When was the last time you felt truly safe to be your authentic self? How often do we find ourselves fitting into spaces that aren’t designed for us?

These are some of the powerful questions we explored in Episode 34 of Unlocking the Club with Angela Taylor.

Angela, the host of Unlocking the Club, reflects on the importance of fostering environments where we can fully show up as ourselves—without fear, without pretense.

Together, we unpacked what it means to find and create spaces where we feel safe to be our authentic selves and to thrive in all aspects of life.

Finding the Right Spaces

Today, Angela is a trailblazer in leadership, a successful business owner, and a community advocate. But her journey has not been without its challenges, particularly in navigating spaces where she was often the only woman of color.

Angela has spent years carving out spaces for herself and others—spaces where authenticity, representation, and belonging are at the forefront. It’s not just about being present; it’s about being seen and valued for who you truly are.

Through her reflections, Angela offers key steps to creating and finding these safe spaces:

• Seek environments that embrace authenticity: Whether in work, social circles, or personal relationships, Angela emphasizes the importance of being in spaces that allow you to bring your full self without compromise.
• Build relationships with people who see you: Having allies, mentors, and sponsors who understand your value and can advocate for you is critical. These relationships help you navigate spaces that may otherwise feel isolating.
• Create space for others: Angela is committed to paving the way for others, especially women of color, to find their own sense of belonging. When you rise, bring others with you.

These spaces of belonging don’t just appear—we must seek them out and, when necessary, create them for ourselves and others.

Fiercely Guarding Your Authenticity

We all have moments when we feel pressure to conform or fit into spaces that weren’t designed with us in mind. As a black woman in leadership, Angela knows firsthand the weight of these expectations. But she’s also learned the power of fiercely guarding her authenticity.

Angela’s commitment to showing up fully as herself has been a critical part of her success. It’s meant saying “no” to opportunities or roles that didn’t align with her values and instead prioritizing those that honored her true self. She encourages us all to be intentional about where we invest our time and energy.

Here are some ways Angela guards her authenticity:

• Be clear about your priorities: Angela is laser-focused on her mission to create inclusive spaces. Everything she says “yes” to must align with this purpose.
• Lead with integrity: For Angela, leadership is about more than just having a title—it’s about how you show up and make space for others. She believes in leading with integrity and staying true to your core values, even when it’s challenging.
• Don’t be afraid to take up space: Often, we feel the need to shrink ourselves to fit into spaces that aren’t meant for us. But Angela’s journey teaches us that we should take up space and own our worth unapologetically.

Fiercely guarding your authenticity is a continuous journey, but as Angela’s story shows, it’s essential for creating a life that feels truly aligned with who you are.

Navigating Leadership and Belonging

Throughout her career, Angela has learned that leadership is not just about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive. She’s deeply committed to ensuring that women of color, particularly in leadership roles, feel seen, valued, and supported.

Angela emphasizes the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in navigating these spaces. Mentors can provide the guidance and encouragement needed to excel, while sponsors actively advocate for your advancement.

For women of color, having both a mentor and a sponsor can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and breaking down barriers.

There are practical ways mentors and sponsors can support your journey:

• Advocate for your growth: Sponsors, in particular, can open doors to opportunities you may not even know exist.
• Provide a safe space for development: Mentors offer the psychological safety needed to take risks and grow in your career.
• Support your leadership journey: Having someone who believes in your potential can make all the difference in your confidence and ability to lead with authenticity.

Angela is a firm believer in the power of community and relationships. She encourages us all to build networks of support that can help us navigate spaces that may feel unwelcoming or difficult.

Key Takeaways from Episode 34

• Create spaces where you can show up fully: Authenticity should never be compromised for the sake of fitting in.
• Fiercely guard your time and energy: Be intentional about where you invest your resources and ensure it aligns with your core values.
• Mentorship and sponsorship matter: Seek out people who will champion your success and help you navigate complex environments.
• Representation is crucial: Seeing others who look like you in leadership roles can open the door for your own growth and sense of belonging.

In this powerful episode, Angela Taylor not only shares her journey but also offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to create or find spaces of safety and authenticity. Listen to Episode 34 of Unlocking the Club to hear more of her reflections and wisdom.