Lydia Payne-Johnson

12/27/2022

03/02/2022

Are you pursuing a career or are you stuck in a job? There’s a huge difference.

To pursue a career, you need to set goals. You’ll also need to be aware of the required skills it will take to get to the next level. Take an inventory of your current skill set, including certifications and accomplishments. You’re probably a lot further along that you give yourself credit for.

For Black women, pursuing a career also means building out your network of advisors, mentors, and others who can coach you and advocate on your behalf. Be courageous. Ask for help.

It’s time to make yourself a priority as you pursue your career. It doesn’t matter whether you want to rise up the corporate ladder or be an entrepreneur. Make wise decisions. Don’t take no for an answer. Formulate your vision and thrive to excel.

For more inspiring thoughts, buy my book ‘Reclaiming Yourself: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating Work, Life and Your Inner Spirit’. It is available on Amazon.

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03/02/2022

Today is the day. Your day. Do something that will advance your career and life skills.
I’m talking about creating your own personal board of directors made up of people who can advise you on everything from improving communications skills, being attuned to your work environment and your executive presence.

Your personal board of directors can also silence that inner critic which constantly makes you doubt yourself.

Give this a real try. Take that step. As you add to your board, you’ll begin to blossom.

I discuss this subject and many more in my book ‘Reclaiming Yourself: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating Work, Life and Your Inner Spirit’. It is available on Amazon.

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03/02/2022

“There goes the angry black woman”

How many times in your professional career have you been referred to as the “angry black woman?”

When we bring our authentic personas. Usually that means you are educated, well dressed, self-assured and unafraid to speak up. With these qualities, we are often labeled as “ill-mannered,” “ill-tempered,” “unapproachable,” or “angry.” Oh, let’s not forget “people are afraid of you.”

These labels tend to show up in “feedback” or “performance reviews” with the intent to discourage, intimidate or, in many cases, push you out. Stay on track. Stay focused. Be you. Push back. Don’t be afraid to ask from whom, what, where and when these remarks originated. Importantly, ask how and whether those labels have lessened your performance.

More often than not, the response will be silence.

I speak more about this topic on my podcast ‘What’s on your Mind.’ Link in bio.

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02/28/2022

How do I embrace my flaws?

If you are wondering, that’s already a step in the right direction. Without understanding the root of your concerns, it’s hard to come to terms with your flaws.

It is important for you to acknowledge what’s bothering you and start working on making changes in your life for the better.

Queen, It truly helps to put things into perspective and learn to appreciate your individuality; your flaws make you different from everybody else and that’s a good thing!

So starting today, make a point to realize that your imperfections make you human, sit with yourself and embrace them and learn how to start using it to help yourself and others.

I discuss this and more in my book ‘Reclaiming Yourself: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating Work, Life and Your Inner Spirit’. It is available on Amazon.

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02/28/2022

Being a single mother isn’t easy.
Today Queens, I want to applaud and celebrate all of you wonder women for your hard work to maintain a balance between your career and your personal life.
As I recall my memories of being a single mother throughout my life, I remember how many of us were so outstanding at raising our child/children and how we showed up each day bringing our best self forward, no matter how hard the circumstances were.

We have come a long way, us women; I want to remind you how courageously we stood up for ourselves when society looked down on widowed and single mothers.

We must keep pushing forward and rising above all obstacles in order to keep fighting for our rights and the demands of being a single mother in our society.

Reclaiming Yourself: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating Work, Life and Your Inner Spirit’. Available on Amazon.

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02/28/2022

Women, particularly women of color, frequently face biases at their workplace, and this often causes them to doubt their own capabilities and self-worth.

Despite the fact women are conquering their righteous place in this world; It’s still very upsetting to see all the discrimination (that is still happening in the 21st century) toward women and where they stand at their workplace.

Queens, start breaking through the invisible barriers by making small intentions, controlling your life and breaking through your fears, to start. You will definitely notice the changes in your workspace and in your personal life.

I speak more about this topic on my podcast ‘what’s on your mind’.
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