Ep #253: The First, the Few, the Only with Deepa Purushothaman

In the corporate world, many Women of Color find themselves as “the first, the few, the only” on their teams, in their departments, or even in their entire companies. As a result, they’re often expected to adapt, contort, and conform themselves to fit into a mold that doesn’t reflect who they truly are, just to succeed. But what would it look like to create a corporate world where the talents and achievements of Women of Color are celebrated—not questioned, diminished, or undermined? And where Women of Color aren’t pressured to change who they are to succeed, but are empowered to lead with their unique strengths and on their own terms? This is the world my guest, Deepa Purushothaman, is working to create. As a former senior partner at Deloitte and the author of The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America, Deepa believes we have the power to reshape corporate culture—if we work together to make it happen. In this episode of Women Changing Leadership, Deepa and I discuss what a redefinition of leadership would look like – one that challenges outdated norms, fosters true inclusivity, and builds strong communities of support. Plus, Deepa shares her insights on how Women of Color can reclaim their power, and how their allies can help them confront systemic hurdles and inspire real change in the workplace.

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