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Carla Harris on Winning in Corporate America
What does it take to build a career that not only succeeds, but lasts — especially in spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind? In this conversation with TheGrio, Wall Street trailblazer Carla Harris sits down with Natasha S. Alford to reflect on a journey defined by resilience, reinvention, and intention. From her early days navigating expectations in the South to earning her place at Harvard University and rising to become one of the first Black women managing directors at Morgan Stanley, Harris shares how mindset, preparation, and self-belief shaped her path.
But this isn’t just a story about breaking barriers — it’s a roadmap for navigating today’s shifting professional landscape. Harris offers candid advice for those facing layoffs, burnout, or uncertainty, reframing disruption as an opportunity to reassess your value, define what truly brings you joy, and build a career aligned with purpose. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your “value proposition,” surrounding yourself with the right voices, and showing up authentically — not as a liability, but as a competitive advantage.
At a time when many professionals, especially Black women, are navigating environments that feel increasingly unsupportive, Harris’ message is clear: excellence still matters, but so does clarity, community, and courage. This conversation is less about chasing titles and more about building a life and career that reflect who you are — and who you’re becoming.
Carla Harris has extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In August 2013, Ms. Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. Contact WWSG to bring Carla to your next speaking event.
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