In industries or spaces that have historically excluded certain people, waiting politely for acceptance is a strategy that rarely works. This is a call to stop seeking permission and start taking up space through the force of your own talent and determination. Inclusion doesn't always come from goodwill — sometimes it comes from pressure.
Quote by Bozoma Saint John: “Stop waiting to be invited in. Kick the door down.”
Stop waiting to be invited in. Kick the door down.
Insight
Historical Context
Saint John made this remark during the early 2020s as corporate diversity conversations intensified following the murder of George Floyd and the global Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Her high-profile roles in Silicon Valley and Hollywood made her a visible symbol of what it takes for Black women to succeed in predominantly white industries.
About the Author
Ghanaian-American marketing executive who has served as Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix, Uber, and Apple Music. Known for her groundbreaking brand work and outspoken advocacy for Black women in corporate leadership, she is one of the most prominent marketing leaders of her generation.
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