You already know that I will never lead you where I have not gone and never ask you do to anything I am unwilling to do, let’s get ready for some truths.
While other career coaches were getting coaching certifications and becoming certified resume writers, I was reviewing resumes and cover letters and conducting interviews for various positions in my role as a hiring manager.
While other career coaches were providing resume and cover letter assistance, I was standing in front of a classroom teaching my undergraduate students.
While other career coaches were providing job interview preparation, I was developing internship programs and supervising graduate and undergraduate students completing internships.
While other career coaches were selling get promoted coaching packages, I was developing and managing multi-disciplinary teams of professional women.
While other career coaches were pilot testing group programs, I was facilitating focus groups, support groups, and workshops, and delivering professional development presentations.
I have a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Management and Community Organization – I passed human resources and management courses to earn my degree. I took a leadership development series that a former employer required of all managers. I attend numerous continuing education courses and industry conferences. I constantly speak with the professional women in my network about their career successes and challenges. I conducted years of independent research on leadership and career advancement. I successfully designed and navigated my own career. Yet, I still let limiting beliefs hold me back.
I am not embarrassed to admit that for years I avoided working with women executives and women in senior leadership. I am not embarrassed to admit that I am an overcoming perfectionist and enabler. I am not embarrassed to admit that I am an overcoming control freak. I am not embarrassed that on more than one occasion I should have negotiated harder for a salary increase. I am not embarrassed to admit that I dimmed my light to allow others to feel good about themselves. I am not embarrassed to admit that for years I sought safety and security from a workplace that no longer served me. My safety and security led to self-sabotage because it was fueled by fear. I know that it is not a lack of education, training, or professional experience that holds us back.
I am not embarrassed to admit it because I am actively working against it daily!
I am not embarrassed to admit it because it allows me to be an example of possibility.
I am not embarrassed to admit it because it allows me to recognize when you are playing small, encourage you to step into your power, and hold you accountable.
Guess what?
Helping you helps me. Holding you accountable holds me accountable.
High-Performing Women of Color in Social Work Leadership, I’m Holding Us Accountable!
“There’s no stopping us, no stopping. No one does it better.”
(Breakin’ is one of my favorite movies and I love this song by Ollie and Jerry.)
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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