We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Baptiste a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a Black woman, being the one and only in the room has been both a challenge and an opportunity. Early in my career, it was isolating at times—walking into spaces where no one shared my experiences, perspectives, or identity as a Black woman. Over time, I realized that instead of trying to blend in, my power lay in standing out.
I’ve learned to own my unique voice and perspective unapologetically. I bring authenticity into every room I enter because I’ve come to understand that my lived experiences, my cultural lens, and my insights are my greatest assets. When I lean into that, I disrupt the narrative that only one type of leader belongs at the table.
Success for me in those spaces has also meant understanding the dynamics of the room. I’ve become adept at reading the room, navigating complex power structures, and strategically finding ways to align my goals with organizational objectives while staying true to who I am.
I’ve also made a point to create my own sources of support. When you’re the only one in the room, it’s easy to feel the weight of representation, so I’ve intentionally built a network of mentors, allies, and peers who remind me that I don’t have to carry it all alone.
Lastly, I always remind myself that my presence in those spaces isn’t accidental. I’ve earned the right to be there, and I carry the responsibility of ensuring I’m not the last to walk through that door. I’m deeply committed to creating pathways for other Black women to enter and thrive in those same rooms.
The truth is, being the only one in the room has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of amplifying my brilliance, even when others may not immediately recognize it.
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?
I founded Lumen Consulting Group Inc. with a clear mission: to advocate for workplaces that amplify diverse voices and create environments of belonging, psychological safety, and meaningful growth. Through Lumen CGI, I offer leadership coaching, consulting, and thought leadership focused on reimagining the workplace—building organizational cultures of trust and meaningful connections.
At the heart of my work is Brilliant Colours™, a transformational coaching program designed specifically for Black women. Our mission is to partner with Black women on their journey to reclaim their inherent power, lead authentically, and shine in their full brilliance as they navigate their workplaces. The coaching program is more than leadership development—it’s about affirming identity, nurturing self-belief, and expanding influence in ways that align with each woman’s unique values and vision.
What’s particularly exciting right now is the upcoming launch of the Brilliant Colours™ Circle, an online coaching and community platform. This Circle is an extension of my mission—a space designed to center and support Black women leaders and those aspiring to lead. Through coaching modules, practical tools, and an empowering community, the Circle offers resources to navigate leadership on their terms.
What sets the Circle apart is its focus on connection and shared experiences. Leadership can feel isolating, especially for Black women who often find themselves underrepresented in senior spaces. The Brilliant Colours™ Circle will not only provide guidance and resources but will also create a thriving ecosystem of belonging, where members can share, grow, and amplify one another’s brilliance.
As we prepare for the 2025 launch, my focus remains on ensuring the platform reflects the voices and needs of the women it’s built for. My vision is to scale this work globally, creating a movement that transforms how Black women lead and how workplaces recognize, value, and support their leadership.
To anyone reading this, I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether as a member, a partner, or an ally, your support can help us build a future where Black women lead boldly and brilliantly, shaping workplaces and communities.
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?
Looking back, three qualities and skills stand out as the most impactful in shaping my leadership journey:
Breadth of Career Experiences
My career path has been far from linear. I have held leadership and executive roles across Operations, Merchandising, HR, and Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability. Each of these roles not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my understanding of how different functions contribute to organizational success. This breadth of experience has allowed me to see the bigger picture, adapt quickly to new challenges, and approach leadership with both strategic insight and empathy. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to embrace diverse opportunities—it’s through exploring different paths that you discover what’s possible.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Relationships have been at the heart of my growth and success. Leadership isn’t about going it alone; it’s about cultivating trust, seeking collaboration, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and expand your thinking. I’ve learned the importance of having a diverse network that not only supports but also pushes me to grow in ways I might not have considered. My advice? Focus on building connections rooted in mutual respect and openness, and welcome perspectives that challenge the status quo. It’s those relationships that will help you evolve as a leader.
A Learner’s Mindset
Staying curious and open to learning has been essential, but equally important has been letting go of perfectionism—a mindset that can be particularly challenging as a Black woman held to different standards. I’ve learned that real growth comes from having the courage to challenge the status quo, ask bold questions, and experiment with new approaches, even at the risk of failure. I learned to embrace my divergent thinking as a strength. Be willing to explore what others might overlook, and stay rooted in the belief that innovation and impact come from the willingness to grow and evolve. Also, it’s okay to change your mind or take an alternative route, as long as you remain aligned in your values. For those early in their journey, embrace the discomfort of learning—it’s the path to true transformation.
My journey has also been guided by how my grandmother led her life: leadership doesn’t require the loudest voice or the biggest personality. Leading with grace, with empathy, and being attuned to the world around you is just as powerful. Even the quietest of leaders can have a profound impact. The key is having the courage to use your voice when it matters most. This balance of strength and grace has been a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy.
If you’re just starting out, embrace opportunities that stretch you, surround yourself with relationships that inspire and challenge you, and let go of the fear of imperfection. The leader you’re becoming will thank you.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Burnout and overwhelm are deeply personal topics for me, especially as a Black woman navigating leadership spaces. Black women are experiencing burnout at alarming rates, and I’ve been no exception. The pressure to achieve ‘excellence’, to represent, to navigate hostile spaces, to be resilient, to be the problem solver and nurturer, can feel relentless. For many of us, the concept of rest and asking for help has historically been framed as a luxury rather than a necessity—one often afforded only to those outside of our lived experience.
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I remind myself is that I don’t have to do it all, nor do I have to carry it all alone. One of the most powerful acts of self-preservation I’ve embraced is letting go of the “superwoman” narrative. It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to prioritize my well-being. It’s okay to say no.
My go-to strategies include:
Creating Space for Rest and Reflection
Rest is an act of resistance, especially for Black women. When I feel overwhelmed, I make time to step away—even briefly—to reflect, breathe, and reconnect with myself. Rest isn’t just physical; it’s also about giving my mind and spirit a chance to recharge.
Leaning on My Support Network
I’ve learned that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my own. Whether it’s trusted friends, family, or mentors, leaning into those relationships has been a source of strength. They remind me that I’m not alone and help me recalibrate when I’m feeling stretched thin. Have a circle of support where it feels like it is a soft place to land.
Prioritizing What Truly Matters
Overwhelm often comes from trying to meet everyone’s expectations but your own. I’ve developed the practice of regularly evaluating my commitments and energy, focusing on what aligns with my values and letting go of what doesn’t serve me. This helps me stay grounded and intentional.
Practicing Self-Compassion
Overwhelm thrives on the inner critic—those voices that tell us we’re not doing enough or being enough. I actively practice self-compassion, reminding myself that I am human, and that my worth isn’t tied to productivity or perfection.
Reclaim Your Voice
Overwhelm also often thrives because we confuse the voices of others—what society, colleagues, or even well-meaning loved ones have told us—with our own. These borrowed narratives can shape how we see ourselves and create pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. I’ve learned to pause, reflect, and ask: Is this my voice, or someone else’s? Reconditioning my thoughts and reconnecting with my own truth has been a vital step in quieting the noise and finding clarity.
For those who are also feeling burned out, I encourage you to reflect on this: Who are you without the titles, the to-do lists, and the expectations? Your brilliance doesn’t require constant output. Your worth isn’t determined by how much you carry. Give yourself permission to rest, to heal, and to prioritize yourself. Be relentless with protecting your energy—because the world needs you whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lumencgi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_lumencgi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-baptiste-pcc/
Image Credits
Pictonat Photography
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