful and meaningful life.

I am not the color of my skin. I am much more than a color. I am unique, with all my talents and ability to make a difference in my family and work environment. That is what I learned from my mother. She was a successful professional and leader, an award-winning nurse. She told me that I could be whatever I wanted and accomplish all my goals by being proud of who I am and always being open to learning new skills and meeting new people, showing generosity, and embracing my values.

The next important thing for me was to ask myself: “How will I make the difference I want? How will I become the great person I want to be for myself and others? How can I lead myself along this journey?”

Developing your skills set and leadership capabilities will help you improve the way you see yourself and the way you see other people and the world. Learning to be a better YOU also enhances your feelings of self-worth and meaningfulness. Here are five steps you can use to manage your self-confidence and make the best of your life and talents.  

1. Grow your talents to the next level 

One morning, in the year I turned 12 years old, my mother took me to a renowned language school and registered me as a student. It would be the first year of my education in English studies. On the same day, she also signed up me to French classes in another legendary institute. This day was when I learned that I had to grow my talents to the next level. My mother taught me to challenge myself and keep taking initiatives for my own development and growth. Today, I speak five languages and am thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey.

2. Believe you can

Without believing that you can become a better version of yourself and reach excellence, you will not be able to win the game. Know who you are and the value you represent to yourself and others. You cannot fight discrimination if you believe you are a minority. You can fight discrimination when you see yourself as a winner! It is time to have an honest assessment with yourself. People will generally see you in the same way as you see yourself. Therefore, it is fundamental to embrace the slogan “Yes, I can!”

From my father, I learned that “If you are not the number one, you have to be at least number two.” At that time, I felt it was quite harsh advice for a kid. However, today, I know that it was another way to help me believe that I was as valuable as the others at school or in the workplace. My parents and relatives never mentioned their own struggles regarding discrimination. This was undoubtedly to help us focus on equality. My vision, presented in a hashtag format, #BeTheBest Assistant, comes from all that.  

3. Manage your language  

We, black Executive Assistants, are maybe statistically part of a minority group. However, the best way to guide your thoughts is not to let these figures become your truth. You are the main person responsible for the thoughts you build and the positive message you send to your brain and the people around you. Language creates your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Language is the architect of your future! Using positively powerful language builds bridges, and designs the future you want for yourself. Do not feel sad about being the only black Executive Assistant in the organization. Be proud of having the opportunity to sit at the executive table. If you are there, it is because you deserve the position. If you want to be there and are experiencing obstacles, start revising the language you use to talk about yourself. Do not cultivate any thoughts of failure in your mind. As Michelle Obama writes in the book “Becoming”: “Failure is a feeling long before it’s an actual result.” Create a story of success for yourself despite your background. Take control of your future.

4. Get support along the way

We need people who care about us, support our dreams, and give us advice. They can be our board of advisors, mentors, life coaches, or best friends. My mother was my first mentor and supporter, and many other people are today taking this role in my career journey. They are people I respect and listen to. They are giving me opportunities to see that empowerment is critical in the fight against discrimination. These people are teaching me that we are equal, and diversity is needed. It is not about black or white, but rather black and white people succeeding in partnership.

I will always remember when a director I worked with many years ago, told managers and directors in the middle of the office: “If you have any translations to Spanish to be done, you can ask Julia to support you. Her proficiency in Spanish is outstanding.” This director was one of the best leaders I have had the pleasure to partner with. When he knew I was investing time and money in improving my Spanish and attending evening and weekend classes, he immediately told me that the company would fund the course for me. He was helping me increase self-determination and develop competencies. He was showing appreciation for my excellence. And by taking the initiative to improve my language skills and own my professional development, I showed that I was leading myself.

5. Learn Leadership 

My own experience shows me that leadership makes a difference. Good leaders that have been part of my journey have encouraged me to keep high levels of engagement and commitment. Also, they have pushed me to bring out the best in myself and others. 

After you embrace the “Yes, I can” attitude, you need to understand that leadership has to start with yourself. Leading your life and career has to start with your actions, habits, attitude, and determination. “The very first voice of doubt is often the one inside you, and unless you believe in yourself and can deal with that self-doubt, it is unlikely that you will speak out, stand up, or step forward”, wrote James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. 

In learning how to lead yourself, you need to embrace life-long learning. Knowledge gives power and nurtures a growth mindset. The best leaders are the best learners. And then you will feel strong enough to start encouraging others to believe in themselves, fight for equality, become winners, and build a better future for each of us, black and white Executive Assistants. 

In the early 90s, when I worked as a teacher in a public primary school in Brazil, I was asked by the Principal to advise one of the scholars. She was a ten-year-old black girl who only ate rice, not black beans – in spite of the fact that the most popular dish in Brazil is rice and black beans. She thought that by doing that, her skin would become less dark. At the school, I became a role model for many black and poor students who unfortunately believed that they had reduced life chances because of their skin color. It became clear that I had essential leadership responsibilities waiting for me: inspire others, be visionary, coach and enable development, encourage constant improvement, challenge people.

Conclusion 

Managing your thoughts, beliefs, and focusing on your strengths across your life journey can be an important tool for you to fight racism or discrimination. It will help you show that YOU matter for the business, the success of your executives, and the future of our profession. The reality is that we need both white and black Executive Assistants to take the lead and embrace equality and diversity every day, at all levels, with good leadership practices. 

 About Julia Schmidt: Julia is an award-winning Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience working in different industries. She is known for being a passionate advocate for people development and in helping others succeed and embrace their leadership skills. Julia is an active networker and mentor and a proud graduate of the University of Norway with a Masters' Degree in Portuguese Language and Literature and has also studied Business Administration. Julia is the author of The Executive Secretary Guide To Building A Successful Career Strategy, available on Amazon.