The Undertow
In corporate hell, power isn’t as straightforward as the titles and metrics would have you believe. It’s not about what’s on the org chart; it’s about what happens in the spaces between. We’re told to work hard, meet expectations, and trust that success will follow. But for many of us, especially women and people of color, the reality feels less like climbing a ladder and more like wading into a current—one that shifts without warning and sometimes pulls hard against you.
You might deliver your career-best work, receive glowing feedback, and even draft thoughtful plans for the future of your team. Then, in the blink of an eye—or a calibration meeting—ratings drop, feedback softens, and plans change. It’s not about your output anymore; it’s about who holds influence, who shapes the narrative, and who decides whether you “fit.” The invisible forces at play aren’t written into policies or values, but they shape everything. They are the undertow.
Slow and steady
And here’s the truth about power in these spaces: it’s conditional. Even when you’re in the room where decisions are made, your authority is constantly evaluated in ways others don’t experience. A promotion isn’t just a win; it’s a test to see if you’ll be too much. Success isn’t just celebrated; it’s weighed against a nebulous standard of likability (for fucks sake!). For all the talk about equity, progress often feels like a series of trade-offs—measured steps forward that only happen after invisible hands move pieces behind the scenes.
But acknowledging this reality doesn’t mean accepting defeat. It means finding ways to navigate without letting it define you. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about finding ways to protect your voice and amplify others. It’s about creating spaces where the people you lead can do their best work without constantly looking over their shoulders. I can’t change the system overnight, but I can make sure my team feels seen and supported within it.
Some days it feels Sisyphean—every win is hard-fought, every step forward comes with its share of setbacks. But I’ve stopped pretending the undertow isn’t there. Now I move differently—one fair decision, one honest conversation at a time. The goal isn’t a perfect workplace. It’s a better one. And even when progress drags, it still matters.
Bitches, it’s worth it. Especially because they don’t expect us to stay.