{"id":7823,"date":"2021-02-15T06:57:33","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T11:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=7823"},"modified":"2025-05-27T06:59:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T10:59:57","slug":"buildtalk-blacks-business-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/buildtalk-blacks-business-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"BUILDTalk Conversations that Matter: Blacks in business and technology"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPeople & Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBUILDTalk Conversations that Matter: Blacks in business and technology\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\tJohanna Brown-Lyons<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

February marks Black History Month \u2013 an annual celebration and recognition of the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout U.S. history. Earlier this month, our colleague success network BUILD (Blacks United in Leadership and Development) hosted our \u201cBlacks in business and technology\u201d<\/a> Twitter chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are the highlights from our conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice would you give to Black young professionals and entrepreneurs in today\u2019s climate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo Black young professionals: Business etiquette still matters. And corporate culture still matters.  Make sure as you are entering the workforce that you understand the company culture. Remember the business was established before you arrived and will be there after you depart \u2013 so spend the early years of your career learning corporation norms and business etiquette. Set aside monthly or quarterly time to read professional development books.\u201d \u2013 Kay Dexter, @TheKayDexter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d recommend developing a skill that helps you stand out from others \u2013 pick something that\u2019s a good fit with your personality!\u201d \u2013 Laurie McCabe, @lauriemccabe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCreate a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, whether that\u2019s about industry, shared challenges, or similar phases of businesses.\u201d \u2013 Rieva Lesonsky, @Rieva<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday\u2019s world is vastly different then when I started my career and entrepreneurial journey. However, no matter the age, time, or climate you should always strive of excellence.\u201d \u2013 Nicole Davis, @wifemomcpa100<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake extra time to build better relationships. It\u2019s not volume, it\u2019s quality and create value through connections. Learn how to choose your peer group.\u201d \u2013 Tripp Braden, @TrippBraden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“First, now where you want to be on 12\/31\/21. Second, create a GPS plan on HOW you plan to get from where you are today to your goal on 12\/31.  Third, create an ‘A’ list of the top 20 people who will help you achieve your goal. Fourth, stay connected to those people!” \u2013 Brian Moran, @brianmoran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your definition of business success?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the COVID pandemic, the definition of business success is actually surviving! That is success. COVID-19 has been devastating on the American small business economy. COVID proved that America is dependent on SMBs<\/a>. Hopefully, in the recovery, our government and citizens alike will elevate SMBs higher.\u201d \u2013 Kay Dexter, @TheKayDexter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWatch Kimberly Ellison-Taylor talk about her leadership journey as a Black female in the tech\/accounting world<\/a>.\u201d \u2013 Tom Hood, @TomHood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEveryone needs to have their own definition of success.  And it\u2019s important to understand your definition of success can shift over time.\u201d \u2013 Rieva Lesonsky, @Rieva<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHelping as many people as we can, as many ways as we can, as often as possible so they can achieve as much as they can.\u201d \u2013 Brian F. Tankersley, @bftcpa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy definition of success is lifted from a rap song. There is a line in a verse that says, \u201cBackyard, it looks like the Garden of Eden.\u201d Success for me is being at peace knowing my needs and wants are taken care of\u2026whether financial or emotional.\u201d \u2013 Nicole Davis, @wifemomcpa100<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI heard an inspiring quote yesterday about building a successful career: \u2018Learn it, earn it, and return it\u2019\u201d \u2013 Laurie McCabe, @lauriemccabe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deliver engagement through experiences<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Download our eBook “Delivering engagement through experiences” to find out why it’s time to change focus and where HR leaders can turn to drive productivity in their workplace.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDownload now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>What strategic steps can allies take to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAllyship has to be learned over time. I think it is unfair to expect ally behavior to change in a snap. Allies can engage to listen, versus engaging to respond\u2026Participation in one employee resource group event will aid allies in seeing that the colleagues that they work with daily share some of the same home life issues and build lasting friendships for life.\u201d \u2013 Kay Dexter, @TheKayDexter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAdding on to what Kay said, don\u2019t just attend seminars, but really do the work to be inclusive.  And, listen at a deep level\u201d \u2013 Carol Stephen, @Carol_Stephen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing an effective ally means opening life-changing doors for others interested in working in your industry, including referring them to jobs where you think they would be a great fit, fostering a more diverse professional network, and mentoring young Black people who are interested in pursuing STEM careers.\u201d \u2013 Monique Daniel, @monidaniel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis [article]<\/a> has some great real-life anecdotes.\u201d \u2013 Beth Staub, @AdventureGlass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAllies can start by speaking up. They usually have a front row seat to the inequities experienced by minorities in the workplace.  Then, have deeper conversations with family and friends about diversity and inclusiveness.\u201d \u2013 Nicole Davis, @wifemomcpa100<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBe willing to knock down doors or for that matter on doors.  Take time to understand where people come from and where they want to go. Be willing to provide support to help other succeed in new roles and responsibilities.\u201d \u2013 Tripp Braden, @TrippBraden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How have you handled adversity and doubt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFirst you cry. Then you act.\u201d \u2013 Rieva Lesonsky, @Rieva<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHandling adversity and doubt, means that you simply have to continuously \u2018prove\u2019 yourself \u2013 every meeting, every email, every interaction to contradict the myths of Black corporate people.\u201d \u2013 Kay Dexter, @TheKayDexter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a Black woman in tech, my biggest obstacle has been overcoming my sense of \u2018imposter syndrome\u2019 \u2013 nagging thoughts that I don\u2019t BELONG in tech\u2026I\u2019ve learned to retrain my thoughts and \u2018lean in\u2019 to the valuable knowledge and skills I\u2019ve nurtured over the years and continue to develop every day.\u201d \u2013 Monique Daniel, @monidaniel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am not a confrontational person by any measure.  Yet, when it comes to my mental health and well-being, I confront it head on. I overcame adversity by working through it.  Whereas doubt is very subtle. It can eat away at your goals and ambitions if not checked.\u201d \u2013 Nicole Davis, @wifemomcpa100<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnything worth having will be difficult, and adversity makes you work harder toward my goals.  Enduring challenges gives you perspective on what\u2019s really important and what isn\u2019t important, and helps you remember to be grateful for what you have.\u201d \u2013 Brian F. Tankersley, @bftcpa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you could rewind time, what career misstep would you make again because the lesson learned was so invaluable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cComing in HOT! Meaning thinking that I could come into a company and change their way of working, thinking I had all the answers to solve their problems simply because I was youthful and had ideas.  The lesson was so invaluable that I teach it to this day when I mentor girls in STEM & STEAM\u2026Learn the job first \u2013 perfect it, then offer ideas for improvement \u2013 this will lead to your ideas being more receptive.\u201d \u2013 Kay Dexter, @TheKayDexter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo times with companies being severely disrupted and thriving thru the storm!\u201d – Tom Hood, @TomHood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat a great question. I think I would have started my business sooner than I did. Don\u2019t let comfort blind you from the toxicity you are surrounded by. Most important, don\u2019t beat yourself up for the mistakes you\u2019ve made. All mistakes are learning experiences.\u201d \u2013 Rieva Lesonsky, @Rieva<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was teaching on the Navajo Nation and was in line for my mail (we had general delivery). The man behind the counter didn\u2019t \u2018see\u2019 me and served everyone behind me. When it was \u2018my\u2019 turn, he left. I didn\u2019t get my mail that day. I became much more aware that day.\u201d \u2013 Beth Staub, @AdventureGlass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I would make ALL my mistakes again because of where I am today. Change one thing, and you might change everything. My mistakes showed me I could get knocked to my knees, get back up again, dust myself off, and say ‘Seriously? Is that the best you got?'” \u2013 Brian Moran, @brianmoran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI got laid off in the great recession. At the time I thought it was the worst thing possible. But started SMB Group shortly after that, which I would never have done had I not been laid off.\u201d \u2013 Laurie McCabe, @lauriemccabe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Transform your workforce with Sage<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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No matter the size of your team, Sage offers HR solutions to help you lead, manage, and engage your people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you could write a book about your career experiences, what would you name it and why?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing the Only One in the Room<\/em> \u2013 it would chronicle my experiences of being the only Black [person] and most times Black woman in the marketing room.\u201d \u2013 Kay Dexter, @TheKayDexter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Accidental Entrepreneur<\/em>.\u201d \u2013 Laurie McCabe, @lauriemccabe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Accidental Road Warrior.\u201d <\/em>\u2013 Brian F. Tankersley, @bftcpa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCustomer Service Doesn\u2019t Need to Hurt<\/em> \u2013 I fell in love with customer service when I started and it\u2019s one of my biggest passions.\u201d \u2013 Beth Staub, @AdventureGlass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Accidental Billionaire<\/em> \u2013 what they don\u2019t teach you about life and love in busines school.\u201d \u2013 Tripp Braden, @TrippBraden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The World of Business is a Carnival and I Got Stuck on the Rollercoaster.” \u2013 <\/em>Brian Moran, @brianmoran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I want to write a book called Why not?”<\/em> \u2013 Rieva Lesonsky, @Rieva<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLemons: Make More Than Lemonade<\/em>. We know the old adage\u2026but you can make more than lemonade. My career experiences afforded me options. Figuratively [speaking], I\u2019ve made lemon sorbet, lemon cupcakes, and lemon drops.\u201d \u2013 Nicole Davis, @wifemomcpa100<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upcoming BUILDTalk Conversations That Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to everyone who participated in this Twitter chat. Visit our Twitter moment<\/a> to read the full conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow our hashtags #BUILDatSage<\/a> and #IAMBUILDatSage<\/a> for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every month our <\/em>#SageInspire<\/em><\/a> Twitter chat brings together small business and accounting professionals to discuss the latest news and trends. <\/em>Click here to see our upcoming schedule<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deliver engagement through experiences<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Download our eBook “Delivering engagement through experiences” to find out why it’s time to change focus and where HR leaders can turn to drive productivity in their workplace.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDownload now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

February marks Black History Month \u2013 an annual celebration and recognition of the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout U.S. history. Earlier this month, our colleague success network BUILD (Blacks United in Leadership and Development) hosted our \u201cBlacks in business and technology\u201d Twitter chat. Below are the highlights from our conversation. What advice would […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":795,"featured_media":7822,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[317,205,201,279],"business_type":[40],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[96],"imagine_tag":[231],"coauthors":[645],"class_list":["post-7823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-diversity","tag-influencers-to-follow","tag-sage-colleagues","tag-sage-events","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Johanna Brown-Lyons","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/SageAdvice-christina-wocintechchat-com-2JDDn7iSGH8-unsplash.jpg","imagine_tags":{"231":"Start up business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/795"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7823"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7823\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/7822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7823"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}