Meet Dr. Connie Bell

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Connie Bell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Connie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Early in my career in security, I walked into a high-stakes leadership gathering, me, a Black woman among a sea of men, no one who looked or spoke like me, no one from a background like mine. Sitting at the table, I remember thinking, “Do I shrink, or do I walk in with whatever confidence I have?” I chose to show up. I didn’t say it with bravado but with clarity; prepared and experienced, with a perspective nobody else in the room could offer. That moment didn’t just teach me how to be productive when I’m the only one in the room; it taught me the power of being real.

I remember in my early business career; I was someone who struggled with imposter syndrome. Somewhere along the way, I realized that when I was my truest self, I was also my best self, most effective, most confident, and most successful. But that realization took time. I’ve never had the patience to pretend to be someone I’m not. Instead, I own who I am. I value my voice, my story, and the cultural perspective I bring. I’ve learned that if I value my insight, others might too. I’ve been privileged to be mentored by strong Black women like my mentors, Cynt Marshall and Deborah Peoples, who have walked similar roads before me. Their essence, wisdom, and strength showed me what bold, integrous, and visionary leadership looks like. I carry their lessons into every room I enter, and I always remember to pay that forward whether it’s by mentoring other women, advocating for inclusion, or simply being visible so that another woman can see she belongs too.

I realized that I must stay grounded and competitive and dedicate myself to lifelong learning and development. I earned a doctorate along this path. I understand the importance of having my skills at least as strong as those around me, not keeping up with the Joneses, but so that when I’m in the room, I know I’m there because of my skills and knowledge. I earned it. It’s not always easy being the only one. But it’s given me the courage to take up space, the value of natural poise, and the responsibility to hold the door open for others like me.

Mentorship is critical to me. While I believe it’s important to mentor women of all races, especially those underrepresented. I also acknowledge the urgent need to mentor Black and Brown women, and sometimes men, too. That realization played a big part in why I became a doctoral professor. I want to share my real-world experience and insights with students and encourage them to put in the work to achieve their doctorate. My story continues, but in every room that I walk into, I am reminded: I belong here, exactly as I am.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In my role as Senior Vice President of Security Risk, Global Incident Response, and Fraud Data Analytics at Teleperformance, I lead efforts that touch upon the sweet spot of innovation, security, and leadership. With more than 30 years of experience in sales, business operations, data protection, security, fraud analytics, and privacy. I’ve been fortunate to influence worldwide strategies that not only safeguard data but also promote ethical practices and resilience in fast-moving ecosystems. What makes my job incredible is getting to solve real-world problems with an all-star team and the latest strategies and innovation, all in the context of purpose-based leadership.

Beyond the boardroom, my duties include my work as Professor and Chair at the University of Phoenix, where I guide doctoral candidates through leadership and management. It’s tremendously rewarding to be able to help the next generation of scholars and practitioners find their voice and make an impact. My academic work is also deeply personal. My dissertation examined ethical reward systems that foster ethical behavior in call centers. This research was inspired by my own professional journey and reflects my commitment to cultivating ethical leadership, especially in high-pressure environments.

My brand is resilience, authenticity, and reinvention. As a breast cancer survivor, a first-generation college graduate, and a mother, I have lived the truths many confront in silence. The work I do is informed by my personal journey, whether it is writing my memoir, being on panels, or mentoring women of color in positions of power.

Right now, I am looking to grow my work through storytelling, scholarly leadership, and public speaking. I’m also involved in projects that amplify DEI, ethical leadership, and mentorship in tech. Through nonprofit boards and professional associations, I aim to build bridges that link innovation to equity.

Despite all that I carry, both burdens and blessings, my calling remains simple: to live boldly and fully, and to empower myself and others in our purpose.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In hindsight, I would say three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.

Resilience helped me to overcome both personal and professional challenges, from beating cancer to existing in corporate spaces where I often was the only person in the room who looked like me. It’s a muscle that grows stronger each time you’re able to push through, even when the path isn’t visible. For those early in their journey, resilience starts with learning from failure, surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, and staying rooted in your “why.” Today, I continue to draw on that same strength as I support my daughter in her fight against breast cancer and my son as he battles kidney failure. These extremely personal and difficult challenges could have torn me down, but instead, I use them as a source of power. I believe in the grace and protection of God over our lives, and I trust that there is purpose even in pain. That belief humbles me, but it also fuels my work with fresh urgency and empathy.

Emotional intelligence enabled me to lead with empathy, navigate conflict, and hold space where people feel seen and heard. It’s not just about knowing others, but about knowing yourself, your triggers, and your values. One of the best ways to cultivate emotional intelligence is through listening and self-reflection. Solicit feedback, stay curious about people, and don’t shy away from hard conversations.

The final factor has been the strategic thinking required to move from vision to action. It helped me to step back, see the bigger picture, and make decisions aligned with values and goals. If you’re just starting your career, look for mentors who think long-term, pay attention to how decisions ripple across an organization, and don’t be afraid to ask why things are done a certain way. Strategy isn’t just for executives, it’s a mindset that will guide you at every stage of your journey.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I can’t choose just one book that has deeply impacted me, but two come to mind: Becoming by Michelle Obama and You’ve Been Chosen by Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall.

Both books were significant in shaping me, not just professionally, but personally and spiritually. Becoming offered a glimpse into Michelle Obama’s truth, the juggling, the sacrifice, the self-discovery. It reminded me that identity isn’t fixed; it evolves as we grow, wrestle, and walk out our purpose. Her openness gave me permission to embrace my own complexities and to lean into my authentic self, even in rooms where I once felt unseen.

You’ve Been Chosen by Cynt Marshall had a similarly powerful effect. Her story of leadership, faith, and resilience in the face of personal and professional trials affirmed for me that purpose and power don’t preclude vulnerability. One of the most valuable lessons was her focus on leading with joy and grace even when circumstances don’t make it easy.

Both books mirror many of the themes I am exploring in my own memoir, Shades of Strength. Like Becoming and You’ve Been Chosen, it will chart an honest and transformative journey of a Black woman rising through adversity. What sets it apart is the emotional range, the raw pain, the quiet victories, and the deeply personal evolution, including the often-unspoken experience of facing colorism both within and outside the Black community. My hope is that it serves as a voice for those who have ever felt invisible and offers spiritual, emotional, and practical encouragement to others walking a similar path.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-bell/