Let’s be honest.

Most of us have that one singer or actress who, in our head, is our favorite
homegirl. That’s how I feel about actress, Taraji P. Henson. Who wouldn’t want to be her
friend?! Taraji was one of Time Magazine’s most influential people in 2016. Taraji is authentic,
hardworking, fashionable, and God-fearing. Taraji plays Cookie on Empire for goodness sake! I
mean, really, who wouldn’t want to be her friend?! Yet, while Taraji is all these things and more,
what I love most about her is that she truly understands the power of women sticking together.

I first noticed this about her during the 2015 Emmy Awards. Taraji, as well as Viola Davis, were
nominated for outstanding lead actress in a Drama Series--a category that no African American
woman had ever won. Viola won that night and Taraji stood, clapping for her as if she was
clapping for herself. When asked about this moment, Taraji admitted that it was bittersweet and
that she would have loved the opportunity. Taraji also stated that her prayer for that night was
bigger than herself. She prayed for barriers to be broken on behalf of African American
actresses. Her prayer was answered.

After witnessing that I said, “Man! I need to get like Taraji!”

Pondering that moment, here’s what I concluded:

1. Taraji connected with Viola: She knew Viola had been in the industry longer and may
naturally reach particular milestones prior to her.
2. At some point, they collaborated. At minimum, as black women in the film industry, they
shared information or encouragement.
3. Taraji was able to celebrate Viola because she respected her and her craft, and she knew
that Viola’s success did not mean her failure.

Isn’t that powerful?! I think it is and I call that The Taraji Effect!

I once heard Taraji say, “Women gotta understand; we work better together. The power in women
sticking together? We will change the world. And until we get that, we’re going nowhere.”

So ladies, let’s do it! Let’s get like TARAJI! Let’s tap into the power of connecting,
collaborating, and celebrating with other women.

CONNECT

Connecting with others is vital to success! As the old saying goes, birds of a feather flock
together. Consider looking for a young woman to mentor or someone who can mentor you.
If you're somewhat new to Nashville, like me, perhaps you’d look to connect with others who are
willing to share resources or attend local events.

Connecting is not just about what you can get. It’s about having a genuine interest in what
someone is up to, possibly learning their life story, or gaining a sense of their professional
journey.

Here’s 3 ways to do that:

 1. Do some research: If you come across another sister online or at an event that peaks your
interest, find out what she’s about.
2. Foster a relationship: Be friendly by connecting via social media or inviting them for
coffee.
3. Create reciprocity: Be the first one to support another sister’s event or offer a beneficial
connection.

Some connections will turn into friendships. Some won’t go past Twitter. Others may be for
mutual benefits and association. Either way, take the lead and assert yourself.

Why is connecting with others crucial to The Taraji Effect? Generally we judge others based on
superficial things. However, when we know someone’s story or their common interests, we’re
likely to be more open.

COLLABORATE

Collaboration is a mindset: Everybody wins, everybody eats. In a world where people are
independent and individualistic to a fault, many fail to realize that being collaborative is just as
important as being resilient or driven.

If for some reason collaboration does not come naturally to you, I would suggest exploring types
of collaborative efforts that may interest you (i.e. business idea, community event, party).
For those who are entrepreneurs, you know that entrepreneurship and the world of business
thrives upon collaboration. It’s as essential as the concept of business.

Here’s 3 reasons to collaborate:

1. You don’t know everything: Surround yourself with people who can help take you to the
next level.
2. The benefits outweigh the risks: Don’t let fear rob you. There are plenty of women who
are looking to build a tribe and share their platforms.
3. Opportunity for clarity: Collaboration allows you to see your strengths more clearly as
well as the value that others bring to the table.

Why is collaborating with others crucial to The Taraji Effect? We are better together. We are all
valuable and have something to offer.

CELEBRATE

Don’t hate, celebrate! Let’s put to bed the myth that all women do is fight and claw at one
another. I believe that it takes maturity to acknowledge that we, as human beings, all have
something to offer. We are all working towards something and that’s reason enough to celebrate
others around you. If you ever find yourself unable to celebrate the sister next to you, maybe it
has less to do with their accomplishment and more about the things you haven’t done that you
know you should do. Maybe you don’t believe that there’s enough confetti for everybody. Only
you know the answer.
Whatever it is, know that a lack mentality and tendency to compare will always paralyze and
debilitate you. It will self sabotage you. This is why you can never compare your chapter 2 to
someone’s chapter 20.

Here are 3 reason to celebrate with others:

1. To ignite hope: Use the success of others as a mirror for what’s possible. Take notes and
get in action.
2. To cause a ripple effect: Be a model of celebration.
3. To reap what you sow: If you show up and clap for others, they will show up and clap for
you!

So how do you get like TARAJI? Practice celebrating with other women. Taraji never denied
that the moment at the Emmy Awards was bittersweet. However, she chose to align herself with
her overall values for the sake of lifting up her sister.

Brandi Nicole Williams is an author, speaker, minister, and business consultant. She has been
empowering youth, women, and college students for nearly 15 years. As Principal Consultant of
BTL Solutions, Brandi helps faith based businesses stay focused on their mission by creating
systems and processes that bring peace of mind, productivity, and profitability.

To bring The Taraji Effect workshop to a women’s event near you, contact Brandi via website or
email.
Website: www.whoisbrandinicole.com
Email: brandi@whoisbrandinicole.com
Facebook Like Page: Brandi Nicole
Instagram: @whoisbnicole