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Tomorrow is my last day at Salesforce. I will NEVER say that my time at Salesforce was a great experience but I learned a lot, I’ve made lasting friendships, and I’ve better aligned myself to what I need as an employee, as a person, as a human and specifically as a Black woman.
For those asking what’s next...
I’m next. Healing, self discovery, realigning to my needs, having time to listen to the beat of my own heart, etc. Leaving a role you’ve worked really hard to obtain can feel like defeat and I want to acknowledge that.
I’m next. Healing, self discovery, realigning to my needs, having time to listen to the beat of my own heart, etc. Leaving a role you’ve worked really hard to obtain can feel like defeat and I want to acknowledge that.
I tried to interview and midway in .... I realized I’m a bit jaded. I can’t be an asset to a team right now. I’m also burned out. The spark I once had has been stomped on and kicked around a bit so I’m trying to hold a drenched hydrogen peroxide rag to my own bruised design eye.
I learned a few lessons though:
1. Good managers matter.
My first year sucked!!!! The worst time of my life! After switching to the engineering team, it was such a breath of fresh air. My eng managers were soooo freaking awesome!
1. Good managers matter.
My first year sucked!!!! The worst time of my life! After switching to the engineering team, it was such a breath of fresh air. My eng managers were soooo freaking awesome!
2. Great team members matter.
Who would’ve thought I would meet my favorite coworker here? I’ve never had a favorite and wouldn’t dare stay in touch with them. There are great people out there and I’ll appreciate the opportunity I’ve had with them for the rest of my life.
Who would’ve thought I would meet my favorite coworker here? I’ve never had a favorite and wouldn’t dare stay in touch with them. There are great people out there and I’ll appreciate the opportunity I’ve had with them for the rest of my life.
3. Heaven and Hell exist at the same company
I don’t have any comments on this. Just know, right across the tracks... you can possible find a meadow.
I don’t have any comments on this. Just know, right across the tracks... you can possible find a meadow.
4. Gaslighting, bias, and racism is something you have to learn to recognize
It's not always in your face. I've learned to recognize the signs and I'm still learning how to navigate the spaces when it happens. The microaggressions add up and I think I am more tactful about them.
It's not always in your face. I've learned to recognize the signs and I'm still learning how to navigate the spaces when it happens. The microaggressions add up and I think I am more tactful about them.
5. Find your coaches, mentors, allies, tribe and sponsors AS SOON AS YOU START! Do not wait!
I took too long to figure this part out (remote work is kinda hard to navigate sometimes...) My work life was so much easier to digest when I found my people!
I took too long to figure this part out (remote work is kinda hard to navigate sometimes...) My work life was so much easier to digest when I found my people!
6. Lastly, take your career into your own hands... period.
Your manager hasn't set up a 1:1? Do it. You were supposed to pair with your lead but you find it rude to add things to their calendar? Add it to their calendar. You haven't had a career conversation? START IT!
Your manager hasn't set up a 1:1? Do it. You were supposed to pair with your lead but you find it rude to add things to their calendar? Add it to their calendar. You haven't had a career conversation? START IT!
7. Being black in corporate America is EXHAUSTING af.
The bias, the over-explaining yourself, the "I'm not angry" conversations, the "I have a black friend", the "is this bias or is this constructive feedback"...... I'm tired. All I wanted to do was design great experiences.
The bias, the over-explaining yourself, the "I'm not angry" conversations, the "I have a black friend", the "is this bias or is this constructive feedback"...... I'm tired. All I wanted to do was design great experiences.
Of course, I have lots more to say but ...what's the point. I just hope this helps the next person navigate their career, get in front of things, and know... there is life outside of that DREAM role. Make friends, have fun, and create tons of memories.
