87. What to Do When Someone Blocks Your Path to Leadership with Maya Bugg Faison, CEO of Bugg Consulting

How do you handle someone with power blocking your path to leadership?

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Maya Bugg Faison, Founder and CEO of the Bugg Consulting Group and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at Vanderbilt. Previously, Maya served as CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center and State Executive Director at Education Pioneers.

Maya shares her journey to becoming CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center, a path filled with obstacles. Despite receiving positive feedback from her interviewers, she faced resistance from powerful board members who preferred a different candidate (a White male). They added additional interview rounds and hurdles to deter her.

However, Maya emerged victorious and became CEO. Here’s how she did it:

• Speak Your Truth: Maya grew up with supportive parents who encouraged her to name injustice. She directly told the board that the process was disrespecting her as a leader, reminded them they had encouraged her to apply, and made it clear she had other opportunities.

• Seek Other Opportunities: Maya didn’t put all her eggs in one basket. She ensured she had other options, including her current role and other job applications.

• Build Champions: Maya was intentional about building relationships. When she moved to Tennessee, she started with one connection, asking to be introduced to three more people, and so on. She tracked and cultivated these relationships, and some of these people later advocated for her as CEO.

Maya led the TN Charter Center for 9 years, making a significant impact on schools, students, and families in Tennessee. Thank you, Maya, for your leadership and for modeling how we can bring equity to ourselves, our students, and our communities.

#Leadership #Equity #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-87-what-to-do-when-someone-blocks-your-path-to-leadership-with-maya-bugg-faison