We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kynesia Bishop a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kynesia, thanks for joining us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

It is important that all voices are heard and respected to create a truly inclusive workplace. Too often, workplaces operate under preconceived assumptions that not all voices are equally valuable. This mindset perpetuates exclusion, particularly for historically marginalized groups, and stifles innovation and collaboration. My journey has been one of both challenges and triumphs, and it has significantly shaped my views on the importance of inclusivity in professional spaces.

I founded A Seat Creator LLC to address one of the critical issues I’ve encountered throughout my career: ensuring Black women have a seat at the table. Black women are frequently overlooked for promotions, leadership opportunities, and high-visibility projects, despite their qualifications and contributions. This exclusion reflects a larger systemic issue where biases—both conscious and unconscious—determine who is deemed “fit” for leadership. An inclusive workplace, in contrast, ensures that representation is visible, voices are amplified, and diverse perspectives are genuinely valued.

One of the most impactful moments from my journey that underscored the importance of inclusivity was an experience early in my career. I worked for an organization where decisions were consistently made by a small, homogenous group of individuals. My ideas and those of others who didn’t fit the traditional mold of leadership were either dismissed or credited to someone else. I remember the frustration of watching great solutions go unheard simply because they didn’t come from the “right” voice. That environment made it clear to me that exclusion isn’t just harmful to individuals—it’s detrimental to the entire organization. It creates an atmosphere of disillusionment and suppresses the creativity and innovation that come from diverse teams.

Conversely, I’ve also experienced the transformative power of inclusion. At a later point in my career, I joined a company that prioritized equitable practices and actively sought to include underrepresented voices in decision-making processes. There, I felt seen and respected, which motivated me to bring my best ideas forward. I noticed how intentional leadership—inviting people from different backgrounds to the table, fostering open dialogue, and addressing biases—created a workplace where everyone felt empowered to contribute. The result was a collaborative culture and innovative outcomes that benefited the entire team. That experience reinforced my belief that inclusion isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s a necessity.

Creating an inclusive workplace begins with leadership accountability. Leaders must recognize their role in fostering a culture where diversity isn’t just celebrated but embedded in every aspect of the organization—from recruitment and promotions to everyday interactions. Companies must also invest in training that helps employees unlearn biases and develop skills like active listening and empathy. Lastly, inclusive policies need to be matched by action: mentorship programs, equitable pay structures, and transparent promotion processes are crucial for sustained change.

For me, advocating for inclusivity is both personal and professional. Through A Seat Creator LLC, I’m committed to helping organizations break down the barriers that hold Black women and other marginalized groups back. Inclusion isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. My hope is that more workplaces will see the value in ensuring all voices are truly heard and respected.

Kynesia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started with Fashiongasms Boutique in 2018. Fashiongasms Boutique is an online fashion boutique that sells women’s clothes. I love fashion and want to share that love with the world. One of the best ways to show your uniqueness and creativity is through fashion. I started A Seat Creator LLC from my experience working in corporate America. I noticed Black women were siloed when discussing their experiences. I wanted to create a community that supports Black women navigating the corporate ladder. A Seat Creator LLC provides leadership coaching, training, and workshops to help businesses become more inclusive in their leadership practices. Last year, I wanted to continue my journey of supporting Black women. I started Soft Black Woman Life brand. I’m dedicated to ensuring Black women lead a softer life.

I’m proud of being able to share my passions with the world. Through my experiences, I want to ensure that Black women feel supported. I want to ensure that Black women know they have an essential voice.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I found myself with a job in 2024. It was scary and unsettling. I didn’t know what to do. I’ve pivoted before but did not understand the circumstances I was in. I had to take a chance on myself. I sent out over 100 resumes, and the rejections depressed me. I knew I was overqualified for many positions but still needed an income. I decided to concentrate on my businesses. I started with Fashiongasms Boutique. I restructured the website; I continually posted on Pinterest. Pinterest is one of the best marketing tools. I began to see a revenue change. I revamped A Seat Creator LLC to focus on Social Impact and leadership coaching. I started sending proposals to partner with businesses. I started Soft Black Woman Life brand. I created the website and Etsy store.

I was scared and unsure of myself in the beginning. My confidence increased each time I accomplished a task or got a sale. It is not easy to pivot to entrepreneurship. I was blessed to have businesses that I was earning passive income. I can’t say anyone can do it. I will say that if you have a goal, you should start working on it. You never know where it can lead. You have to trust in yourself and the process.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has been a “won’t he do it” of various moments. I have heard many times that this may not be for you. Each no made me work harder. I turned each no into a yes. I remember an HR executive telling me I would not be a good teacher. I ended up being an excellent teacher. I faced many setbacks in getting my doctorate. I graduated with my doctorate in 2020. I have faced many moments of discrimination in recent years. I never thought I would be in situations that would make me question organizations I valued. Each experience made me work harder. Each experience led me to create a business or group to help others. Through my resilience, I’ve learned that it is vital to remain positive and know that change takes time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aseatcreator.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aseatcreator/profilecard/?igsh=dzNkdWc4cDVmMnU5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kynesia-b-6666b92a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.softblackwomanlife.com