In talking with WRAL TechWire about her rise to CEO of Creative Allies in Raleigh, Amie Thompson talked about the challenges not only women but women of color face in rising to top business jobs.

Is there a “concrete ceiling” for them?

And what advice can she offer other African American women and men?

  • Lorraine Hariton, president and CEO of Catalyst, a nonprofit studying women and work, said that if white women are still fighting the proverbial “glass ceiling”, women of color hit a “concrete ceiling.” Is that how it feels sometimes?

You know, we probably have more control than we think. I don’t know if I’ve ever looked at it like that. Certainly, glass ceiling, yes. But concrete would imply that it’s impossible to get there and I’ve never felt that way.

Certainly, it’s harder and it might take longer, but I’ve never felt in any position that I’ve been in that it was impossible to grow or get to where I wanted to be. But I do think it’s important being comfortable with being different than everyone else. It’s also important that you have a diverse network. And a lot of time when people think diverse, they think people of color.

Meet Creative Allies CEO Amie Thompson: She’s black, a woman and running the show

No, you have to have people who don’t look like you. So that you have a really well rounded network that you can go to when you’re ready to make a move or grow your company.

  • What advice would you give to African American women or men who are wanting to rise to the level of CEO?

Be great at what you do. A lot of times people are thinking too far ahead, and they’re thinking of growing before they master what they do. Also, get feedback. That’s one of the things that, in general, employees don’t do. They kind of assess themselves, which is usually more positive than it really it is. Get feedback from other people.

If they’re good people, they will help you get better. Third, really have a solid network. If you’re African American, make sure it’s not only people who look like you. Make sure you have a really good diverse group of people – age, gender, ethnicity – in your network. Relationships like that need to be mutually beneficial. Ask yourself, what can you offer someone else, and what can they offer you? This way you both get better together.