These 8 Women Of Color Credit Their Business Success To One Quality

In this three-part series honoring Black History Month, I’m speaking with a group of Black female business leaders about how they’re thriving in a society that hasn’t traditionally supported their success. This installment explores the power of authenticity in business. You can also read the previous articles on overcoming obstacles and uplifting others.

Many business leaders–especially women–feel pressure to present a polished, curated version of themselves at all times. But as more leaders embrace the benefits of showing up as their full, authentic selves, this mindset is shifting.

In honor of Black History Month, I spoke with eight Black women founders about why and how they lead with authenticity in business—whether through values-driven decision-making, an unapologetic online presence, or fostering deeper connections. Their experiences highlight the power of alignment and self-trust in building successful businesses.