As women leaders, especially women of color, we often face unique challenges, from navigating systems not designed for us to balancing personal and professional growth. But with the right roadmap we can not only overcome these obstacles—we can thrive.

Here are 8 key practices that will help you excel in your career, amplify your value, and build lasting influence:

Prioritize Rest and Well-Being

Prioritize your well-being—it’s essential. It’s why it’s first on this list. You’ve heard the adage, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Time to live it. As a leader, model healthy boundaries and take your rest. Stepping back to recharge helps you maintain your energy, creativity, and decision-making capacity. Success isn’t about doing everything; it’s about focusing on what matters most. Tip: Read up on this important topic. I recommend Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey and The Rest Revolution by Amanda Miller Littlejohn.

Understand Your Business Inside and Out

To truly excel in any industry, you need a deep understanding of both the business landscape and the nuances of your specific role. Invest time in learning the trends, challenges, and opportunities – understand what drives value for your company, clients, and stakeholders. Knowledge is power, and when you’re informed, you can make better decisions and elevate your impact. Tip: Follow industry influencers, subscribe to newsletters, and attend webinars hosted by experts in your field.

Track Your Metrics and Accomplishments

You’re doing the work – make sure you track your results and clearly communicate your contributions. Whether it’s revenue growth, process improvements, or leadership development, keeping a record of your top accomplishments helps you showcase your value and keeps your achievements top of mind. This is especially crucial when it comes to performance reviews, career advancement discussions, or interviews. Tip: Quantify your achievements.  You’re already sending a report or summary to stakeholders, go ahead and move that email to an “About Me” subfolder, arranged by year, for easy integration into performance reviews.

Seek Champions in Rooms You’re Not in and Lift as You Climb.

Seek champions in decision-making rooms you’re not in—people who will advocate for you. These mentors and allies can amplify your voice and create new opportunities. Be specific about where you would like support and be open to their feedback. Likewise, leadership is about lifting others as you rise. Take the time to mentor, coach, or sponsor other women in your organization and beyond.  Breaking news: you can hire or refer these qualified women into their dream roles! Sharing knowledge and providing guidance isn’t just a good deed—it’s a strategy for building a network of strong, capable leaders who will support you in return. Tip: Check out this Harvard Business review article to learn more about the roles of mentors, sponsors, and champions.

Request Opportunities and Take Ownership

Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Be proactive in asking for the projects, task forces, or leadership opportunities that align with your development goals. Volunteering for challenging assignments shows initiative and provides a platform to learn and grow. And don’t just complete the work—be sure to report on progress and outcomes, demonstrating the value you bring. Tip: Read “Why You Should Take on More Stretch Assignments” for an inspiring article discussing the high (but rewarding) stakes of stretch assignments for POC and other marginalized groups.

Commit to Lifelong Learning

Never stop growing. Lifelong learning is key to staying ahead of the curve, expanding your knowledge, and networking with industry leaders. The best investment you can make is in yourself. Buy a book and commit to reading it with friends or accountability partners. Tip: Give your eyes a break and listen to an audiobook.  Our ancestors did not engage in centuries of oral storytelling for us to say listening to a book is cutting a corner. It’s not.

Negotiate with Confidence

Negotiation isn’t just about salary—it’s about reserving spend for opportunities and projects, maximizing time off, having open conversations about headcount, and even making space for how your role evolves. Women often hesitate to negotiate but you add value — don’t forget that!  Don’t hesitate to advocate for the respect, time, and resources you need to be successful. Likewise, be prepared to accept rejection on any of those requests and refer to #3 to try again later. Tip: This is one of my favorite topics! Follow me for more negotiation insights in a future piece.

Practice Saying No

Saying no preserves your time, energy, and principles. If a request doesn’t align with your values, it’s okay to decline. Recognize when something isn’t right for you and stand firm. Tip: Say no to someone every day. Bonus Tip: Try to avoid saying no to the same person every day!

Final Thought

For women, especially women of color, leadership isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about redefining success and creating fulfilling, sustainable professional endeavors. By embracing these strategies, you’ll elevate your own career and pave the way for others. Success is an ongoing journey of strategy, resilience, and growth. Take this roadmap with you and let me know how it goes!