Welcome To Friday! 📆

“If you don’t try then, you ain’t sure” - Jadakiss ( My favorite rapper!)

Meaning if you don’t try it for yourself, you’re not really sure of yourself.

I’m in the process of developing a new signature talk, so I thought why not test out the content with my Bloom Babes ( you beautiful ladies!). I’m still in the ideation stage, so here we go…… Give me grace.

I’ve been brainstorming on the principle of “audacity to try” with my 10-year-old and 6-year-old daughters. That’s what sparked my interest in the topic.

When I watched my daughters ask for help as a first instinct, as opposed to trying to see if they are capable of something it truly bothered me. Like deep down in my spirit bothered me.

Because it concerns me that their level of self-confidence and their ability to take a bet on themselves is at risk. Confidence and courage come through repetition. Trying and proving your abilities, capabilities, and expertise to yourself over and over again. It’s all apart of the audacity to try.

I also don’t relate to and comprehend this way of thinking, becasue it’s not the way my brain works. I’m a just do it, just try it type of girlie. It’s the way I’m wired.

I was the little girl that….

💫Tried out for all the teams

💫 Tried to take the winning shot

💫 Tried out for all the school plays and lead roles

💫 Tried to get full-ride scholarships for school without the grades or accolades ( and did for grad school)

💫Tried to get a raise and a promotion in my first job out of college, after only working their for three months ( And did!)

Me and trying have a very long history and a really good relationship. We go together real bad!

The thing is if you don’t try you’re not sure……AND you will never know if you can. You will never know your capacity, test your limits, break through barries and boundaries, and you will stay in your comfort zone.

I’ve never lived in the comfort zone (I don’t have the address) because I’m always trying. I’m still that little girl fearlessly jumping off the monkey bars and flipping off the swings.

As Black women, we often find ourselves navigating a world that consistently underestimates our potential and undervalues our contributions. That’s why we should overestimate and overvalue ourselves and use that to have the audacity to try.

Research shows that women, in general, are less likely to take risks and advocate for themselves compared to men. According to a study by LinkedIn, women apply for jobs only when they meet 100% of the qualifications, while men apply when they meet just 60%. Additionally, a report by McKinsey & Company found that women are less likely to ask for a raise than men, with only 29% of women negotiating their salary compared to 36% of men. A study by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company revealed that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 58 Black women are promoted, despite the fact that Black women ask for promotions at the same rate as men. See why its so important to build a habit of trying.

These statistics highlight the importance of embracing the audacity to try, especially for Black women. When we take risks and advocate for ourselves, we not only challenge societal norms but also create new opportunities and possibilities for growth and advancement. By applying for jobs even when we don't meet all the qualifications, negotiating our salaries, pursuing leadership roles, and shooting our shots, we demonstrate to ourselves value and potential, to not just ourselves but to the world.

I now know that helping other women build their audacity to try is my ministry. It’s work that brings me so much joy!

So if you’ve lost that try in you, here’s what you can do…

1. Identify and challenge limiting beliefs: Recognize and confront the internal narratives that hold you back. Recognize negative self-talk. Question the validity of these beliefs and replace them with empowering affirmations.

2. Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace the idea that your abilities and intelligence can always be enhanced and developed through dedication and hard work. View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

3. Take calculated risks: Embrace calculated risks that align with your goals and values. Evaluate the potential outcomes and trust in your ability to handle challenges and learn from setbacks.

4. Advocate for yourself: Learn to communicate your value, skills, and accomplishments effectively. Own your narrative. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want, whether it's a raise, a promotion, or a new opportunity.

5. Continuously invest in your skills: Pursue learning opportunities that enhance your knowledge and skills. Attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to stay competitive and relevant in your field. Never be afraid to reinvent yourself or pivot.

6. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Reframe failure as a necessary part of growth and success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategies, and keep pushing forward.

The ROI of our audacity goes far beyond our individual successes. As we break barriers and shatter glass ceilings, we become role models for the next generation of Black girls and women. The audacity to try is not just a personal choice—it is a necessity for Black women. By embracing this audacity, we tap into our limitless potential, inspire others, and drive meaningful change in our communities and beyond.

The power of the audacity to try infinite!

Reply to this email and let me know when your last big try was. When did you last have the audacity to try?

#ICYMI

For us by us! A few words from Black women in tech to encourage, inspire, and empower you.

Job hopping is still the cheat code for rapid career growth - Learn how to job hop strategically to 10x your career growth

DUH? McKinsey study finds Black women more ambitious and less supported at work -Study finds that many Black women experience a general lack of support in spite of their excellent work ethic. When Black excellence doesn’t make a difference.

Ever had to influence without authority? We’ve all been there! This post breaks down exactly how to do it when you’re not the lead or the manager.

2024 genius networking tip - It’s not what you think. It’s all about telling people exactly what you need. Although this is a tip for business owners and founders, it easily can be applied to your job hunt. Check it out.

What if you could unlock your full potential and start thriving in your life and career? Well, you can with our first career journal designed for us and by us! Are you ready to take charge of your professional and personal growth journey? Introducing The Climb Career Journal ©, meticulously designed to empower women like you to soar to new heights in both your personal and professional journey! Get Yours Today

#FTW

Here’s a list of Bloomology-approved companies with remote jobs that are hiring this week #techistillhiring 🏢

Black VC is hiring an Associate Programs Lead

Workforce is looking for a Technical Instructional Designer III

SciLeades is looking for a UX/UI designer

Urban League needs a freelance Grant Writer

Here’s the link to hella UX Ed Tech Jobs (list courtesy of Alicia Quan)

Chegg Inc.: UX Research Intern https://lnkd.in/gFj43cK9 

Content Design Intern https://lnkd.in/gnz-qYMQ 

Sparx Learning: Product Designer https://lnkd.in/gnkkbfDE 

Udemy: Product Design Manager https://lnkd.in/gA_uA2rW 

Duolingo: Sr. Content Designer https://lnkd.in/gB9-iDvB 

Promethean: Sr. UX Researcher https://lnkd.in/gE-gZv5j 

Lovevery: Lead UX Researcher https://lnkd.in/gX8WB2j5 

Intercept Games: UX Designer https://lnkd.in/gCRAtpcS 

MyTutor.co.uk: Director of Product Design https://lnkd.in/gTPcmh_P 

TeachFX: Lead Product Designer https://lnkd.in/gbrdtvex 

ParentSquare: Director of Product Design https://lnkd.in/gD6x_wwA 

Articulate: Manager, Product Design https://lnkd.in/g7d8CgZi 

#BTW

Today is always a great day to level up or upskill in work or in life 👩🏾‍💻

Black Women Talk Tech is bringing Roadmap To Billions Back To NYC, May 16-18  

Master AI for free next year with these Generative AI courses

#IYKYK

These are some of our very best Bloom Report issues. Check out some of the most read Bloomletters and let us know what you think….

💅🏾 The Bloom Report 23 - [Love, Bloomology] - The Jordan Issue #23, How To Ask Better Interview Questions, Understanding Self Worth, Salary Negotiation Tips, Scripts For DM'ing Recruiters, More Remote Jobs, AND So Much More

💅🏾 The Bloom Report 10 - [Bloomology] Leaderships L's & Lessons From Lizzo's Lawsuit, Talk Nice To Me And To You, Job Search Tips & Resources, How Answers For Common Interview Questions, Who's Still Hiring In Tech, Networking Tips, Upskilling Resources, So Much More

💅🏾The Bloom Report 11 - [Bloomology] Were You In The Girl Boss Era?, Tips To Get Your Next $20K Plus Raise, Job Search Strategies, BaddieCon Recap, Tips For A LinkedIn Level Up, Who's Still Hiring In Tech? , So Much More

💅🏾The Bloom Report 6 - [Bloomology] When Was Your Last OOO, How To Stop Doubting Your Skills Today, What Black Women Can Do About Salary Transparency, How To Create Your Next Signature-Convo Starting Look, And So Much More

💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

How did you like today’s email? Would you tell a friend to tell a friend? Go ahead and share this with a woman who could really use it. Appreciate you! 👩🏾‍💻

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