MIP’s Diverse Perspectives is a monthly blog feature to spotlight a member from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to share a personal perspective through a brief set of interview questions.

This month’s perspective is courtesy of Gerald L. Walden Jr., VP – Deputy General Counsel & Head of Diversity, The Fresh Market, Inc., Greensboro.

What law school did you attend and what was your graduation year?

North Carolina Central University School of Law; spring 2001.

What inspired or prompted you to become an attorney?

The inspiration for becoming an attorney first materialized for me in eighth grade when my language arts teacher had our class put certain characters in a Shakespearean play on trial. I was assigned the role of the prosecuting attorney and did so well that I made one of the “witnesses” cry. Years later, after graduating from college with a mechanical engineering degree and starting my career in that field, I soon realized that I did not see myself as an engineer for the rest of my life. Thus, I recalled that eighth grade experience, as well as more recent stories from friends who were in law school at that time and enjoying it, and decided . . . why not!

Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have overcome in your professional career.

Near the end of what I believed was a stellar performance year for me, my direct manager changed. Believing that my performance would speak for itself, my new manager would ask around about my performance, and/or others in the company would speak up on my behalf because they were aware of my contributions, I was sure that I was due for a promotion even though I was uncomfortable discussing it with my new manager directly. Imagine my surprise when during my performance review no such promotion was offered – not even a substantial pay increase. When I asked “Why?” and then proceeded to summarize my prior year’s performance, my new manager was completely unaware because neither I nor anyone else had shared this information with him. Although this ultimately resulted in a teachable moment for both of us, what I took from this situation is that while mentors and sponsors are certainly great to have, you must learn to be comfortable serving as your own ambassador.

Do you have a message of encouragement for others who may have experienced similar challenges or adversity as a diverse attorney?

Research indicates that minorities (and women) do not self-promote or ask for what they want in the job market because they often believe others will simply recognize their value, they are battling feelings of imposter syndrome, do not want to draw attention to themselves, etc. However, the old saying that “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed” still holds true. Absent some degree of self-promotion, important opportunities can be lost, such as promotions, pay increases, and prominent assignments. Therefore, we must become comfortable talking about ourselves and our accomplishments (without being boastful), as well as directly asking for what we believe we have earned. We cannot rely solely on others to speak on our behalf or let feelings of fear, discomfort, or insecurity paralyze us. I went on to obtain that promotion and have asked for and subsequently received every promotion I have obtained since then.

Gerald L. Walden Jr. is the Vice President – Deputy General Counsel & Head of Diversity at The Fresh Market, Inc. Please visit his full bio at https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldwalden.

June 3, 2021/by NCBA MIP