'Tine Zekis | Founder & CEO, Getting Black Women Paid
I help Black women professionals advance their careers, dramatically increase their lifetime earning potential, and build generational wealth. Sign up for my newsletter to learn more!
Too many of us have been conditioned to accept “good enough” in our careers—decent pay, a supervisor who isn’t terrible, and a seat at the table where we still feel invisible. But survival is not the same as satisfaction, and tolerance is not the same as love.
For Black women especially, the workplace often feels like a balancing act: proving your value while managing bias, speaking up without being labeled “too much,” and carrying more than your fair share just to prove you belong. That constant navigation takes a toll—on your energy, your confidence, and your joy.
Here’s the truth: you don’t just deserve to be tolerated at work—you deserve to be fully seen, valued, and celebrated. You deserve a career that gives back as much as you pour into it.
A career that loves you back looks like this:
Real inclusion, not tokenism. You belong because of your brilliance, not as someone’s checkbox. True inclusion opens doors, amplifies voices, and respects your presence—not just your optics.
Confidence without shrinking. You shouldn’t have to dim your light or minimize your achievements to make others comfortable. Confidence is clarity in knowing the value you bring, not arrogance.
Workplace love. This means respect, recognition, and environments that invest in your growth—not just extract your labor. It’s mentorship, advocacy, and policies that protect you.
It’s time to stop settling for “at least” jobs: at least the pay is okay, at least my boss isn’t awful, at least they let me sit at the table. Sis, you are more than “at least.”
Moving beyond survival means choosing spaces that affirm your value and honor your brilliance. This isn’t being ungrateful—it’s refusing to normalize workplaces that drain you.
You are not asking for too much. You are asking for what you deserve: joy, dignity, and a workplace where you can thrive, not just survive.
Because when your career truly loves you back, you don’t just bring home a paycheck—you bring home peace, pride, and the freedom to flourish. That’s the kind of work life you were made for.
Best, 'Tine
P.S. This week, I got to sit down with Mercedes Swan for a powerful conversation about what it really means to have a career that loves you back. We unpacked confidence, inclusion, and the radical act of showing up as your full self. Don’t miss it—this one could shift the way you see your work.
In this article, Attacks on DEI Assume a Level Playing Field Where None Exists—and Threaten America’s Future Prosperity by Katica Roy, the author argues that cancelling or undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts ignores structural inequities. She shows how such backlash not only harms marginalized groups, but weakens the economy, innovation, and social cohesion—making DEI essential for a prosperous future.
Woman gazing out window in reflection
February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the legacies, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans whose contributions have shaped the very foundation of our nation. Yet, as we commemorate this history, we face a sobering paradox: the simultaneous rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across public and private sectors.
From fair pay to supportive leadership—we want to know what makes you feel seen, respected, and included in your workplace. Share your perspective in the poll below.
What’s the #1 thing that makes you feel valued at work?
Check out this week’s podcast, Black Women Deserve Careers That Love Them Back (with Mercedes Swan). Together, we break down the “inclusion gap,” explore how to show up authentically, and remind you why settling is never the answer.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or check it out here.
Prefer video? You can WATCH the podcast on our YouTube channel here.
Claim Yours Tip of the Week
Stop Settling for “Good Enough”
This week, name one area of your career where you’ve been settling—whether it’s pay, recognition, or growth. Then write down one step you can take to shift toward overflow. Remember: “good enough” isn’t love, and you deserve better.
What's Going on with 'Tine?
Let’s Talk About Your Income Goals! Did you know you can book a Complimentary 45-minute Income Elevation Discovery Call with 'Tine? Whether you're looking to advance in your career, grow your business, or both, this call is designed to help you gain clarity on your income goals and the best next steps to achieve them. Together, we’ll define your objectives, identify challenges, and explore strategies to help you increase your earnings—without burnout. 🔗 Let’s chat! Grab your free session now:
'Tine Zekis | Founder & CEO, Getting Black Women Paid
I help Black women professionals advance their careers, dramatically increase their lifetime earning potential, and build generational wealth. Sign up for my newsletter to learn more!
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