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Shifting Culture | Driving Equity
 

Supporting Black women and BIPOC CEOs: thriving beyond the glass cliff

Stepping into leadership, navigating unprecedented challenges

Being the first of your identity in a leadership role is both an honor and a tremendous challenge. For many Black women, BIPOC leaders, and others with traditionally marginalized identities, the reality of being celebrated as a “diverse hire” often collides with the harsh truth of being handed the reins in a struggling organization. These “glass cliff” scenarios—where leaders are set up to fail—are all too common.

At Co-Creating Inclusion, we understand these dynamics deeply. We know the toll it takes to step into a role where you’re expected to transform dysfunction into success while facing systemic obstacles, cultural resistance, and often insufficient support. But we also know what’s possible when leaders like you are equipped with the tools, strategies, and care to not just survive but thrive in these challenging environments.

 
 

The Problem: The “Glass Cliff” in Action

Far too often, organizations hire Black women, BIPOC leaders, or others with marginalized identities to signal progress without addressing the deep, systemic issues that led them to a leadership crisis in the first place. These leaders face:

  • Organizations in disarray—financially, operationally, and culturally.

  • Heightened scrutiny, microaggressions, and outright discrimination.

  • Fewer resources, lower pay, and less support than predecessors.

  • Legacy cultures that resist innovation and equity-driven leadership.

Instead of being positioned for success, these leaders are left to navigate entrenched systems of inequity while trying to implement meaningful change.

 
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Our Approach: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

At Co-Creating Inclusion, we offer a customized, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the unique needs of Black women and BIPOC CEOs stepping into “glass cliff” roles. Our work focuses on:

Immediate relief and support: We provide a confidential, supportive space for leaders to process their challenges, helping you feel seen, heard, and validated from day one.

Prioritizing self-care and boundaries: Leadership shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. We help you create personalized strategies for self-regulation, de-escalation, and boundary-setting so you can lead sustainably.

Creating organizational buy-In: We work with you to engage stakeholders and leadership in your vision, ensuring the alignment and support necessary for long-term success.

Supporting staff harmed by systemic oppression: We help address the experiences of your staff, particularly BIPOC and marginalized employees, fostering a sense of belonging and healing throughout the organization.

Building trauma-informed cultures: Our multi-year, scaffolded approach to cultural transformation is designed to create an equitable, inclusive workplace where all staff can thrive.

 

Why Partner with Us?

We’re not just consultants—we’re collaborators deeply invested in your success. With years of experience supporting leaders in “glass cliff” situations, we bring compassion, insight, and a proven methodology to help you lead with confidence, resilience, and authenticity.

Our approach ensures:

  • Every step is aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

  • Cultural transformation is strategic, paced, and sustainable.

  • Leaders and staff feel supported, seen, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

 
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Let’s Start the Conversation

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Schedule a complimentary DEI consultation to explore your next steps. Together, we’ll chart a path that’s meaningful, manageable, and transformative.

Packages start at $10,000

Explore our CEO/Leadership Relief Package or Stakeholder Buy-In Package to get started.