Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “What do I need?” when it comes to the path you want for your career? In Lauren Wesley Wilson’s debut book, What Do You Need? How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success, the ColorComm CEO explores a fundamental outlook she believes can define a woman’s career trajectory. What Do You Need? is an intimate question we must ask when co-creating an authentic professional environment.
As a new mother and seasoned communications and PR expert, Wilson emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one’s needs by sharing her practical guidance and empowering lessons for professionals at any career stage. What Do You Need? is a series of relatable experiences, a key to understanding how to be “valued, seen and compensated,” Wilson describes.
Beginning her career in crisis communications in Washington, D.C., Wilson served as communications director on Capitol Hill, which led her to work for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. Transitioning from employee to employer, Wilson founded ColorComm 13 years ago. This professional organization is dedicated to advancing women of color in communications, marketing, media and related fields.
Image: courtesy of ColorComm
Image: courtesy of ColorComm
Image: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for ColorComm.
In her EBONY interview, Wilson emphasized the importance of self-awareness and understanding one’s needs in professional settings. Throughout the book, Wilson addresses common challenges faced by professional women of color, such as navigating workplace dynamics, managing personal relationships and striking a balance between personal growth and supporting others.
“We all have needs and don’t necessarily think about them. We don’t ask ourselves the question, what do you need?” Wilson says. But if we start asking ourselves, we are going to walk away with a portfolio of meaningful experiences. No matter what happens, you can say you’re valuable.”
As she kicks off a seven-city book tour, Wilson aims to foster genuine connections and support systems. “We’re going beyond accolades,” she says. “We’re building networks that propel us forward.” She emphasizes the importance of confidence and independence, particularly when attending career events. Drawing from personal experience, she encourages readers to embrace opportunities to network and connect.
“Lauren discusses the importance of gaining a full understanding of the people we work with and their needs,” shared Sunny Hostin, who hosted the New York City stop of the book tour. “It is crucial to not only listen and work to accommodate the needs of your peers, but also be outspoken about your own needs so that a true equitable and inclusive environment can be established.”
“I want people to really think about what they need and want and feel empowered enough to ask for it,” Wilson declares. “I want them to feel like they have a supportive community and are not alone in this journey.”
When asked why her book would resonate with professional women, Wilson explained that it is about understanding and identifying the basic principles necessary for success in the workplace. Asking, “What do you need?” is different from asking, “How can I help?” or focusing only on what you want. The question leads to discovery and provides the knowledge to identify whether your environment is a place to succeed realistically. The book emphasizes accountability and understanding how you contribute to workplace productivity.
“I want you to think about your career from an employer’s lens,” Wilson says. “Understanding what employers value and how they measure success is crucial for achieving fulfillment and avoiding common pitfalls in the workplace.”
Wilson highlights the significance of strategic thinking in career advancement. She stresses the importance of building meaningful relationships, both within and outside the workplace. “Most decisions of your career are made when you are not in the room.” Wilson explains how she categorizes her network and encourages professionals to seek guidance from their ‘sponsors.’
“These are the people in your life that think of you when an opportunity appears: godfathers and godmothers, connections with people of influence that can open a door for you with just one phone call or introduction,” she describes.
“‘Businesships’ are colleagues with whom you develop commonality throughout your professional journey. All relationships are crucial to helping you navigate challenges and seize opportunities.”
In addressing the role of allies in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Wilson urged white allies to go beyond performative gestures and actively support the economic advancement of women of color. She emphasized the importance of repackaging and simplifying the concept of DEI to foster better understanding and collaboration across diverse backgrounds.
“The best piece of advice I’ve received is to block out the negativity. There will always be people who doubt your capabilities or discourage you from pursuing your goals. It is so important to recognize that opinions do not define your potential. Walk into every room as if you belong there, because you do,” Hostin later continued.
Wilson believes providing resources that empower women for all stages of their careers is crucial. “What do you need?” is about starting a conversation and asking oneself and others what they need.
Wilson’s dedication to empowering women of color and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a force. Her book, What Do You Need? is a must-read for anyone looking to define their professional journey and build a supportive community of allies. “It’s about asking the question, what do you need? And then being empowered to go out and get it,” she concludes.
For more information about Wilson’s book tour and ColorComm’s work, visit colorcomm.com.
