My mentors taught me the importance of attending after-hour gatherings.
I was on a group project with a work nemesis. Mid-project, my nemesis had a party and invited everyone. Her invitation to me was a formality, and there were no real expectations for me to attend. After telling my mentors about the invitation, they thought it would be more impactful to attend and to show I was a team player. After-hour gatherings were the perfect opportunity to learn who were allies, hear the gossip across departments, and to network. In the end, I attended the party and the look of surprise on my nemesis’ face made it worth it! Checkmate!
I was lucky to have strong Black role models when I started my career. My mentors “keeping it real” advice and occasional tough love were skills I needed to grow professionals and skills I teach others.
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