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Deepa Purushothaman, co-founder of nFormation, discusses the need to reimagine power structures and redefine leadership in a conversation with Guy Kawasaki. She highlights the challenges faced by women of color in corporate America and emphasizes the importance of bringing more diverse voices and perspectives into positions of power. Deepa's new book, "The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Redefine Power in Corporate America," delves into the experiences and challenges faced by women of color.
In her research, Deepa interviewed over 500 women of color and found that they often have to do extra work that is not compensated, such as culture building and mentoring. Women of color also face immense pressure and visibility due to their underrepresentation, often having to code-switch and edit how they show up in spaces not designed for them. Deepa believes that the idea of a meritocracy is flawed because women of color bear an extra burden in navigating systems not designed with them in mind.
Deepa's thinking on quotas has evolved, as she now believes that workplaces are not working and that something unnatural or additive needs to be done to bring about change. She emphasizes the need for more voices and perspectives in seats of power, especially considering the current state of the planet. Deepa also highlights the importance of changing the structure and processes within organizations, not just the people in leadership roles.
Deepa acknowledges the challenges faced by women of color in corporate America, including tokenism and competition for limited opportunities. She discusses the burden of mentoring and supporting other women and the need for recognition and compensation for this additional work. Deepa also addresses the pressure women feel to appear put together on Zoom calls and the impact it has on their confidence and imposter syndrome.
Overall, Deepa emphasizes the need for redefining power structures, bringing more diversity into leadership positions, and changing organizational processes to support women of color in corporate America.
Deepa Purushothaman, co-founder of nFormation, discusses the need to reimagine power structures and