Lauren Wesley Wilson, the visionary behind ColorComm, has authored a new book titled "What Do You Need?" to encourage Black women to pursue career growth. This insightful guide offers support and valuable insights, empowering women of color in their workplace endeavors.
Wilson's inspiration for the book was her experience organizing networking events. She noticed that the most valuable connections were often made when individuals went beyond the surface and asked each other what they needed to elevate their careers. This simple yet powerful question sparked a positive shift from self-focus to a mindset of service.
The journey began in 2011 when Wilson founded ColorComm, Inc. The organization has flourished, connecting with over 100,000 professionals across the nation. It encompasses various initiatives, including the ColorComm Network, ColorComm Executive Conference, ColorComm NextGen Summit, ColorComm Media Group, and Men of Color in Communications Community.
Wilson initially aimed for a career in law, earning her political science degree from Spelman College in 2007. However, recognizing that law was not her genuine passion, she redirected her path to attain a master's in communications from Georgetown University, subsequently securing her first job in public relations.
While working full-time on Capitol Hill, Wilson dedicated summer recesses to developing her business plan, operations, and more. Despite initial skepticism, ColorComm's worth became evident through increasing revenue. In 2015, Wilson left her job to lead ColorComm full-time.
For Wilson, ColorComm's success lies in members' feedback-success stories of salary increases, improved negotiation skills, and client satisfaction from mentorship. This, she noted, is a testament to their impact and the continued journey ahead.
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Now, Wilson is distilling her wealth of knowledge and experiences into "What Do You Need?" This book contains the knowledge Wilson has accumulated during her career. Despite her success, Wilson considers herself in a continual learning phase, and the book reflects her ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth.
The book serves as a guide, covering everything from entering the professional arena to addressing the challenges women of color face in leadership roles. Its no-nonsense approach sets it apart, offering practical advice for navigating the sometimes competitive nature of the corporate world.
Wilson emphasized the competitive nature of corporate spaces, which individuals need to navigate for themselves. She highlighted the importance of being prepared for this reality. She wished to have had guidance about it earlier in her career.
The book is positioned as a resource, answering questions that individuals might not have been aware of in their professional journeys. Readers can expect valuable lessons on increasing their professional value, recognizing opportune moments to progress or make a change, and taking calculated risks.
The book is an indispensable roadmap for women of color navigating the workplace and allies dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. Published by Hay House, "What Do You Need?" will be released in April and is currently available for preorder.
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