3 minute read
The Influencer
Ambre Brown Morley shares 4 things that she learned about sisterhood through WOCIP.
WORDS BY ERIN PERKINS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY VALADEZ & OLIVER COLLIER
A GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT OVERSEEING MEDIA AND DIGITAL, AMBRE BROWN MORLEY IS A PERSON WHO INSPIRES AND CONNECTS OTHERS. This is whether she’s overseeing a company project, building relationships with patients and patient advocacy groups, or creating a Black employee resource group. She had a natural ability to inspire and connect, but WOCIP nurtured it by providing a community unlike any other as she navigated the complex experience as a Black leader. She gained more than a network of professional women of color. She found sisterhood there. She shares the four most important lessons she’s learned through that sisterhood.
1. Have those difficult, but important conversations.
She explained that her Southern upbringing taught her to be grateful for what you’re given and not make waves by asking for more. It was a candid conversation with fellow WOCIP founder, Patricia Cornet, that changed her perspective. It was an honest discussion around bonuses and promotions. “Being able to have open conversations about salary negotiations and promotions, created a fundamental understanding of my worth. It helped me to push back and ask, how much am I worth?” Ambre says.
2. Exercise your voice even when your opinion differs from others.
WOCIP provided Ambre with a platform to express herself—and they encouraged her to do so. That opportunity is a rare occurrence for Black women in the corporate world but doing so in this environment has strengthened her and made her better at it. “Everything we do, I may not agree with it or love it,” she explains. “But [WOCIP] has given me the opportunity to have a voice and share my opinion, even if it’s not popular.”
3. Embrace your authentic self.
“Being one of the only Black VPs at my company comes with the accountability of showing up correctly every single day,” Ambre says.
She encourages women to show up authentically and confidently. She says, “You can be empowered and show up as your authentic self as long as you push your impostor self out of the way. You have earned the right to be there. Represent!”
Ambre adds, “As a Black woman, people will scrutinize you whether or not you like it.” Her advice: “Embrace that you’ll be judged and be yourself. Then give them something to watch!”
4. You deserve to be where you are.
Ambre encourages others to remember that if you have gotten to a certain level, you have earned it. “You have to be comfortable walking in your truth. Sisters are afraid of being exposed and self-doubt grows like weeds and takes over,” she explains. “But don’t listen to the negative voices in your head because words have power.” Instead, focus on what’s positive and encouraging she advises. “Say things aloud to affirm your power and self-worth.”
Embrace that you’ll be judged and BE YOURSELF. Then, give them something to watch!
