What Do You Need?: How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success

by Lauren Wesley Wilson

Lauren Wesley Wilson, businesswoman and founder and CEO of ColorComm Corporation uncovers the skills that women of color need to know to reach leadership positions.

It’s often said that women of color have to work twice as hard in their careers to get half as much. But it’s not just the actual work. It’s working twice as hard to connect with the people around them, because the reality of the worlds of big business and corporations is that people like to invest their energy in employees who remind them of themselves. In What Do You Need?, Lauren explains how she has grappled with the question “Do I belong here?”—a complicated one that women of color repeatedly ask themselves. Through a decade of trial and error, many gutsy risks, and simply putting herself out there, Lauren learned how to take control of her career, accomplish her enormous goals, and carve out a space for herself—one where she clearly belongs.

Told through stories from her own career and those of her friends and connections—including Whoopi Goldberg, Gayle King, Ann Curry, Michelle Lee—as well as through tools, resources, and practical strategies, Lauren uncovers the secrets of how women of color can reach executive leadership positions.

Topics

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Womens, Business

264 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Lauren Wesley Wilson is a Marketer, Media Spokesperson and Diversity and Inclusion Strategist. Lauren is one of the nation’s leading thought leaders on Diversity and Inclusion, Crisis Communications, and Media Relations.

Lauren currently serves as Founder and CEO of the ColorComm Corporation. ColorComm Corporation is a privately held holding company with communications, public relations, and media companies in its portfolio. ColorComm Corporation owns the ColorComm Network, ColorComm Search, ColorComm Media Group and Men of Color in Communication.

Reviews

[Melissa Anson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good nuggets, but I wish the target audience of the book was more clear. Is this for someone who is a ColorComm fan that wants to learn more about the philosophy about it? Is it for mid-level career WOC? Is it for WOC who are thinking about starting their own non-profit? Is it for white women allies? What was hard with this book is that it felt like it was trying to be all of the above, and, unfortunately, when you try to be everything to everyone, it's hard to drive a deep connection with the content.

[Maxine C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for women of color in corporate america or starting their career. I would read this multiple times and Gift to many. If your hesitant, go ahead and purchase. It's a great investment to have for your career. The untold truth told in so many ways. Thank you Lauren! Especially for making this book an easy read.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Great advice for AA/B women, but lacking soild advice for AAPI and H/L and biracial women

[Cheryl Alger · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an advanced career person, this information was pretty basic. However, I do think the information in this book is useful for a young person entering their career, and the information about taking initiative, networking, etc. is very useful. It is also a good reminder, if you are feeling stuck in your career, or perhaps overwhelmed or losing interest, this may help you think differently about what you are doing and where you want to go!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical, insightful page-turner about professional and career nuances that women of color navigate on a daily basis and how people from all backgrounds can synergize. This book sheds light on why typical approaches succeed or fail and how everyone can raise the bar. I always appreciate advice that is applicable and achievable and Laren Wesley Wilson accomplished both. I recommend reading and sharing this book.

[La-Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building relationships and understanding the need for connectivity is the key takeaway. The author shares her professional experience in the workplace. She offers advice for women who seek to establish themselves. What Do You Need? How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate comes at a time where more women are demanding more.

[Surya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had I read this book sooner would have handled many bumps better. Similar theme as that of LeanIn, perhaps every once in a while I need reminder of such concepts. Thanks to Sahra Henry for the copy <3

[Christina Brooking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[tey burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% a must read for anyone in a corporate setting. i never write in books but i wrote all over this one and i will be rereading this again soon