In the latest episode of the ‘Lead with Levity’ podcast, our host, Dr. Heather Walker, had a delightful conversation with Watchen Nyanue Hampton. Watchen is a talent management strategist, founder, and CEO of ‘I Choose the Ladder.’ She’s widely recognized for her work with Fortune 500 companies such as Nike, McDonald’s, and Best Buy, empowering them to better understand, grow, and retain black female talent
Unmasking Professional
Early on, Heather and Watchen explored the concept of “authentic excellence.” This idea focuses on enabling individuals to bring the best version of themselves to the workplace without feeling the need to wear a metaphorical “mask.” They discussed Watchen’s inspiring journey, how the ‘I Choose the Ladder’ initiative came to life, and why striving for professional honesty is paramount in an organization.
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The Evolution of ‘I Choose the Ladder’
Watchen shared how ‘I Choose the Ladder’ transitioned from a podcast into a successful business. Initially, the podcast provided a stage to interview black female executives and present their unique leadership journeys. However, as the initiative gained attention, organizations began to approach Watchen for expert advice. This unexpected twist of events led to the evolution of ‘I Choose the Ladder’ into a fully-fledged business aimed at empowering black women in corporate spaces.
Discovering Professional Alignment
As the discussion ensued, Watchen spoke about how her corporate training played a vital role in her successful entrepreneurial journey. She emphasized the importance of relationships, both personal and professional, in fuelling career growth. Moreover, she shared how a leap of faith led her to discover professional alignment and make “magical things happen.”
Promoting Transparency and Vulnerability in Leadership
Dr. Heather noted an emerging trend in today’s corporate world – a call for increased transparency and vulnerability from leaders. She highlighted Watchen’s suggestion for leaders to humanize corporate experiences and live up to their stated values to build a strong, diverse workforce.
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Addressing the Challenge and Cultivating Balance
Closing the conversation, Watchen addressed the specific scenario of a manager who struggles to express vulnerability at work. She advised that launching small, safe techniques to build connections with their team could make a significant difference.
On a personal note, Watchen shared how she maintains balance amidst her responsibilities as an entrepreneur and a mother. For her, prioritizing things important to her, giving herself grace during challenging times, and ensuring she is on her list of priorities are the key elements of achieving personal balance.
Conclusion
The candid conversation with Watchen Nyanue provided insightful perspectives about nurturing authentic leadership and fostering diversity in corporate spaces. Her journey is a testament to how resilience, faith, and a healthy grasp on work-life balance can make all the difference as one ascends the ladders of personal and professional success.
To learn more about Watchen and her initiative, visit the ‘Choose the Ladder’ website, follow ‘I Choose the Ladder’ on Instagram, or connect with Watchen Nyanue Hampton on LinkedIn.
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Watchen Nyanue Hampton
Watchen Nyanue is an expert talent management strategist, speaker, and facilitator who helps Fortune 500 companies keep their employees from quitting.
As the Founder and CEO of ‘I Choose the Ladder,’ Watchen has been a guide for companies such as Nike, McDonald’s, and Best Buy as they redefine what it means to cultivate a global, inclusive, and innovative workforce. With over fifteen years of corporate experience, Watchen’s work sits at the intersection of talent, culture, and strategy.
Prior to founding ‘I Choose the Ladder,’ Watchen was the Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships for the 2021 WNBA Champions, the Chicago Sky. During the past 15 years of working in Corporate America, Watchen has had the privilege to work for many renowned companies, including Comedy Central, Hearst Digital, Yahoo!, and Johnson Publishing Company. Watchen has a proven track record of creating work environments where individual contributors and leaders alike are inspired to take action to shape the future of corporate America for all employees.
Watchen has been recognized as a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Honoree, a 2018 Chicago Business Journal Woman of Influence Honoree, a Biz Women 2018 Headliner, and a 2019 Black Women’s Expo, Presented by BET Her, Phenomenal Woman Honoree, 2020 WVON presented by Ariel Investments 40 Gamechangers Under 40 Award, 2022 CMAC “Iconic 22” honoree.
Watchen has been featured on Forbes.com, Black Enterprise, WGN, XONecole, Madame Noire, WVON, and Amsterdam News.
A proud immigrant, Watchen was born in Liberia and immigrated to Chicago in 1991 after living through the Liberian Civil War. She is an alumnus of the Posse Foundation and holds a Bachelor’s in Communication from DePauw University and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
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