Since we are, therefore I am: Ubuntu and the experiences of Black women leadership coaches

What is it about?

The study focused on how Black women leadership coaches' unique perspective can influence the development of Black leaders in terms of race, gender, and culture. The researchers interviewed seven Black women coaches with corporate and professional leadership experience to understand their lived experiences using interpretive phenomenology and intersectionality. The findings highlighted the coaches' leadership practices, which were deeply ingrained with themes of collectivity, influence, and convergence, connecting with the three principles of ubuntu - spirituality, consensus, and dialogue. The study suggests a need for more research on developing an 'ubuntu coaching' paradigm and creating psychologically safe coaching relationships with other Black leaders to increase career opportunities and leadership acumen. This study contributes to the limited research on intersectional identity and coaching practices used by Black women leadership coaches to cultivate other Black women leaders.

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Photo by alex starnes on Unsplash

Photo by alex starnes on Unsplash

Why is it important?

There is little scholarship that focuses on marginalized voices across the coaching eco-system, and even less with the specific focus on Black women coaches and clients. Thus, with this work we are pleased to introduce the experiences of Black women to the field of consulting psychology and other analogous fields. It is important to discover, learn, and make space for issues concerning women with intersectional identities.

Perspectives