This episode of  VOICES WORTH LISTENING TO is the second of a two-part series that answers the following question: How can organizations do a better job of recognizing talented women of color and promoting them into decision making and leadership roles? It is important to realize that talent doesn’t get promoted or retained just because it gets recognized. Part 2 focuses on this reality. We explore stories about the challenges faced by 4 high-performing Women of Color. These stories help us explore what needs to be in place at your organization to ensure more equitable and merit-based systems for advancement. Two concurrent systems must exist to successfully promote, cultivate, and retain Women of Color in senior positions in any organization. First, a support system that includes (1) mentorship to understand the hidden rules of the game; (2) support to navigate sticky situations that impede performance, and (3) advocacy from colleagues willing to go to bat in the face of unreasonable behaviours, comments, and accusations.   Second, an accountability system around promotions, where managers at all levels must formally justify to those they report to why they chose not to promote diverse candidates when given the opportunity.  Without this level of accountability,  egregious behaviour where women are simply passed over or replaced and then silenced with generous severance packages will continue to be part of your organization’s legacy.