Lead from the Outside

1. Dare to Want More: Ambition as a Birthright

Whether we come from working-class neighborhoods or grow up comfortably middle-class, minorities rarely come of age explicitly thinking about what we want and how to get it.

Overcoming Limitations. Many minorities are conditioned to limit their aspirations, internalizing societal biases that suggest they are unworthy of great success. This often stems from a lack of representation in positions of power and the constant struggle against negative stereotypes. The first step to leadership is recognizing and rejecting these imposed limitations, embracing ambition as a fundamental right.

Finding Your Ambition. Discovering what you truly want requires introspection and a willingness to challenge self-imposed boundaries. It involves asking yourself, "What do I want, regardless of what others expect of me?" and "What impact do I want to make on the world?" This process may involve revisiting childhood dreams, identifying hidden passions, and exploring new possibilities without fear of judgment.

Taking the First Step. Once you've identified your ambition, take immediate action, no matter how small. This could involve researching your chosen field, networking with professionals, or developing new skills. The key is to create momentum and demonstrate your commitment to your goal.

2. Fear and Otherness: Acknowledging and Overcoming Barriers

Fear is real, insidious, and damaging. But it can be defeated if we are willing to name it, own it, and use it.

Naming Your Fears. Minorities often face unique fears stemming from their "otherness," including the stereotype threat, the authenticity conundrum, and the fear of success. Recognizing and naming these fears is the first step to dismantling their power. It involves acknowledging the specific anxieties that hold you back and understanding their origins.

Turning Fear into Fuel. Instead of allowing fear to paralyze you, use it as a source of motivation. Channel your anxieties into preparation, strategic planning, and relentless determination. Remember that fear is often a sign that you are pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, which is essential for growth.

Authenticity and Identity. Embrace your unique identity and experiences as a source of strength. Resist the pressure to conform to dominant norms or suppress your cultural background. Authenticity is a powerful asset that allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and bring a fresh perspective to leadership.

3. Hacking and Owning Opportunity: Circumventing Traditional Systems

We aren’t going to win playing by the written rules. So we have to discover the hidden pathways to win.

Recognizing Systemic Barriers. Traditional paths to success are often inaccessible to minorities due to systemic biases and unequal access to resources. This requires a strategic approach that involves identifying and circumventing these barriers. It means understanding the unspoken rules of the game and finding creative ways to level the playing field.

Creating Your Own Opportunities. When traditional avenues are blocked, create your own opportunities. This could involve starting your own business, launching a community initiative, or running for office. It requires a proactive mindset and a willingness to take risks.

Leveraging Your Assets. Identify your unique strengths, skills, and experiences and use them to your advantage. This could involve leveraging your cultural background, your understanding of marginalized communities, or your ability to connect with diverse audiences. The key is to recognize your value and use it to create opportunities for yourself and others.

4. The Myth of Mentors: Curating Support and Building Networks

I don’t have traditional mentors. Instead, I have curated support, training, and advice from an array of alliances, advisers, and friends.

Redefining Mentorship. Traditional mentorship models are often inaccessible to minorities due to a lack of representation in positions of power. Instead, focus on curating a diverse network of advisors, sponsors, and peers who can provide support, guidance, and opportunities. This approach allows for a more flexible and personalized form of mentorship.

Building Your Network. Cultivate relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Seek out individuals who can offer different perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and connect you with new opportunities. Remember that networking is a two-way street, so be prepared to offer your support and expertise to others.

Being Worthy of Help. Before seeking mentorship, focus on developing your skills, demonstrating your commitment, and building a strong reputation. Be someone that others want to invest in. This will make you more attractive to potential mentors and increase the likelihood of receiving valuable guidance.

5. Money Matters: Financial Fluency and Independence

Money is one of the most impenetrable barriers because most of us start without it, and it stays that way for a while.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty. Minorities often face significant financial challenges due to historical and ongoing systemic inequalities. This requires a proactive approach to financial literacy, debt management, and wealth building. It involves understanding the basics of budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as developing strategies to overcome financial obstacles.

Financial Fluency as Power. Develop a strong understanding of financial concepts and terminology. This will allow you to participate in financial discussions with confidence and make informed decisions about your money. It also involves learning how to read financial statements, analyze investment opportunities, and negotiate favorable terms.

Building Wealth and Security. Focus on building long-term wealth through strategic investments, real estate, and entrepreneurship. This will provide you with financial security and the freedom to pursue your ambitions without being constrained by financial limitations. It also involves creating a financial safety net to protect yourself from unexpected expenses and economic downturns.

6. Prepare to Win and Embrace the Fail: Boldness and Resilience

But that night in Jackson remains with me always, as a reminder that leadership is not divined by pedigree or demography and that origin stories are simply the beginning.

Defining Boldness. Boldness involves taking calculated risks, challenging the status quo, and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. It requires a willingness to step outside of traditional expectations and pursue your goals with unwavering determination. It also means being prepared to face criticism, rejection, and setbacks.

Learning from Failure. Failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success. Instead of viewing failure as a sign of inadequacy, embrace it as an opportunity for learning and growth. Analyze your mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and use the experience to refine your approach.

Resilience and Perseverance. Develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain your focus on your goals. This requires a strong sense of self-belief, a supportive network, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Remember that resilience is not about avoiding failure, but about learning how to overcome it.

7. Making What You Have Work: Leveraging Limited Resources

As a result, too often, we in the minority miss opportunities because we don’t know what we’re looking at or looking for.

Resourcefulness and Creativity. Minorities often face limited access to resources, requiring them to be resourceful and creative in their approach. This involves identifying hidden assets, repurposing existing resources, and finding innovative solutions to challenges. It also means being willing to do more with less and making the most of every opportunity.

Situational Awareness. Develop a keen understanding of your environment and the resources available to you. This involves identifying key players, understanding power dynamics, and recognizing opportunities for collaboration. It also means being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses and how they can be leveraged to achieve your goals.

Strategic Partnerships. Build alliances with individuals and organizations that share your goals and can provide you with access to resources and opportunities. This could involve partnering with established businesses, community organizations, or government agencies. The key is to find partners who can complement your skills and help you amplify your impact.

8. Belief as an Anchor for Smart Power: Knowing Your Values

Leadership stands at the crux of how we get to power, and it demands the willingness to go first, to take responsibility as well as hold authority, to help others get where they need to go.

Defining Your Core Values. Identify your core values and use them as a compass to guide your decisions and actions. This will help you stay true to yourself, even in the face of pressure and temptation. It also involves understanding the values of others and finding common ground for collaboration.

Authenticity and Integrity. Lead with authenticity and integrity, even when it's difficult. This means being honest about your beliefs, standing up for what you believe in, and treating others with respect. It also means being willing to admit when you're wrong and taking responsibility for your actions.

Purpose-Driven Leadership. Connect your leadership to a larger purpose that is bigger than yourself. This will provide you with a sense of meaning and motivation, and it will inspire others to join your cause. It also involves understanding the needs of your community and working to create positive change.

Last updated: April 1, 2025