Introduction
“Let Them See You: The Guide for Leveraging Your Diversity at Work” by Porter Braswell, published in 2019, is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping individuals leverage their diverse backgrounds to succeed in the workplace. Braswell, drawing from his experiences as a Black entrepreneur and co-founder of Jopwell, offers actionable advice to navigate corporate America while celebrating one’s unique identity. The book is particularly focused on empowering underrepresented groups to achieve their career goals and create more inclusive environments. This summary will highlight key points from the book, providing concrete examples and specific actions readers can take based on Braswell’s insights.

Key Point: One’s diverse background is a unique asset.
Example: Braswell reminisces about his time at Goldman Sachs, where he initially struggled to see his racial identity as an advantage rather than a hindrance. Over time, he realized that his different perspective was invaluable.
Action: Reflect on your unique experiences and consider how they can provide insights that others may not have. Make a list of five ways your background can add value to your work and discuss these points in your next team meeting or individual performance review.

Key Point: Cultivating a strong personal brand is essential for career growth.
Example: Braswell discusses how he actively worked on his personal brand by becoming an expert on topics related to diversity and inclusion. This helped him stand out in the corporate world.
Action: Identify the key elements that define your personal brand, such as your core values, strengths, and unique skills. Create a strategic plan to communicate this brand through your social media profiles, LinkedIn articles, and workplace interactions.

Key Point: Networking is crucial for professional development, especially for underrepresented groups.
Example: Braswell shares his experience of intentionally connecting with other Black professionals and mentors who provided guidance and opportunities throughout his career.
Action: Make it a priority to attend industry events, join professional organizations, and seek out mentors who share your background or can help you navigate workplace challenges. Set a goal to connect with at least one new person each week.

Key Point: Understanding the culture and unspoken norms of your workplace is key to thriving.
Example: Braswell provides an instance where understanding the informal network at Goldman Sachs helped him advance in his career by choosing the right projects and aligning with influential colleagues.
Action: Observe and analyze the workplace culture to identify unwritten rules. Schedule informal coffee chats with colleagues to gain insights into how successful individuals operate within the organization. Apply these insights to your daily interactions and strategic career planning.

Key Point: Facing and overcoming bias is an inevitable part of being a minority in the workplace.
Example: Braswell recounts moments of microaggressions and subconscious bias he faced and how he addressed them professionally without compromising his identity.
Action: Document any instances where you believe bias has affected you. Approach trusted mentors or HR for advice on how to address these issues and develop a plan to handle future occurrences. Equip yourself with the knowledge of your rights and company policies on discrimination.

Key Point: Promoting diversity and inclusion benefits everyone in the organization.
Example: Braswell details initiatives he spearheaded at his workplace to foster a more inclusive environment, such as diversity recruitment programs and employee resource groups.
Action: Volunteer or advocate for the establishment of diversity programs at your workplace. Collect data and present a business case to leadership on the benefits of diversity and inclusion. Participate in or lead employee resource groups to support colleagues and drive change.

Key Point: Performance excellence is non-negotiable in standing out and advancing.
Example: Braswell emphasizes that, regardless of background, consistently delivering high-quality work is paramount. He shares stories of his relentless pursuit of excellence in every role he undertook.
Action: Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for your role and ensure you not only meet but exceed them. Set personal performance goals and regularly seek feedback from supervisors to refine your approach and continuously improve.

Key Point: Authenticity creates genuine connections and builds trust.
Example: Braswell describes how being open about his experiences and background fostered deeper relationships with colleagues and mentors.
Action: Share your personal experiences and background where it feels appropriate. Create an environment where colleagues can also be authentic by initiating conversations around diversity topics and being an empathetic listener.

Key Point: Calculated risks are necessary for growth and career advancement.
Example: Braswell details his bold decision to leave a stable job at Goldman Sachs to start Jopwell, a platform designed to empower underrepresented students and professionals.
Action: Identify areas in your career where you might be playing it too safe. Evaluate potential opportunities and risks, and make a plan to take a calculated risk that could lead to significant career advancement. Seek advice from trusted mentors and be prepared for the challenges.

Key Point: Helping others succeed strengthens the community and creates a cycle of support.
Example: Braswell highlights his commitment to mentoring young professionals and contributing to community organizations that support career development for underrepresented groups.
Action: Invest time in mentoring one or more junior colleagues or students. Volunteer for initiatives that support diversity and inclusion within and outside your organization. Share your knowledge and experiences through speaking engagements or writing articles.

Conclusion
“Let Them See You” is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing and leveraging one’s diverse background to achieve professional success. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Porter Braswell equips readers with the tools needed to navigate and excel in the workplace. By recognizing the value of diversity, building a strong personal brand, mastering workplace norms, overcoming challenges, advocating for inclusion, excelling in performance, being authentic, taking risks, and paying it forward, individuals can significantly impact their careers and contribute to more inclusive professional environments.