When Nellie Borrero joined Accenture, bigotry and bias went unnoticed and unchecked; it was simply the workplace norm. Now, 35+ years later, this first-generation Latina shares how she led diversity strategy and developed award-winning inclusion and diversity programs that transformed Accenture into the #1 ranked employer for inclusion, diversity, and equity.
In Unwavering, Borrero draws on her experiences with remarkable candor and courage to inspire you to think bigger, know your value, and show up with it everywhere, every day. She reveals how to remove barriers and claim space not just for yourself but for others as well. You’ll become aware of: - Biases that negatively impact professionals of color - Recognizing that belonging and uniqueness don't have to be at odds - Standing up and standing out: taking your career from the margins to center stage - What to do when mentoring fails - and the power of embracing and accepting help - Staying true to yourself when your values collide with reality - Showing up strategically, intentionally asserting yourself, and competing
A manifesto for understanding and action, Unwavering provides a proven framework for how to create transformational relationships that make diversity and inclusion an integral part of your success and your company’s competitive advantage.
Table of Contents
Foreword xv
Introduction The Power of One Question 1
My Early Days 3
Recognizing the Limits to Reaching My Full Potential 7
Answering the Uncomfortable Question 12
Chapter 1 The Complexities of Finding Belonging 17
Cultural Collisions 20
Belonging 23
Prejudice and Racism in the Workplace 25
Defining Moments 31
Speak Up for Yourself 33
Waiting for Permission 37
What It's Like to Experience Belonging 40
Questions for Consideration 41
Chapter 2 The Constant Work Against Marginalization 43
Marginalization in Action 46
Comfort Zone for Whom? 51
The Marginalization Effect 53
Taking Back Your Power 54
The Senior Level Is Not a Shield 57
Questions for Consideration 60
Chapter 3 Understand Your Power; Claim Your Worth 61
Control the Narrative 66
Choose Yourself 75
Bet on Your Value 77
Boosting Your Power 81
Know Your Worth 84
Questions for Consideration 86
Chapter 4 Choosing to Lead with an Inclusive Mindset 87
Access Granted, But Not Ready 91
Mentoring: An Investment and a Reward 95
Become the Best Ally You Can Be 99
A Culture of Belonging 110
Questions for Consideration 110
Chapter 5 The Push-Pull of Personal and Professional Demands 111
My New, Negatively Perceived Label:
Divorced, Single Working Mom 114
Tapping into the Village 117
Beautiful and Challenging Surprises 119
Choices 127
Adapt to the Unplanned 130
Integrate Mindfully 133
Questions for Consideration 134
Chapter 6 Asserting Yourself Through Your Brand 135
My Brand of Courage 137
Integrating Your Brand with Your Power 139
Different Setting, Same Brand 142
Setting Boundaries by Recognizing Your Brand 144
Bring Everyone In, Lift Everyone Up 147
Questions for Consideration 149
Chapter 7 Solving for Self and Clients: Assessing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 151
The Four Pillars of the DE&I Maturity Framework 157
The Maturity Framework in Action 161
We Can't Afford "Diversity Fatigue" 163
Voices Amplified for Social Justice and Human Rights 167
Building a More Inclusive Environment One Relationship at a Time 171
Questions for Consideration 172
Chapter 8 Network Like It's Your Own Dance Floor 173
Relationship Building 179
Opportunity Squandered 182
Help Me Understand 186
The Power of Elevating External Organizational Relationships 188
Questions for Consideration 190
Chapter 9 I Am Where I Earned to Be 191
Own It! 194
Now What? 199
Compete Is Not a Dirty Word 202
Are You Really Empowered? 206
Acknowledgments 211
About the Author 215
Index 221
