Akilah Cadet
Founder of Change Cadet
“You have to think about what brings you joy and work backwards [from there], and if you know what you need to get through the twists and turns in life, they just become opportunities. ”
Tell us about your journey and how you’ve gotten to where you are today.
My background is in public health. Most of my career has been in healthcare and nonprofits. I’ve always done something health-focused. [But a combination of] fortunate and unfortunate events made it hard for me to [initially] thrive as an educated black woman.
I was in a position where I was promoted by my boss after a year and half. The promotion was great. I was getting my doctorate and was tasked with building out a new department, but I was told I would never get paid for the work that I did. When I graduated, I was diagnosed with depression mainly from being in a toxic work environment. I didn’t know what to do, [so] I went to Thailand. I [eventually] went to work at another health system to be an executive coach for 350 leaders, only to have my boss one day say to me that when he interviewed me, he didn’t think I was that smart. I was fired the next week.
As I reflected back on my career, there was a pattern of me being treated poorly because of my age, ethnicity or education level. I’m pretty sure there are people of color that have felt the way [I did]. No one should feel that way or suffer from mental health as a result of their jobs. I had no idea that my workplace could affect my emotional and mental health. I started Change Cadet, an organizational development consulting firm, as my passion project while I was finishing my doctorate. When I was fired, almost immediately I got a business license and changed the focus of my firm to diversity. My firm is a team of women of color who focus on strategic planning, problem solving, and executive coaching for women, POC, and marginalized communities.
When you launched Change Cadet, what impact did you want it to have? How do you view that impact so far?
I just wanted people to know their worth in the workplace. If you think about what you need to be successful in the workplace and you can get to 85% of those things, then you can thrive.
Is there anyone that has largely influenced your business discipline and ethic?
Beyoncé. We’re both Virgos. Virgos are very special. We battle with wanting to help other people and being a perfectionist. I admire how [Beyoncé has] been able to expand in business and be in a position to be unapologetically herself. It’s what I strive for and what I do with anything. It’s important for people to see you as you are. Society will tell you you have to present in a certain way, and [Beyoncé] has more pressure because she’s on an international stage. [But] when you are so firm about who you are, you are unstoppable.
How do you stay true to yourself?
If it doesn’t serve me, I keep moving. The friends in my life think similarly to me and we are accountability partners. I [also] have mantras that I use. You have to think about what brings you joy and work backwards [from there], and if you know what you need to get through the twists and turns in life, they just become opportunities.
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
I am not afraid to walk away from money. I’m in demand and I’ve worked to get there. If it doesn’t serve me or my company, then no amount of money is worth the additional stress or frustration. I don’t have to do things I don’t like. Just like dating, there are red flags in collaborations and partnerships. I am very direct and clear on how I operate.
Rapid Round
What's one thing we wouldn't know about you based on your professional biography?
That I am a twin.
What is the best decision that you've made?
Start my own business.
What’s the most important business or general life discovery you’ve made in the past year?
Not being afraid to walk away from money.
If you could write a book, what would it be about and what would the title be?
The book would be about me and my life. The title would be “My Series of Fortunate and Unfortunate Events.”
How do you stay balanced?
I say no to opportunities and people. If it isn’t going to serve me, I say no. I have a rare heart condition, so I have to manage my time and energy.
Who is your female leader icon?
Beyoncé.
What word can you not get enough of?
Fuck.
What is your must-have to get your workday started?
My phone.
What three words sum up your career (so far!)?
Absolutely fucking amazing!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be vulnerable.
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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
