'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!
Climbing the ladder doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself along the way. Too often, Black women are told to shrink, assimilate, or compromise values just to gain access to the next level. But real leadership comes from honoring who you are—even in spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind.
Breaking barriers isn’t just about being the “first” or the “only.” It’s about building a career that reflects both your brilliance and your boundaries. It’s about making space for joy, purpose, and authenticity while still pursuing excellence. Because when your success costs you your identity, it isn’t true success—it’s survival. And you deserve more than survival.
Here are three reminders as you carve your own path:
Your values are your compass. If a role, promotion, or opportunity forces you to trade peace for progress, it’s not the right fit.
Visibility matters, but so does voice. Being in the room isn’t enough—you deserve to shape the conversation and influence the outcome.
Barriers are breakable. Every bold step you take expands what’s possible for the women coming after you.
The truth is, leadership is not about molding yourself into someone else’s version of “ready.” It’s about showing up fully, bringing your lived experience to the table, and refusing to silence the parts of you that make your leadership powerful.
Your career should honor both your ambition and your wholeness. You don’t have to trade one for the other. In fact, the more you lean into your full self, the more sustainable—and transformative—your leadership becomes.
Best, 'Tine
P.S. I had the honor of sitting down with Sharon Ehrlich for a powerful conversation on how to rise in your career without leaving yourself behind. Her journey from the Bronx to the boardroom is proof that it’s possible to succeed and stay grounded in your values. Don’t miss this one.
In this article, Leadership Beyond Limits: Adeife Onwuzulike on Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change by Adeife Onwuzulike, she shares her journey as a DEI leader, reflecting on overcoming barriers, championing inclusion, and leading with authenticity while inspiring the next generation to embrace joy, growth, and leadership on their own terms.
Smiling woman with glasses and braids
You’ve built a career championing diversity, inclusion, and talent development at the highest levels. Looking back, was there a defining moment where you had to push past barriers to get where you are today? How did you navigate it?
I’ve spent the past decade in DEI, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. One defining moment for me was in 2020, during Black History Month when I was invited to join a government panel in the wake of the BLM movement. Sitting alongside senior policymakers, I realised the gravity of our work—it’s not just about representation, but about shaping policy and enabling long-term success, not just within our own organisations but across industries.
Whether it’s setting boundaries, speaking up, or refusing to compromise your values—we want to hear the ways you’ve stayed grounded while climbing higher. Share in the poll below.
What’s the hardest barrier you’ve faced in your career?
Check out this week’s podcast, From the Bronx to the Boardroom: How to Break Barriers and Build a Career That Honors Your Values with Sharon Ehrlich. This episode dives into how to succeed without sacrificing who you are. Sharon shares her journey of staying rooted in her values while rising in leadership, offering practical advice for navigating bias and building a career defined on your own terms.
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
Define Success on Your Terms
This week, take five minutes to write down what success looks like for you—not your boss, not society, not your peers. Let that definition guide your next move, big or small.
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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