We first came across the term “bossed up” in this viral Nicki Minaj video in which the pop superstar bemoaned the challenges of having to be so many things to so many people at once: sexy, nice, talented, and herself:

“When I am assertive, I’m a bitch. When a man is assertive, he’s a boss. He bossed up. No negative connotation behind ‘bossed up,’ but lots of negative connotation behind being a bitch.” - Nicki Minaj

A CHALLENGE FOR WOMEN IN POWER

We couldn’t empathize more with Ms. Minaj. Though we’re not pop stars, it’s easy to relate to her challenge of wearing so many hats at once – many of which require being assertive, confident, and self-respectful. But those characteristics come with negative social consequences.

As we learned from Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In, women who are successful at work are deemed less likeable - both by men and other women alike!

Though these social pressures can be subtle, we internalize them and adjust our behavior as a result. We start ceasing to act like a boss to maintain our femininity, attractiveness, and general likeability.

BALANCE LEADERSHIP & LIKEABILITY

We believe there is an alternative way - and it starts with getting Bossed Up and owning your power.

We can lead and be liked. Or at the very least, we can acknowledge the double-bind inherent in this leadership-likeability trade-off and make our peace with it.

A History in Hip Hop

We must also acknowledge that the term "Bossed Up" is rooted in the come-up story essential to hip hop, and indicative of the history of overcoming oppression that's at the core of the struggle for equality that Black people have long faced in America.

We must honor this history while acknowledging the ways this message resonates with marginalized groups of all kinds.

Getting Bossed Up is about owning your own power in the face of injustice, daring to rise up despite the obstacles unfairly presented before you.

I invite you to boss up with us together - by committing to treat yourself with respect, know your worth, and own your power over your own life and career.