The Time She Was Betrayed in Business

A professional betrayal that changed how I approached business and relationships going forward. I believed that if two people made a verbal agreement and shook hands that it was binding (as binding as a signed contract). I learned the hard way that if it is not in writing it did not happen. Really you have no legal grounds to stand on. As painful as that lesson was, it served me well from that day forward. I trust people, but I want any promises or agreements in writing.

A professional betrayal taught me that trust should be built through consistency, transparency, and accountability. It changed the way I approach professional relationships by paying closer attention to actions, setting clear expectations, and allowing trust to develop over time.

I had one specific known situation where this happened. It came down to the fact that all the patients, staff, and accrediting agency accolades did not matter. My race was the deciding factor. This was stated by the CEO to the Medical Director - What would the community think if we had a Black Nursing Director.

I have been fortunate not to experience betrayal in business. My partnerships have been a source of support, and I am grateful to work with people who value trust, mutual respect, and honest communication. Those positive experiences have shaped what I value in a professional relationship: clear expectations, accountability, and a willingness to listen. Trust deserves care even when things are going well. I believe in addressing concerns openly, honoring commitments, and appreciating what each person contributes. As I continue growing as an author and speaker, I want to nurture partnerships where success is shared and everyone feels respected.

One of the hardest lessons I've learned in business is that trust and verification must go hand in hand. I've had experiences where people I trusted disappointed me professionally. It was difficult, but it taught me to communicate more clearly, set healthy boundaries, document important decisions, and pay attention to actions, not just words. Most importantly, I learned that you don't have to become harder because you've been hurt; you can become wiser. Today, I still value genuine relationships and trust, but I lead with greater discernment, accountability, and clarity. That experience changed me. Not by making me less trusting, but by teaching me to trust more wisely.

Early in my career, as I was growing professionally, I experienced a betrayal from someone I trusted. A situation I believed was built on collaboration and mutual respect changed when decisions were made without my knowledge, and my contributions were not recognized. This individual used my work and presented it as their own. Although the experience was disappointing, it taught me important lessons about trust, communication, and protecting my professional value. Rather than allowing it to define me, I responded with integrity. I documented my work and important conversations, communicated clearly, established stronger boundaries, and became more intentional about the relationships and partnerships I built. I also learned to trust my instincts and recognize that being collaborative does not mean ignoring red flags. Overcoming this experience made me a stronger professional and leader. It reminded me that setbacks can provide clarity and that true success comes from remaining resilient, continuing to grow, and leading with authenticity even when others do not. As a senior leader, I now make it a priority to create an environment built on transparency, accountability, and recognition. I ensure that team members feel heard, their contributions are acknowledged, and expectations are clearly communicated. That experience strengthened my commitment to leading with integrity and helping others grow without losing sight of their value.