In this interview, Microsoft executive Bruce Jackson shares his experiences of being a person of color in law and tech, and what he’s learned in his professional journey.

• People of color may struggle with what is known as “stereotype threat” — the frustration and anxiety of being judged by the negative stereotypes associated with our social group or community. This can look like code-switching in the workplace, changing your accent, or adopting behaviors of the dominant group to “blend in” with others.
• To overcome stereotype threat, it’s important for people of color to embrace all the parts of themselves, not just the successful moments. The more comfortable we are with ourselves, the easier it is to dispel myths that hold us back.
• A lot of young professionals from marginalized identities may feel uncomfortable promoting their work or advocating for themselves in spaces where they don’t see others like themselves. Building influence is a skill that anyone can hone, it just requires a little practice.
• Finally, we’re conditioned to believe that only so few of us as people of color can make it to leadership or grow in our careers — and we end up competing amongst ourselves. It’s time to change that narrative and build confidence in our own skills and experiences to succeed in our careers.