Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Watching Wicked on the big screen was an emotional rollercoaster, taking me back to some of the most defining—and difficult—moments in my career. While the movie is a feast for the theatre kid in me, it also struck a chord with its subtle (and not-so-subtle) lessons about power dynamics, allyship, and belonging. As a woman of color, I couldn’t help but see parallels between Elphaba’s journey and the challenges we face in professional spaces.
Here are some lessons from Wicked that resonate deeply with women of color navigating the workplace:
Allies Who Are Anything But
Glinda, with her charm and bubbly demeanor, reminded me of White women who see themselves as fierce allies but often fall short. In her mind, she’s a champion of justice and fairness. In reality, Glinda exemplifies one of the most insidious traits of White Supremacy Culture: individualism.
Her actions often serve her interests first, leaving Elphaba—and women of color like her—as collateral damage. Take the infamous dance scene, for example. Glinda appears to stand with Elphaba, only to later prioritize her own social standing over true allyship.
Here’s the hard truth: dismantling oppressive systems requires those in power to relinquish control and center the voices of the marginalized. Allyship cannot coexist with a need to preserve one’s privilege, no matter how small.
Eldest Daughters of Color: We See You
Elphaba’s story hits home for eldest daughters of color. In my ongoing series on this topic, I’ve explored how these women often grow up bearing unspoken responsibilities, a theme Wicked captures so well.
Elphaba, shunned by her family for her green skin, is still tasked with caretaking for her younger sister and absorbing her family’s emotional baggage. This dynamic is all too familiar to many of us who’ve felt the weight of expectations that extend far beyond childhood.
These formative experiences don’t disappear when we enter the workplace; they shape how we navigate professional spaces. Women of color are often expected to endure mistreatment, perform undervalued tasks, and absorb the emotional labor of others—regardless of their rank or title.
Yet, just as Elphaba’s family misunderstood her as “angry” or “too much,” what they failed to see was her immense power. The right environment doesn’t ask us to shrink but instead reframes our supposed “flaws” as strengths.
Standing in Your Truth Can Make You a Target
One of Wicked’s most poignant moments comes when Elphaba realizes the Wizard doesn’t admire her powers—he merely wants to exploit them. Her refusal to conform turns her into a target.
This “pet to threat” phenomenon is painfully familiar to women of color in the workplace. Initially celebrated for their skills and brilliance, they can quickly become seen as a threat once their excellence disrupts the status quo.
The solution isn’t to shrink or downplay your talents. It’s to lean in. Embracing your power may mean walking away from toxic environments, but it also opens doors to spaces where your brilliance is valued, not feared.
The Wicked Wisdom
Learning these lessons isn’t easy—it’s often painful. But it doesn’t have to be done alone. At ShiftED Consulting, we’re here to provide the support women of color need to thrive in workplaces that weren’t built with us in mind.
Schedule a consultation today to start your journey toward a more empowered professional life—or bring these services to your team to support the women of color who deserve to be supported without limits.
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