Lesson 36: Honor

Today, I was running late. The rideshare car picked me up from my apartment. By the time I arrived at the Harper Center on campus, the ETA investor luncheon had started 15 minutes earlier. When I walked in the room, two men stood at the front explaining how they coach searchers through the ETA process. In the audience sat 16 men and 2 women. I forgot about my arriving late and began to wonder why there were not more women in this room? 

This moment is a learning opportunity. If I aim to own and operate a business, then I need to honor this responsibility by inviting more women into these spaces of learning and community. I felt a connection to one of the investors in the room today because we met through the Black Search Network. This organization empowers Black searchers with a community and resources to pursue ETA. A quick Google search led me to the Women’s Search Network, which does the same thing for women. What happens when you empower women? They empower others.

Michelle Obama said, “There is nothing more important for this nation’s future than investing in our young people.” The former First Lady did more than talk about it. During her 8 years in the White House, she founded 4 organizations empowering young people, women, veterans and their families. She honored her responsibility of having influence to create access for others.

In my haste to attend this luncheon, I failed to invite someone else into the room. In business school, opportunities are often exchanged by word of mouth. It is my responsibility to share each opportunity with my classmates who might stand to benefit because they might not otherwise have access. The consequences of exclusion are real. If we set sail together, then we will go the distance in the blue ocean of our careers.

My mission is to increase representation for Black leaders at the executive, investor, and board level. I intend to fulfill this mission by inviting women to serve in these positions. Their talent, networks, and capital would make a significant impact on the organization - more than if I only invite men. I need to develop habits for creating access for others, as the Former First Lady, Women’s Search Network, and the Black Search Network all do. These habits demonstrate that I honor the privileges of getting my MBA and acquiring a business. If I only help myself then I no longer deserve these opportunities.

Honor is Lesson 36. Next week, I will share Lesson 37: Urgency.