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Thriving as the Only Black man

Being the only Black man in your workplace comes with unique challenges.
 
Here are 6 tips to help you navigate the experience with confidence:
 
Whether you are:
 
• The only IC
• The only LP
• The only VP
• The only VC
• The only SVP
• The only CTO
• The only CFO
• The only CEO
• The only CDO
• The only COO
• The only CISO
• The only CHRO
• The only engineer
• The only people leader
• The only board member
• The only product manager
• The only program manager
 
Being the only Black man in a sea of non-Black faces can make you feel:
 
• Lucky
• Lonely
• Neutral
• Excited
• Isolated
• Included
• Excluded
• Wonderful
• Frustrating
• Exhausting
• Oppressive
• Invigorating
• Challenging
 
...Or just another day at the office.
 
Either way...
 
• Stand like you're 7 feet tall
• Walk with your shoulders back
• And keep your head held up high
 
Here's 5 strategies to thrive in companies that don't look like you:
 
• Hire coaches who get your racial experience
• Join Black-centered networking groups
• Find mentors who get your experience
• Build bridges with open colleagues
• Bring in HR or legal if needed

📌 If you're looking for an executive coach who can help you establish your own personal brand, grow your network, and unlock a world of untapped opportunities at your current company or in an organization, the time is now.

Schedule your discovery call with me today.

Fireside Chat with John Russell

Fireside Chat with John Russel, VP and CIO, Northrop Grumman

For our upcoming BEM Elite Fireside Chat, we are excited to feature John Russell, Vice President and CIO of Northrop Grumman, who has over seven years of experience leading the company’s digital transformation.

With a focus on strategy, innovation, and capability development, he has been instrumental in improving the technology experience for employees across the organization and driving modernization efforts that ensure agility and security in Northrop Grumman’s operations.

Throughout his career, he has held critical roles in areas such as infrastructure architecture, enterprise risk management, and solution development, including leadership positions at Leidos and SAIC.

His expertise spans cloud computing, cybersecurity, and large-scale systems integration, where he has implemented advanced technologies to drive efficiency and innovation in highly complex environments like the defense sector.

During the fireside chat, we will explore his journey as a leader in the tech and defense industries, discussing challenges he’s faced and the strategies he used to overcome them.

He will also share insights on making tough technology decisions that balance short-term goals with long-term security, and how the role of the CIO is evolving with the integration of AI, cybersecurity and data analytics in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.

Community Updates

2025 Regional Mixers

The lonewolf is dead.
Black Executive Men killed it.
Q1 Private Equity Mixers. Join the pack below.

We're building a trillion-dollar network
Advancing black male GPs, LPs
And support staff.

Cheers! 🥂

#privateequity #mixers #Q1

2025 Regional Socials

17 Regional Socials
California to United Kingdom
Black Executive Men Community

- Authentic friendships
- Meaningful connections
- Seven figure expectations

The plane has lifted off
The ship has left the harbor
The train is picking up speed

Join hundreds of your newest corporate best friends as we gather around the Western world for:

- Career celebrations
- Strategic networking
- Impact mission action

*Future socials in:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Harare, Zimbabwe
Nairobi, Kenya…

We’re committed:

To aggressive career success.
Bringing value to shareholders.
Guiding global corporate teams.

Today is a brand new day.
Move from passive to active.
And make a decisions to play ball.

With the best.

Join BEM Community today for access to these socials.

#Q1 #BEM #Community #Socials #2025

2025 Fireside Chats

"Black men aren't senior executives"
"Black men in leadership don't give"
“Black men in leadership don’t collab”

Is what I used to hear.

So I…

Decided to show
A brighter reality
That I see daily

Black men in senior leadership:

Thriving at the top
Committed to impact
Work together effectively

Thank you to these 12 senior leaders for
being corporate icons & legacy makers.

We’ll see you on the big stage.

#BEM #Elite #Fireside #2025

BEM Elite is our premiere offering for Black men seeking the highest levels of access, networking, and care.

If you’re looking to surround yourself with the most driven, successful, and polished Black men in corporate America, then you want to apply for in BEM Elite.

The BEM Gold Membership Network is a high octane community for the top 1% of Black male managers and directors aiming for senior executive roles.

Membership includes very direct and no nonsense coaching via group chat, live video monthly group coaching, and live mentor session from Black men in senior executive roles at leading corporations, and exclusive in-person networking events.

This network isn't to help you as an entrepreneur, real estate agent, day trader, or anything other than climbing the corporate ladder to the very top.

BEM Gold has a $2,000 annual membership fee or a $250 monthly membership fee.

BEM Capital Network is for Black men in private equity, who are looking for authentic friendships, in person regional mixers, and online educational experiences led by other Black men.

This network is designed to unlock your social and financial success to new heights.

BEM Capital Network application and membership is currently free. 

BEM Community provides authentic friendships, meaningful connections, and career support to Black men at all stages and phases or their career journey.

A powerful network building social bonds and unlocking new jobs, new careers, new clients and more.

This community doesn’t just support career success, but a real sense of ‘community’ too.

BEM Community is completely free and will remain free.