Shereese Floyd, CEO of Witness My Life, has launched Break the Glass: Thought Leadership Academy, a 12-week professional development curriculum teaching mid-career and senior-level black women to become thought leaders so they can get paid for their ideas and not their labor. The program starts on September 11, 2023.
Floyd, an award-winning speechwriter, storyteller, and consultant, has worked with thousands of women throughout her 20-year career to uncover profitable and marketable skills garnered through their lived experiences.
Encouraging Black women to be impossible to ignore.
Black women earn the majority of bachelor’s and master’s degrees (American Association of University Women), yet are passed over for leadership positions and are more likely to have their competence and judgment questioned (Lean In, McKinsey, and Company Women in the Workplace Report 2022).
In her work, Floyd notices a pattern where no matter how accomplished Black women are, some believe obtaining one more credential will earn them the respect they seek. There is an internal voice that needs to be silenced.
Floyd’s insights coupled with the data inspired this program built for black women to stop auditioning for their value and to speak, write, teach, and brag. Break the Glass addresses oppressive narratives and societal norms black women face when external voices become internal barometers that limit their self-perception.
Since COVID, thought leadership has emerged as a proven path to professional advancement. 56% of recruiters said thought leaders can command a premium salary compared to non-thought leaders and 82% said thought leadership is more important to employers than before the pandemic. (Thought Leadership on Your Career).
“As a Black woman, to combat inequities, we have to be our own solution. With Break the Glass, my goal is to bridge the gap between aspiration, ambition, and achievement. In the program, you learn then implement so by the end, you’ll either command your seat at the table or create your own,” says Floyd.
Becoming the greatest story ever told.
Break the Glass’ curriculum emphasizes the importance of Black women seeing their expertise and perspective as assets that transcend limitations and helps them transform their personal stories into profitable brand stories so they can take up space in their industries.
In 12 weeks, participants develop essential skills to be successful thought leaders such as ideation, storytelling, writing, public speaking, pitching, branding, and relationship building. Participants leave the program with a complete thought-leadership talk and action plan ready to execute. This experience is designed for black women to center themselves and take charge of their brand by building a platform that positions them for higher salaries and/or in-demand professional services.
Break the Glass: Thought Leadership Academy September cohort is open for enrollment.
Additionally, organizations can sponsor their employee’s participation in the program or license it for their own learning and development initiatives.
Urban Excellence is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to making world class personal growth and development programs, training, coaching, resources and services available and accessible for all.
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Urban Excellence is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to making world class personal growth and development programs, training, coaching, resources and services available and accessible for all.
CONTACT