CultureCon Uncut Whitney Headen: You Can’t Make Me Feel Imposter Syndrome. I’m Not an Imposter
Nov 19, 2025
Whitney Headen, Co-founder and CEO of 19th and Park, shares her journey from a corporate role to creating a thriving eight-figure agency without relying on venture capital. She discusses rejecting the notion of 'Black Girl Magic,' emphasizing hard work over myths. Whitney explores career growth strategies, the importance of feedback, and the balance of empathy in leadership. She outlines her staffing philosophy, lessons learned, and how prioritizing sustainability led to her success, all while embracing a more flexible approach to future goals.
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Denied Promotion Sparked Her Startup
- Whitney Headen asked for a promotion after driving a new digital revenue stream to eight figures and was denied.
- That denial pushed her to freelance, hire friends, and eventually found 19th and Park.
Show Your Work, Not Just Do It
- Speak up and share your work in meetings; visibility matters as much as output.
- Track impact not tenure when asking for promotion or new roles.
Small Tasks Teach Bigger Skills
- Whitney turned small tasks into learning moments, like getting a hard-to-find pen quickly.
- She uses these tasks to teach problem-solving and ownership to her team.