In this episode, Melanie calls out the exhausting charade of “performing professionalism” for Black women entrepreneurs. She unpacks how so-called professionalism is just code for “fit into white middle-class norms”.

Mel urges listeners to ditch the self-policing, embrace their authentic selves, and redefine professionalism on their own terms. If you’re tired of shrinking to fit someone else’s mold, this episode is your permission slip to show up, stand out, and own your brilliance, big hair, bold voice, and all.

Links:

Read Leah's Essay: Professionalism as a Racist Construct

Book a Digital Brand Audit: mellynated.com/digitalbrandaudit

Subscribe to the Substack: substack.com/@mellynated

Subscribe to the YouTube channel: youtube.com/@melanieldenny

Timestamps:

Introduction to Codeswitch Rebellion (00:00:00)

The Cultural Conditioning of Professionalism (00:01:29)

Leah Goodridge’s Essay and Its Impact (00:02:49)

Defining Professionalism (00:04:19)

Professionalism as White Middle-Class Norms (00:05:50)

The Impact on Black Women’s Identity (00:07:24)

Internalizing Professionalism and Its Effects (00:08:29)

Corporate Conditioning and Entrepreneurship (00:09:43)

Brand Audit Promotion (00:10:48)

Leah Goodridge’s Experience with Double Standards (00:11:20)

Letting Go of Outdated Standards (00:12:04)

Redefining Professionalism for Yourself (00:13:37)

Embracing Authenticity in Business (00:14:52)

Preview of Next Episode & Closing (00:15:45)