We were lucky to catch up with Shanae Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shanae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my career is to not be intimidated by someone’s job title. It’s common to feel like you don’t measure up or that your opinions aren’t valued when you’re in a junior or mid-level position. You may be intimidated by someone’s title, or you might think the senior leaders in your company are like royalty. The truth is, they’re human just like you—they just so happen to be in positions of power.

When I started to view Executives as my equal rather than royalty, I found it easier to interact with them and build meaningful relationships at work. This mindset shift not only removed barriers for me as a Black woman in Corporate, it also allowed me to have access to people in my organization who had the influence to advocate for me and vouch for me when it was time for me to take on new opportunities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Certified Leadership Coach and Founder of No Cream In This Coffee, a career development company working to advance and drive equity for Black women in the workplace.

Before starting No Cream In This Coffee in 2021, I spent nearly a decade working in Human Resources and coaching business leaders on ways to build high-performing and highly engaged teams.

Through my own personal experience as well as in my role in Human Resources, I saw the benefits when leaders and companies invest in their talent. The problem is that Black women are often overlooked or passed over, and you’re one of the “lucky ones” if you have a leader that is actually invested in your career development.

The purpose of No Cream In This Coffee is to change this narrative for Black women and ensure that more of us can reach the positions we desire and deserve. Many of my private clients were promoted, received raises and spot bonuses; and now feel way more confident owning their skills and expertise as Black women in the Corporate world. Although we’re just getting started, it makes me so proud that I get to wake up and build something that is going to create lasting socioeconomic change.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

It started with me sharing tips and strategies that I felt would help my community. My goal was to serve first. Before I ever promoted any services on social media, I shared lots of content around: How to Set Boundaries with Your Manager; What to Talk About In Your 1:1 Meeting with Your Manager; How To Prepare For Your Performance Reviews; How To Address Microaggressions—you name it! Anyone can scroll through the No Cream In This Coffee Instagram and get a tip, technique or even a word of encouragement.

If you’re looking to build your social media presence, my advice would be to serve first and to focus on showing up consistently on one platform. This not only allows you to learn the nuances of the platform, but also gives you the opportunity to make a deeper connection with your audience and build a community.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Coaching is one of the most effective ways I’ve been able to improve my skills. Courses, podcasts, and free webinars, and other DIY methods are great as well—but nothing compares to having that personalized, hands-on support and accountability. Coaching helps you minimize your mistakes and reach your goals much faster. And that proud feeling you get after you take the leap to invest in yourself and actually get the results you desire is unmatched!

I also believe that being in a community with people who can relate to what you’re going through is crucial and can be very empowering. As someone who was usually the only person of color or Black employee in the room, I never felt that sense of community at work.

Knowing that many Black women are often the “only” on their teams or in their entire department, I created a community for this. Each month, I facilitate a monthly event called the Healing Hour where Black women from all over the U.S. and even outside of the U.S. gather virtually to have candid conversations about the barriers they face in the workplace. That reassurance you feel when you’re not alone or the only one going through this stuff has been empowering and healing for so many women as they navigate their careers.

Lastly, I would recommend Rachel Rodgers’ book “We Should All Be Millionaires” for anyone who has limiting beliefs around money. It’s common for business owners and even 9-5ers to undervalue their expertise, but this book helped me to shift my mindset and gain clarity on the value I provide to my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nocreaminthiscoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocreaminthiscoffee
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theshanaebrown/
• Other: To join the Healing Hour: https://www.nocreaminthiscoffee.com/healinghour