Caribbean American Women Are Leading in Corporate America.
Amidst the growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership strategist Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown highlights the vital role Caribbean American women play in giving businesses a competitive edge.
Dr. Brown is dedicated to empowering Black women of Caribbean descent with the leadership skills needed to thrive in underrepresented spaces. As the founder of KMB Consultancy, she believes U.S. organizations can gain from their ability to lead in diverse social and organizational settings. “Cultural intelligence is crucial,” Dr. Brown shared with Island Origins Magazine. “It helps build bridges that others might not even notice.”
Brown explains that cultural intelligence in Caribbean American women is shaped by their unique upbringing, where they balance their heritage with adapting to American work culture. These lived experiences and cultural perspectives influence their leadership style, making them well-suited to drive organizational growth.
“Caribbean women move through multiple worlds with both grace and strength,” said the organizational theorist. “That’s not just personal resilience—it’s leadership potential.”
In contrast to the individualism often celebrated in traditional corporate environments, Caribbean cultures prioritize community and collective progress. “This mindset shapes leadership and fosters the success of those around you,” Brown explained. Dr. Brown also emphasized that a crucial element of effective leadership is the ability to lead through challenges—challenges that have only intensified for companies due to limited resources and growing uncertainty.
The leadership strategist encourages corporate systems to adopt the Caribbean tradition of storytelling, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent. “It creates emotional connections and helps others grasp your vision,” she shared. Storytelling enables companies to adopt a more human-centered approach, shaping purpose and boosting engagement. Dr. Brown also emphasizes that radical self-care is not a luxury but a key leadership strategy.
She describes the leadership style of Caribbean American women through her RISE framework—Redefine Success, Innovate Disruption, Synergize Roles, and Evolve Continuously.
