You Can’t Have a Standard of Excellence and Penalize Black Women for Meeting It.

The Catalyst Perspective

It's hiring season. And like clockwork, I’m hearing it again.

“You’re overqualified.”

Really?

Let’s name it: Black women are the most educated demographic in the United States (NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education).
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Let’s be honest:
When a Black woman shows up with receipts, the conversation shifts.

What was once a search for “the best candidate” becomes a backpedal.

Now it’s: “You’re too experienced.” “Too senior.” “We’re looking for a different fit.”

Let me ask you this:

We’re not chasing ego, we’re chasing alignment.

But when systems are designed to reward mediocrity and sideline mastery, the bar keeps moving and Black women keep getting disqualified by the very standards we exceed.

Excellence shouldn’t be treated like a threat.

If you’re hiring for brilliance, don’t penalize the people who bring it.

The Power Move: Strategy + Perspective

If you’ve been told you’re overqualified, let me offer a reframe:

They’re not rejecting you.

They’re reacting to your clarity.

Your resume doesn’t scare them, your presence does.
Because presence backed by power reveals where leadership is lacking.

Here’s your next move:

• Reframe the language. Stop internalizing their fear.
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• Redirect the narrative. You’re not “too much.” You’re ready for more.
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• Reclaim your voice. You’re not asking for permission to lead—you’ve already earned your seat.

This is exactly what we tackle in my VIP Strategy Intensive. In just one day, we map out:

• The aligned roles that fit your values, not just your title
• Messaging that positions your brilliance with clarity
• Boundaries that protect your energy and elevate your impact

And over the next 60 days, I stay with you to make sure your strategy sticks.

Because we’re not here to play small.

We’re here to lead on purpose, with power and precision.

If they don’t recognize value, they don’t deserve the impact.

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Ally in Action: A Note for the Men on This List

If you serve on a hiring committee, lead a department, or sit at a decision-making table, pay attention.

Too often, Black women are told they’re overqualified as a cover for something else: fear, bias, or lack of imagination.

When you see excellence, don’t question it; advocate for it.

• Speak up in the hiring process
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• Ask why alignment is being mistaken for arrogance.
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• Challenge the default settings that keep brilliance out of reach.

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Allyship doesn’t mean silent agreement.

It means real-time action.

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​And Black women have to eat too. We have mortgages to pay and families that need our resources.

So, if you say you value diversity and excellence, prove it when it counts.
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Support This Work (aka, Buy Me a Vanilla Chai ☕)

You know what fuels this newsletter?
Not just courage and conviction, but actual caffeine.

(A warm vanilla chai, to be exact.)

If this message moved you, if it affirmed you, or challenged you to think differently,
consider supporting the work.

Buy me a warm vanilla chai and help me keep bringing this bold,
unapologetic leadership conversation to your inbox.

Because this movement deserves to be well-resourced, and so do the women leading it.

Help Grow the Movement

This space was created to remind women that excellence is not up for debate and leadership should never require permission.

Know someone who needs to hear this?

Send her here:

Every voice.

Every share.

Every act of advocacy, it all matters

Until next time, lead with clarity; not compromise.

Chasity Wells-Armstrong ​ ​Founder, Catalyst Coaching & Transformation ​The Leadership Catalyst ​ Former Mayor, Village Manager, City Councilor & School Board Member Strategist for Women in Local Government Leadership | Creator of the SCALE Framework ​ ​