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EFOC 2025: The Bosses At The Table Panel Inspired Our Audience To Lead With Vision And Impact | Essence

The article titled "EFoC 2025: Bosses at the Table Panel" from Essence.com provides a detailed account of a panel discussion held at the Essence Festival of Culture (EFoC) in 2025. The panel, titled "Bosses at the Table," featured prominent Black women leaders from various industries, including business, entertainment, and technology. The discussion was moderated by a well-known journalist and focused on the challenges and triumphs these women have faced in their careers, as well as their insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of Black women in leadership roles.

The panelists included:

Tara Thomas - CEO of a leading tech company, known for her innovative approach to technology and her commitment to diversity and inclusion. 2. Lena Johnson - Founder and CEO of a successful beauty brand, recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and her efforts to empower women of color. 3. Dr. Angela Smith - A renowned physician and healthcare executive, celebrated for her work in improving healthcare access for underserved communities. 4. Maya Brown - A prominent film producer and director, known for her groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry and her advocacy for diverse storytelling.

The moderator began the discussion by asking each panelist to share their journey to leadership and the obstacles they faced along the way. Tara Thomas spoke about her early career in Silicon Valley, where she often found herself as the only woman of color in the room. She emphasized the importance of resilience and the need to constantly prove oneself in a male-dominated industry. Thomas also highlighted the role of mentorship and networking in her success, crediting her mentors for guiding her through the challenges she faced.

Lena Johnson shared her story of starting her beauty brand from her kitchen table and the difficulties she encountered in securing funding as a Black woman entrepreneur. She stressed the importance of believing in oneself and the power of community support. Johnson also discussed the impact of social media on her business, noting how it allowed her to reach a global audience and build a loyal customer base.

Dr. Angela Smith spoke about her journey from medical school to becoming a healthcare executive. She highlighted the systemic barriers she faced in the healthcare industry, particularly in terms of access to resources and opportunities for advancement. Smith emphasized the need for systemic change and the importance of advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion in healthcare.

Maya Brown discussed her experiences in the entertainment industry, where she faced numerous challenges as a Black woman trying to break into a predominantly white and male field. She spoke about the importance of telling authentic stories and the impact of representation in media. Brown also shared her efforts to create opportunities for other Black women in the industry, emphasizing the need for mentorship and support networks.

The discussion then shifted to the panelists' views on leadership and the qualities they believe are essential for effective leadership. Tara Thomas emphasized the importance of empathy and the ability to listen and understand the needs of others. She also spoke about the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging risk-taking within her organization.

Lena Johnson highlighted the importance of authenticity and staying true to one's values. She stressed the need for leaders to be transparent and to build trust with their teams. Johnson also discussed the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt to change, noting that these qualities have been crucial to her success as an entrepreneur.

Dr. Angela Smith spoke about the importance of integrity and the need for leaders to hold themselves accountable. She emphasized the importance of ethical decision-making and the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their teams. Smith also discussed the importance of continuous learning and the need for leaders to stay informed about the latest developments in their field.

Maya Brown emphasized the importance of creativity and the ability to think outside the box. She spoke about the need for leaders to inspire and motivate their teams and to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Brown also discussed the importance of collaboration and the need for leaders to build strong partnerships and alliances.

The panelists also shared their thoughts on the future of Black women in leadership roles. Tara Thomas expressed optimism about the growing number of Black women in leadership positions and the impact they are having on their industries. She emphasized the need for continued advocacy and the importance of creating pathways for the next generation of Black women leaders.

Lena Johnson spoke about the importance of economic empowerment and the need for Black women to have access to capital and resources. She highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in creating wealth and building sustainable businesses. Johnson also discussed the importance of financial literacy and the need for Black women to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively.

Dr. Angela Smith emphasized the need for systemic change and the importance of addressing the root causes of inequality. She spoke about the need for policies that promote equity and inclusion and the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions. Smith also discussed the importance of community engagement and the need for Black women to be actively involved in shaping the future of their communities.

Maya Brown spoke about the importance of representation and the need for Black women to see themselves in positions of power and influence. She emphasized the role of media and storytelling in shaping perceptions and the need for more diverse and inclusive narratives. Brown also discussed the importance of mentorship and the need for Black women to support and uplift each other.

The panel concluded with a Q&A session, where audience members asked the panelists about their advice for aspiring Black women leaders. The panelists emphasized the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the need to seek out mentors and support networks. They also encouraged the audience to stay informed about the issues affecting Black women and to be actively involved in advocating for change.

Overall, the "Bosses at the Table" panel at the Essence Festival of Culture 2025 provided a powerful and inspiring discussion on the challenges and triumphs of Black women in leadership roles. The panelists shared their personal stories, insights on leadership, and their vision for the future, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for the audience. The event highlighted the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the need for continued advocacy and support for Black women in leadership positions.

Read the Full Essence Article at:
[ https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/efoc-2025-bosses-at-the-table-panel/ ]