Laurie Robinson Haden | Winter 2025

For Women of Color executives, reaching the C-suite is a remarkable achievement, but staying visible, influential, and included at the top comes with its challenges. Too often, women of color are granted the title but denied full access to the inner circles where influence is exchanged and decisions are made. Legacy networks, unwritten rules, and quiet exclusion can create a glass ceiling and other barriers within the boardroom itself.

Here are 10 strategic and practical ways to overcome these challenges and lead with power, presence, and purpose:

1. Build Cross-Functional Alliances Early
   Don’t wait to be invited—take the initiative. Reach out to key leaders in Finance, Operations, and Strategy to schedule recurring one-on-ones. Say, “I’d love to understand your priorities so Legal can be more aligned.” This builds relevance and trust beyond your silo.

2. Be Visible in Non-Legal Forums
   Volunteer to present at town halls, join innovation task forces, or lead enterprise-wide initiatives. Show that you’re not just a legal expert—you’re a strategic business partner.

3. Control Your Narrative
   If you don’t shape how people see you, they’ll fill in the blanks. In meetings, tie legal wins to business outcomes: “Our risk mitigation plan not only prevented litigation—it preserved $18M in revenue.”

4. Cultivate Strategic Sponsors
   Mentors advise you. Sponsors advocate for you. Ask: “Would you be open to sharing my name for upcoming board opportunities?” Choose sponsors who have a seat at the decision-making table—and the will to use it on your behalf.

5. Join the Informal Power Circles
   Influence happens over dinner, golf, or off-site retreats. Attend the happy hour, join the advisory council, or start a breakfast roundtable of women executives. Proximity breeds trust—and opportunity.

6. Speak the Language of the Business
   Trade legalese for impact. Instead of “We need to revise this indemnity clause,” say, “This protects the company’s bottom line if there’s a vendor failure.” When you speak in outcomes, you get invited to more tables.

7. Own the Room Without Apology
   Remember: You belong in the room! You have earned it! Imposter syndrome is a byproduct of exclusion, not lack of competence. Prepare, practice, and walk into executive meetings knowing you bring unique value. Sit at the table, not the wall. Speak early, not last.

8. Build a Personal Board of Advisors
   Surround yourself with 3–5 trusted advisors who can offer strategic counsel, challenge your blind spots, and keep you accountable. Include people from both inside and outside your organization to gain a broader perspective.

9. Advocate for Inclusion of the Legal Department—While Leading with Excellence
   Don’t be afraid to name the dynamics. “I’ve noticed Legal hasn’t been part of the early planning conversations—let’s shift that moving forward.” Change culture through example, not just intention.

10. Document and Communicate Your Wins
    Maintain a “success file” and provide regular updates to leadership. A simple quarterly email that says, “Here’s how Legal enabled growth, saved costs, and managed risk this quarter” positions you as a results-oriented leader.

In conclusion, navigating power dynamics isn’t about playing small—it’s about playing smart. The key to sustained influence in the C-suite is intentional visibility, trusted relationships, and strategic communication. You’ve earned your seat—now claim your voice, your space, and your impact. The boardroom isn’t just a destination, it’s your domain.

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