Mastering the Art of the Ask
As we step into Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting deeply on the world around us. With so much happening, there has never been a more urgent and opportune time to "Master the Art of the Ask." Now, more than ever, women must embrace the power of asking—not just for themselves, but for their communities, their families, and the generations to come.
As we honor this month, there is no better way to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our world—not just with their ambition, but with their boldness to ask for what they need and deserve. They asked to serve their communities, to build generational wealth, and to create legacies that continue to inspire. One such pioneer was Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first female self-made millionaire, who mastered "The Art of the Ask" long before the phrase was coined.
Madam C.J. Walker didn’t just build a haircare empire—she built a movement. Her journey from laundress to mogul was fueled by her boldness to ask for support, investment, and collaboration. Walker understood that success required more than a great product; it demanded the courage to seek opportunities, market access, and community buy-in.
But Walker’s path wasn’t without internal struggles. Imagine being a Black woman in the early 1900s, stepping into a world dominated by men, while fighting the voices of self-doubt. Imposter syndrome must have whispered that she wasn’t enough, that her dreams were too grand. Yet Walker pushed forward, silencing those doubts with action. She kept asking—for partnerships, for mentorship, for market opportunities—until she won. Even when rejection knocked on her door, she persisted. Walker understood that rejection wasn’t the end; it was an invitation to ask again, to ask differently, and to ask louder.
In the 21st century, this lesson is more relevant than ever for women entrepreneurs. The landscape of business has shifted, but the power of the ask remains the same. Whether seeking venture capital, strategic partnerships, or entry into new markets, today’s female leaders must embrace the art of asking—without apology. The most successful entrepreneurs are not those who never hear "no," but those who refuse to let it define their journey.
Here are three great lessons Madam C.J. Walker left with women today in mastering the art of the ask:
1. Ask with Purpose: Walker understood that every ask needed to be tied to a larger mission. She wasn’t just selling hair products; she was uplifting her community and creating economic opportunities for other Black women. Today, when women ask—whether for funding, support, or a seat at the table—doing so with a clear purpose and vision makes the request powerful and compelling.
2. Embrace Rejection as Redirection: Walker faced countless rejections, yet she treated each one as a stepping stone, not a stop sign. This mindset shift is crucial for women entrepreneurs today. Every "no" is a lesson, a chance to refine the ask, build resilience, and move closer to a "yes."
3. Build a Community of Asking and Giving: Walker didn’t just ask for help; she gave back tenfold. Her philanthropic spirit and commitment to mentoring other women created a ripple effect of empowerment. Today’s women leaders can master the art of the ask by building networks of mutual support—where asking and giving go hand in hand.
As we prepare for Women’s History Month, let Walker's story remind us that asking isn’t begging; it’s building. She asked for support, she gave back tenfold, and her philanthropic impact still echoes.
"The Art of the Ask." If Madam C.J. Walker taught us to ask boldly and unapologetically, then today’s women entrepreneurs are carrying that torch into a new century—a century that demands we ask, not just for survival, but for innovation, growth, and generational impact.
Let’s channel Madam C.J. Walker’s fearless spirit and honor her legacy by mastering the art of the ask. Whether you’re seeking support for a dream project, advocating for yourself in your career, or building a business, remember: the ask is where empowerment begins. And even when the answer is "no," the power lies in continuing to ask until the answer is "yes."
