HBR IdeaCast What Black Leaders Bring to the Table
Mar 2, 2021
Chad Sanders, a former tech executive and author of "Black Magic: What Black Leaders Learned from Trauma and Triumph," dives into the unique challenges faced by Black leaders in corporate America. He discusses the importance of embracing authenticity over code-switching, highlighting how resilience and creativity are key strengths. Sanders shares insights on how these attributes can encourage rising Black executives and improve diversity in leadership. He emphasizes representation in decision-making roles and advocates for entrepreneurial paths to reshape workplace dynamics.
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Code-Switching at Google
- Chad Sanders initially struggled to adapt to Google's predominantly white culture after attending Morehouse College.
- He felt compelled to code-switch and suppress his Black identity to fit in.
Psychological Impact of Code-Switching
- Code-switching is psychologically taxing because it requires pretending to be someone you're not.
- This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dulls one's authentic strengths.
Lost Strengths
- Suppressing one's Black identity can hinder valuable skills.
- These skills include empathy, quick thinking, and adaptability, learned from navigating diverse environments.
