What is Black Excellence to us?

In a world where truth is denied and whitewashing history is rampant, Black Excellence means a great deal to me. That standard is embedded in this firm. Racism hasn't gone anywhere. I have dealt with it face to face throughout my career. I know it looks differently than when my grandparents migrated to Michigan from Alabama, but it is still alive and well...

Some people may say this kind of candor has no place in the professional world, but reality affects how we show up. When I go to schools in certain areas to facilitate, I have to ensure that I get home safely. When I send my team to meet with clients, I have to consider if they will be treated with dignity and respect. As a holistic leader, I have to look at the whole picture not just the work itself.

Black Excellence is navigating choppy waters and still showing up professionally, aiming to provide first-class service, and commanding a room with grace and power. This standard dictates the kind of clients we serve and the kind impact we make.

I could go on and on about my culture and how it is interwoven in the foundation of my firm, but I will spare you my soap box speech. I will leave you with this. Do not be ashamed of who you are. Being a Black owned business is not a marketing strategy. I don't want people to patronize my business because I am Black, but my Blackness plays a role in how we show up. Because of my culture, I bring a resilience unique to Black women in America; I understand the need for diverse thinking; and I know how to adapt.

Braxton Management welcomes clients from varying backgrounds and walks of life. Black Excellence does not mean we only serve those who look like us. We serve all our clients with the desire to yield results that propel their missions forward.

Thanks for coming to my ted talk.

-K.T. Braxton