Leading successful business entities is about so much more than driving sales and hitting deadlines. It’s about employee and customer experience, storytelling and being thoughtful of the ever-changing landscape that is our world today.
In the pursuit of business leadership opportunities, immigrants and minority professionals have a more challenging path to climb. Yet it’s these highs and lows that make them incredibly adaptable and nimble in the face of the inevitable challenges that come with running a business.
As the first-generation daughter of a Mexican immigrant and of Jewish heritage, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible resilience, strength and creativity my family members have carried within them — and that have helped me along my own journey, too.
June celebrates National Immigrant Heritage Month. In honor of the incredible contributions of these individuals, here are some of the (many) strengths of immigrants and minority business leaders.
1. Resilience and Adaptability
It’s no secret it takes resilience and adaptability to find success in this country. For immigrants and minorities who often aren’t at the same starting line as other Americans, the innate drive to keep trying and continue moving forward are deeply rooted.
In business, this translates to professionals who are hustlers and grinders who overcome obstacles and adapt to the situations they face. When I think of my grandmothers, Bess and Bartola, I think of warrior women who never gave up or took “no” for an answer.
2. Diverse Perspectives
From moving to an entirely new country to growing up around others who don’t look like you, speak your language or share the same culture affords the gift of perspective. When you’re not like those around you, you see the world differently.
This diversity of thought fosters creativity and innovation, resulting in solutions that might not be evident to those around you who share similar backgrounds.
3. Entrepreneurial Spirit
The courage and determination required to start anew, chart a unique journey and stand in your own light are all primers for ingenuity and the type of spirit that lends itself well to entrepreneurship. I know firsthand the intensity required to start and grow a business, regardless of who you are or where you come from. Leaning on the roots my ancestors planted helps me maintain the inner strength required to keep making progress day after day.
4. Empathetic Leadership
As a minority, being “different” isn’t always a good thing. I was picked on in school for my differences. I had to learn to love myself first and become confident in who I am and where I come from. Many others in my shoes have experienced similar struggles — and far worse.
Yet in my experience, it’s this hardship that has also softened me. It’s allowed me to thoughtfully serve others because I know what it feels like to hurt. As a leader, relating to others and supporting them professionally and personally is a sought after talent. While empathetic leadership is a popular buzz term, it’s something only truly great leaders possess.
5. Problem-Solving Skills
The myriad of challenges faced by immigrants and minority individuals in everyday life refines creative problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. The grind to start a new life and chart your own path is simply hard. Problems arise. Things don’t go the way you want them to. And for those without access to family or other resources, the only answer is to figure it out.
This ability to think outside the box is invaluable. In life and in business, marginalized people simply find a way.
6. Courageous Decision-Making
It’s no secret immigrating to a new country is a significant risk. The willingness to take such a leap often translates into being bold in other parts of life and work. Being a pioneer and going where those like you haven’t isn’t without doubt and insecurity, but the courage to strive for something bigger makes it well worth it.
This is true in business, too. Calculated risks, leaning into what feels right and having the inner determination to go all-in leads to beautiful outcomes.
Honoring Where We Come From — and Where We’re Going
As my journey unfolds, I find myself looking back. Back at my loved ones and ancestors who laid the groundwork for what I’m building today. While differences in culture, ethnicity, beliefs and language have the power to divide us — if we let them — they also have the ability to teach us incredible lessons, help us grow, and allow us to reach heights never thought possible.
As so many other immigrants and minorities do, I choose to use my unique strengths to work toward cultivating a better, more prosperous life that those who came before me believed in.
Bestola Consulting is named in honor of my two grandmothers — Bess and Bartola. Read their story and how it shaped the work we do today.
