Tragic Clarity

Over the past year, Geri Thomas, President of Georgia Operations and Global Diversity & Inclusion Executive, Bank of America, lost her mother and husband of 43 years.

And, through tragedy, she gained “absolute clarity.”

“As I focused on the health challenges of my family,” she tells PINK, “I never felt conflicted about my professional duties and my family.”

Thomas, an Atlanta native, has a reputation for strong performance, not just as a committed, loving wife and daughter, but also as a leader in the business world.

“Be clear on what’s important to you,” she insists of women seeking to climb the ranks of corporate America, “Make sure there is no conflict with your values.”

This wisdom plus a go-getter attitude is what helped elevate her to a management demographic where she’s often one of few – or the only one.

Black women face a double paned glass ceiling, fighting to break through racial and gender stereotypes and prejudices.

To help curb the issue, Thomas believes more companies should develop existing personnel. “It is essential that more companies provide opportunities for talent to lead through developing the existing bench while simultaneously recruiting new talent.”

Getting in isn’t the primary problem anymore; it’s moving up.

Want to know Geri’s secret to success? How she landed that first big job? Read our full interview!

Does your current career path conflict with your values? Tell us!

BONUS PINK Link: With all the fuss around that multicultural Coca-Cola Super Bowl ad, we thought we’d share the journey of a Jamaican-born success story living her American Dream.

By L. Nicole Williams

“I always lead with the needs of the business.” Geri Thomas