Connect with us

Health and Wellness

Black women tech leaders on fighting imposter syndrome and the power of career turnaround

Published

on

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images/Julia Beverly/Getty Images

The fourth annual took place earlier this month in the heart of Atlanta RenderATL the event took place, filling the city with young people from throughout the country. If you are recent, “Render,” as I’ve often heard people call it, which began in 2019 and was founded by CEO Justin Samuels, is a multi-day technology conference for industry professionals who need to learn from and network with the best in the industry contacts. It has grown tremendously over the years.

I had the pleasure of participating in moderating an inspiring fireside chat with Imani Ellisfounder and CEO of the Creative Collective agency and the brains behind the wildly popular CultureCon conference, and Beverly Jackson, vp of brand and marketing at Zillowat Ponce City Market for the conference. It was a really influential time.

Both women left behind what many would consider their dream jobs to be where they’re today. Ellis worked at NBC Universal with Bravo (even starting BravoCon), while Jackson was a game-changer at Twitter (now referred to as X). The ladies talked about finding the courage to step away from these roles in order that they could have more influence.

“Even though I truly had my dream job at NBC, I couldn’t help but notice that The Creative Collective and CultureCon were growing, and as they grew, they needed more and more attention,” Ellis told ESSENCE after a fireplace chat about the spaces she built to assist creatives in obtaining the resources they should develop. “I heard a quiet whisper that said, ‘It’s time,’ and soon after I realized that my goal was to build this community and I wanted to devote my full attention to these activities.”

“At first, I resisted the idea of ​​becoming a full-time entrepreneur, but once I started thinking about the possibilities, I got excited,” she adds. “I started saving, said a prayer, and took a risk. I was afraid of change, but more afraid of staying the same. Sometimes discomfort can be a great catalyst for growth.”

Jackson agrees. The opportunity to assist solve the housing crisis through Zillow was too great to pass up and was a possibility for her to realize strength.

“After years of working in marketing for big brands, I’m now more focused than ever on a purpose-driven career where I can support my organization while positively impacting people’s lives,” she says. “That mission led me to join Zillow, where I proudly promote our ‘super home app’—a one-stop platform for buying, selling, and renting real estate. It’s an important role providing information, tools, and resources that make real estate more transparent, fair, and equitable,” she says. “Zillow is committed to creating opportunity in real estate. There are few things as powerful as a home—and every day I get to help make home a reality for more people.”

One of the most impactful moments during the panel was hearing women share the truth about how they cope with imposter syndrome as Black women in leadership positions. He thinks, “Do I fit in here? Do I know what I’m doing? Will I fall on my face?” these are the ones they’ve also encountered.

“Throughout my career, I’ve found that the key to overcoming self-doubt is shifting my focus from internal uncertainty to external inspiration,” Jackson says. “Whenever I take on a new role or project, I make it a priority to be a leader who inspires others to grow. By channeling my energy from self-doubt into creating a supportive and innovative environment for my team, I can create a safe space for creativity and innovation. By embracing our core value, #BetterTogether, we recognize that we are stronger when we work as a team. We value what each person at Zillow brings to the team and strive to consistently treat each other with respect, empathy, and appreciation in serving our customers, communities, and partners. This empowering approach not only fuels collective success, but also helps us all rise above moments of doubt. I believe in playing with the front of the jersey and mobilizing to build teams that win through collaboration.”

Ellis says one piece of advice perpetually modified the way she checked out herself when she walked into rooms with other tech industry leaders, especially those that didn’t appear like her.

“A mentor recently reminded me that the definition of a fraud is ‘someone who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others,’ and that’s not who I am,” she says. “In any room you’re invited to, you belong. In this next chapter, I embrace what I know and what I don’t know. If I know something, I’m able to stand behind it, and if I don’t know something, I’m not afraid to ask. That’s how I stay true to myself, and that’s how I know I’m not a fraud.”

Sharing these gems of advice with the audience was motivating for those in attendance, but in addition enriching for Jackson and Ellis. Both women benefited from interacting with their guests and learning about one another’s experiences, as individuals who were once underpaid, undervalued, or questioned their calling to turn out to be the successful changemakers they’re today. Jackson especially enjoyed offering insight right into a space crammed with the next generation of Black tech leaders, and she knows how vital that’s.

“The energy at RenderATL was electric! As a Black woman, I’ve sometimes found myself in positions that felt isolating, so I deeply understand the importance of seeking connections and inspiration both inside and outside of my organization,” she says. “At Zillow, our employee resource groups, like Zillow’s Black Employee Billow, play a key role in cultivating connections, diversity, and inclusion internally. Collaborating with external communities like RenderATL provides additional practical advice and motivation. These connections are key to diversifying the tech industry and adapting our products and services to meet the needs of diverse consumers. I’m committed to building strong communities to make an impact.”

Both women are grateful to have had the opportunity to make use of the RenderATL platform and Samuels’ highly popular conference to encourage Black professionals.

Black Women Tech Leaders on Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and the Power of Career Change
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 13: Justin Samuels at AmericasMart Atlanta on June 13, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)

Their best advice for those seeking to change careers is one which could be encouraging to anyone, whether or not they work in tech or not.

“Go on a date first,” says Ellis. “While it’s tempting to jump out the window, you can actually test your idea. Is there a real demand for what you sell? Do you already have clients or is anyone interested in becoming a client? Also set a financial goal for what you need to get through each month and start saving to achieve it. If you decide to leave the 9-5, you want to make sure money-related stress isn’t at the top of your list [of concerns]. Immediately worrying about money can distract you from your vision and force you to make compromises you wouldn’t make if you had a few coins in your pile.”

“Self-awareness and courage are essential,” says Jackson. “The best advice I can give is to be brave and take risks. Once you’ve done your research and understand that a change is necessary for your situation and goals, don’t hesitate – just do it and see what happens. I believe in striving for excellence, so if you feel it’s time for a change, trust your instincts and make the move.”

He adds, “Your safety net is the wisdom and experience you’ve gained over time that stays with you forever. If you put in the effort, you have a backup of your hard work that can support you if you have to pivot multiple times until you discover what truly drives your passions. I’m comfortable embracing change because I’ve put in the work for the past 20+ years and the body of work is a proof of concept.”

My time attending to know each women, each on and off stage, was an emotional rollercoaster ride. It’s at all times great to learn the stories of industry leaders, and it’s much more memorable when they appear such as you.

    This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
    Continue Reading
    Advertisement
    Click to comment

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Health and Wellness

    Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

    Published

    on

    By

    elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


    Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

    Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

    “Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

    Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

    Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

    Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

    Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

    Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

    While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

    “It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

    The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


    This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
    Continue Reading

    Health and Wellness

    Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

    Published

    on

    By

    We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

    But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

    The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

    What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

    I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

    Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

    Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

    If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

    EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

    Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

    This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
    Continue Reading

    Health and Wellness

    You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

    Published

    on

    By

    Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

    Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

    Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

    Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

    I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

    Type 1 diabetes has been defined

    Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

    Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

    Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

    Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

    Cranberries, a seasonal snack

    Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

    Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
    bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

    One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

    Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

    The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

    Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

    They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

    These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

    All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

    Cranberries without sugar?

    Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

    Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

    A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
    Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
    klenova/iStock via Getty Images

    The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

    For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

    Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

    During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

    This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
    Continue Reading
    Advertisement

    OUR NEWSLETTER

    Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

    We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

    Trending