Leon Prieto
Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives & Community Engagement & Professor of Management
Clayton State University
Georgia
Simone Phipps
Professor of Management
Middle Georgia State University
Georgia
It was once said that the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. However, this saying overlooks the crucial elements that catalyze this realization of purpose. A deep reflection on purpose and discovery resonates deeply in today’s age, where the fast pace of the corporate world often threatens to overshadow the brilliance of the human spirit. Amidst this backdrop, the legacy of Maggie Lena Walker emerges as a beacon of inspiration. As the first Black woman to charter and lead a bank in the United States, Walker’s tenacity not only defied the limitations of her era but also ignited the potential in countless individuals. Her recent honor in the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame isn’t just a recognition; it’s a celebration of the timeless essence of human purpose and determination. She taught us the importance of living full lives; one that incorporates professional and personal.
In contemporary times we are coming to terms with the fact that achieving work-life balance is an elusive task; almost a fantasy, but the real focus should instead be striving for work-life integration. Work-life integration is the harmonious blending of one’s professional and personal responsibilities and interests. It’s about creating a flexible and adaptable lifestyle where work and life are not in constant conflict, but rather exist in a dynamic relationship that allows for the fulfillment of both career and personal goals. This approach recognizes that work and personal life are not mutually exclusive and encourages finding synergy and mutual enrichment from both domains. It’s a strategy that values flexibility, respects individual needs, and promotes well-being by acknowledging the varying demands of each area and finding ways to integrate them seamlessly. It underscores the irreplaceable value of our inherent human traits – passion, purpose, and the drive to persevere. As organizations and employees alike grapple with these work-life balance challenges, Walker’s life story offers a compelling blueprint, emphasizing that even in the face of challenges, the quest for purpose via work-life integration can guide employees to remain vibrant, undaunted, and healthy.
Embracing Work-Life Integration
In the annals of American history, arguably, few figures embody the spirit of purpose-driven leadership as profoundly as Maggie Lena Walker. Born in the tumultuous post-Civil War era, Walker emerged as a beacon of hope, not just for African Americans, but for all who sought to rise above societal constraints and realize their full potential in all aspects of their life and work. Her legacy, marked in part by her unparalleled achievements as the first Black woman to charter and preside over a bank in the US, and a pioneer in African American Management History, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to economic and social empowerment.
Walker’s vision was not just about personal success; it was about uplifting an entire community. Her endeavors were rooted in a deep-seated belief that economic independence was the key to societal progress. But perhaps what set Walker apart was her forward-thinking approach to work-life integration and gender roles, especially in the context of her time. She championed the idea that women should have the autonomy to choose their vocation, just as men did. In her words, women should be allowed to “choose her own vocation… let her become independent.” This was not just rhetoric. Walker’s advocacy was grounded in action. At a time when a staggering 83% of employed African American women were relegated to domestic roles, Walker envisioned a different future. Her concerns about the limited job prospects for Black women translated into tangible initiatives. She actively sought to diversify employment opportunities for them, hiring them in clerical positions at her bank – roles that were, at the time, largely inaccessible to women of color. She wanted Black women to seek meaning in their vocations and professions not just in their households. Walker felt that women would achieve greater meaning for their lives if they pursued a career, which she felt will empower them, and strengthen their marriage, personal lives, etc.
In today’s age, where the rapid pace of corporate life often leaves many people disenchanted and losing themselves due to many not being able to take care of personal responsibilities, spending “quality time” with their loved ones (or even themselves), Walker’s legacy offers a timely lesson. It emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in an environment that is oftentimes unaccommodating to those who are seeking that elusive “balance”. It is time to allow employees to integrate life into their work (and vice versa) on their own terms. Just as Walker embraced her purpose on her own terms and kindled the purpose of others by championing the cause of economic independence, social progress, work-life integration, and gender equality in her time when stark disparities prevailed to disrupt advancement. Today’s organizational leaders must rise to the challenge and ensure that every employee’s purpose is activated and nurtured despite the rigors of life, personal responsibilities, and the demands of the workplace. By cultivating a culture that respects that employees have full lives and a yearning to thrive in each facet of their life, organizations can equip their workforce to not only weather the challenges of the corporate grind and any anxiety it brings, but to thrive amidst it, charting a future that is as purposeful and meaningful.
Let’s take a closer look at three important lessons from Maggie Lena Walker that organizations can utilize to better serve their employees as they achieve work-life integration.
- Empowerment through flexibility: Walker’s leadership was marked by her perspective on economic independence and personal empowerment. In the contemporary context, this translates into allowing employees the flexibility to integrate their work with personal responsibilities, such as caring for loved ones. By adopting Walker’s visionary approach, firms can empower their employees to create schedules that accommodate both their professional and personal lives, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Offering varied work schedules which allows employees to start and end their day earlier or later depending on their personal needs or letting them work four longer days with a three-day weekend can go a long way in enabling employees to manage their personal responsibilities, without sacrificing work productivity. This can also reduce stress and improve overall work/life satisfaction. Calendly, established by Nigerian-born Tope Awotona, exemplifies a modern approach to work by specializing in scheduling and appointment management. This software company embodies flexibility, offering all its employees the opportunity to work remotely. This model showcases how businesses can effectively integrate technology and remote work policies to foster an adaptable work environment.
- Holistic support systems: Maggie Lena Walker was ahead of her time in recognizing the need for holistic support for her employees and community. She understood that for people to thrive, their personal and professional needs must also be met. In this context, this could include on-site amenities like childcare or fitness centers, or partnerships with local businesses for services like laundry, meal delivery, or transportation. By addressing the everyday logistical challenges that employees face, companies can significantly reduce the mental and physical burden on their workforce, leading to increased focus and efficiency at work. An example that reflects this principle is The Cube (founded by Dr. Tammira Lucas), a coworking space located in Baltimore created by and for Black mom entrepreneurs whose mission is to create a world where raising a family and running a business is normal. They offer on-site babysitting services at its headquarters, allowing employees to bring their children to work. This not only eases the burden of finding suitable childcare but also allows mothers to spend more time with their children. This not only enhances employee satisfaction and productivity but also aligns with the ideals championed by Maggie Lena Walker: empowering individuals to find deeper meaning and satisfaction in both their professional and personal lives.
- Cultivating continuous dialogue and feedback: Maggie Lena Walker’s leadership was characterized by her engagement with and responsiveness to her community. She fostered an environment where open communication was valued, and a cooperative advantage was achieved. Similarly, organizations can create a culture of continuous dialogue and feedback, encouraging employees to express their needs and ideas about work-life integration. Regular check-ins, surveys, or forums where employees can voice their needs and feedback regarding work-life integration will be beneficial. This approach not only helps the organization to continuously adapt and improve its policies but also makes employees feel valued and heard. When employees see their feedback leading to tangible changes, it enhances their sense of belonging and commitment to the organization. For example, World Wide Technology, a leading tech services provider founded by David Steward, and the largest Black business in the United States has listening sessions which provides a space for the team to discuss workplace trends affecting employees.
Elevating Human Purpose in a World of Competing Demands
Walker’s lessons, transcending time and context, offer us three pivotal insights for today’s world: the empowerment of individuals through autonomy, the importance of developing holistic support systems, and the cultivation of a culture of continuous dialogue and feedback. These lessons are not just strategies for enhancing workplace efficiency; they represent deeper, more fundamental principles for nurturing the human spirit within the corporate ecosystem. By embracing the autonomy to integrate our work and personal lives, we honor the individual’s need for harmonious integration and fulfillment.
In developing support systems that acknowledge the multifaceted nature of our lives, we reflect Walker’s understanding that true empowerment extends beyond the confines of the workplace. And in fostering a culture of open communication, we reiterate her belief in the importance of community and collective progress.
As we stand at this intersection of technological advancement and human potential, Walker’s enduring legacy prompts us to reflect on the true essence of our work and lives. It is a call to action to ensure that in our quest for productivity and efficiency, we do not lose sight of what truly matters – the human purpose. In an age where the boundaries between work and life are increasingly blurred, it is more important than ever to remember that at the core of every endeavor, every challenge, and every achievement, is the human spirit – resilient, purposeful, and capable of extraordinary feats. Therefore, let us take inspiration from Maggie Lena Walker’s life and teachings to forge a future where work-life integration is not just a concept but a lived reality, where every individual is empowered to thrive, and where the pursuit of purpose remains central to our collective journey. In doing so, we can ensure that the brilliance of the human spirit is not just preserved but elevated, guiding us to a future that is as meaningful as it is successful.
Leon Prieto is a Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Social Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Clayton State University and a Research Fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation, University of Cambridge. His research interests lie at the intersection of management history, responsible management, and critical management studies.
Simone Phipps is a Professor of Management at Middle Georgia State University and a Research Fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation, University of Cambridge. Her research interests lie at the intersection of management history, social issues in management, and critical management studies.