Career Advice and Personal Growth

The speaker attended the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, an HBCU, after going to a very small school.
From an early age, they were intellectually curious and always wanted to learn more.

When graduating from college, the speaker was thoughtful about choosing a company.
They wanted a company that wouldn't compromise their identity and values.
They were conscious of their background and sought a company that aligned with their values to protect themselves.

The speaker initially experienced a cutthroat competitive environment at Enterprise Rent A Car, where only individual results were rewarded.
Walmart provided a contrasting environment where advancing involved bringing others along. This shift allowed her to focus on personal growth.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding a company where investment in people leads to mutual success.
This supportive culture encourages openness, learning, and vulnerability. It allows the speaker to admit when they don't know something and seek help.

The speaker describes collaborative whiteboarding sessions to address new challenges, particularly common in the evolving retail landscape.
These sessions focus on identifying potential positive and negative outcomes and assessing whether the positives outweigh the negatives.
This approach helps in making informed decisions and taking calculated risks.

The speaker notes that Black women often feel pressure to know everything and be confident all the time.
They emphasize that in the right company, it's okay to "hang the cape up" and rely on others for support and expertise.
Asking the right questions and having a supportive network are more important than knowing everything.

The speaker stresses the importance of remaining authentic while navigating the corporate world.
They advise reflecting on one's upbringing and foundational beliefs to determine what is still relevant.
Continuous self-assessment and openness to evolving are crucial.
Surrounding oneself with people from diverse backgrounds provides different perspectives and helps in personal growth.
Having trusted individuals for transparent conversations helps in shaping one's approach.
It is important to maintain personal values and desired personal brand while remaining adaptable.

The speaker notes that people can sense when someone is being inauthentic or holding back.
Building genuine connections with colleagues is essential, especially since work relationships often consume more time than family relationships.
Colleagues often care about personal well-being and appreciate authentic interactions.
While caution is advised regarding sharing personal information, assuming that most people have good intentions is beneficial.

The most important advice is to choose a company that allows you to be yourself.
During interviews, candidates should equally interview the company to assess its cultural dynamics.
Asking about how ideas are shared and the company's hierarchy can reveal whether it’s a good fit.
Avoiding companies that force you into a box is crucial, regardless of the salary offered.

Generic statements about company culture are common, so it is important to look deeper.
Examine how leaders speak about their teams and what qualities they highlight.
Red flags include praising employees for working excessive hours, which indicates disorganization or unrealistic expectations.
Look for what companies appreciate in their employees and what excites them about their work environment.
Explore platforms like Facebook, where employees (especially those in stores) may share their experiences and concerns.
This provides insight into the on-the-ground realities and potential issues.

The speaker obtained an MBA in International Business from John Brown University, primarily for personal growth.
They acknowledge that their experience was unique because they pursued their MBA while starting a new job, being a mother, and a wife.
They advise gaining a year or two of corporate experience before pursuing an MBA to fully benefit from it.
The exposure to diverse peers and professors was invaluable, and they were able to apply concepts from their MBA directly to their job.
The international component broadened their horizons and facilitated travel opportunities with Walmart.
Walmart utilizes a system to match employee skills and ambitions with relevant opportunities.
This involves Walmart sending her to Brazil and Guatemala to work with CEO's and leadership teams during international business training.
Other companies may have similar systems, which is a good question to ask during interviews.

Career services are invaluable for conferences, job openings, internships, interview support, and resume building.
Building a strong relationship with career services is essential.
Grades are important, but don't take yourself too seriously or expect to know everything.
Focus on resume building early, highlighting passions, creations, and leadership roles.
The job market is competitive, and candidates with significant experience and accomplishments stand out.

Reach out to people at companies of interest via LinkedIn.
Be prepared for varied responses, but capitalize on opportunities to build relationships.
Maintain connections and seek further advice once you get your foot in the door.