"Over the last few decades, advances by African-Americans in the business world have been both impressive and well-documented. But even a cursory glance at the statistics -- not to mention a look around most corporations -- reveals that, despite much progress, minority executives are still relatively few and far between. Whether in the form of insensitivity, change-averse corporate cultures, socio-economic factors, or outright racism, African-Americans still face very real obstacles along the path to professional success. To many, these obstacles have seemed insurmountable, and their careers have foundered. But to thousands of others, these challenges have been an invitation to excel, and their accomplishments have been worthy of both praise and emulation. Cracking the Corporate Code delves deeply into the lives and careers of 32 such notable professionals. These are not the men and women usually cited: the high-profile government officials, the legendary civil rights pioneers, or the megastar athletes who have leveraged their on-field success into positions of leadership. The authors have chosen instead to profile individuals who have risen through the ranks of America's most noteworthy businesses, to the highest echelons of corporate power and influence. In exclusive, eye-opening interviews, these men and women recount their impressive and widely differing career trajectories, revealing what motivated and discouraged them, their sources of support and conflict, and the strategies they developed to excel in organizations like PepsiCo, GE, Merrill Lynch, Kraft, Prudential, Chrysler, and dozens more. Rather than offer these inspiring stories as individual biographies, the authors have identified their common threads, analyzing what they reveal to the reader about: * Reconciling the ambiguities inherent for black professionals in corporate culture * Trusting your own abilities and potential while managing the ever-present issue of race * Overcoming isolation to establish not only your place in the organization but also a voice that will be heard and respected * Reading the unwritten rules and developing the "sixth sense" necessary to play the game *Cultivating and managing the relationships that will be crucial to securing more meaningful and influential positions * Understanding what true power is, how to compete for and acquire it, and how to translate it into substantial leadership Opportunities for success abound for African-Americans. For the last 40 years, the best of the best have been stepping up to seize -- and often create -- those opportunities. The next generation of black professionals will travel the paths blazed by the pioneers profiled in this landmark book, and will be poised to achieve even greater results-while continuing the legacy of diversity for the generations yet to come. Price M. Cobbs, M.D., is co-author of Black Rage and The Jesus Bag, considered classics in the literature of African-American experience. Dr. Cobbs is also an internationally recognized expert on executive leadership, management development, and corporate diversity. He lives in San Francisco. Judith L. Turnock is an attorney, coach, and talent development expert. A lifelong advocate of racial, gender, and economic equality, she is committed to closing the communication gap between blacks and whites, both in the workplace and in the community at large. She lives in New York City. HARDCOVER JACKET COPY-BACK COVER General Business Cracking the Corporate Code The Revealing Success Stories of 32 African-American Executives Price M. Cobbs and Judith L. Turnock "The subtext of black executives' experiences from 1965 to today is the enormous progress corporate America has already made. At the same time, it is obvious how much work remains to be done. Cracking the Corporate Code will speed up the forward momentum, because the message is so clear and the logic so compelling. We are on a journey to a very good place, and all America will reap the rewards." -Steve Reinemund, CEO, PepsiCo, from the Foreword Corporate America holds more opportunities for minority executives than ever before. And yet, many companies whose stated missions include workforce diversity have proven less than ideal for people of color. As these institutions struggle to apply what is preached to what is practiced, it is incumbent upon black professionals to assert their skills and place themselves in a position to succeed. Cracking the Corporate Code presents the stories of 32 executives whose stories define African-American business success. Thriving in spite of multiple obstacles, they have enjoyed extraordinary careers at (and helped build the fortunes of) organizations including Sears Roebuck, General Mills, Coors Brewing Company, Coca-Cola, Revlon, Citibank, AON, Corning, Paine Webber, and many more. In remarkably candid interviews, these exemplary professionals reveal not only the secrets of their successes, but the sources of their fears, their most difficult challenges, and their hopes for the future. Their experiences are presented according to what they reveal about the black experience in the white-centric workplace, from uncertainty to confidence, from struggle to strength, and from enjoying success to giving back in the name of those whose fortunes have yet to turn."
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Cracking the Corporate Code: The Revealing Success Stories of 32 African-American Executive
"Over the last few decades, advances by African-Americans in the business world have been both impressive and well-documented. But even a cursory glance at the statistics -- not to mention a look around most corporations -- reveals that, despite much progress, minority executives are still relatively few and far between. Whether in the form of insensitivity, change-averse corporate cultures, socio-economic factors, or outright racism, African-Americans still face very real obstacles along the path to professional success. To many, these obstacles have seemed insurmountable, and their careers have foundered. But to thousands of others, these challenges have been an invitation to excel, and their accomplishments have been worthy of both praise and emulation. Cracking the Corporate Code delves deeply into the lives and careers of 32 such notable professionals. These are not the men and women usually cited: the high-profile government officials, the legendary civil rights pioneers, or the megastar athletes who have leveraged their on-field success into positions of leadership. The authors have chosen instead to profile individuals who have risen through the ranks of America's most noteworthy businesses, to the highest echelons of corporate power and influence. In exclusive, eye-opening interviews, these men and women recount their impressive and widely differing career trajectories, revealing what motivated and discouraged them, their sources of support and conflict, and the strategies they developed to excel in organizations like PepsiCo, GE, Merrill Lynch, Kraft, Prudential, Chrysler, and dozens more. Rather than offer these inspiring stories as individual biographies, the authors have identified their common threads, analyzing what they reveal to the reader about: * Reconciling the ambiguities inherent for black professionals in corporate culture * Trusting your own abilities and potential while managing the ever-present issue of race * Overcoming isolation to establish not only your place in the organization but also a voice that will be heard and respected * Reading the unwritten rules and developing the "sixth sense" necessary to play the game *Cultivating and managing the relationships that will be crucial to securing more meaningful and influential positions * Understanding what true power is, how to compete for and acquire it, and how to translate it into substantial leadership Opportunities for success abound for African-Americans. For the last 40 years, the best of the best have been stepping up to seize -- and often create -- those opportunities. The next generation of black professionals will travel the paths blazed by the pioneers profiled in this landmark book, and will be poised to achieve even greater results-while continuing the legacy of diversity for the generations yet to come. Price M. Cobbs, M.D., is co-author of Black Rage and The Jesus Bag, considered classics in the literature of African-American experience. Dr. Cobbs is also an internationally recognized expert on executive leadership, management development, and corporate diversity. He lives in San Francisco. Judith L. Turnock is an attorney, coach, and talent development expert. A lifelong advocate of racial, gender, and economic equality, she is committed to closing the communication gap between blacks and whites, both in the workplace and in the community at large. She lives in New York City. HARDCOVER JACKET COPY-BACK COVER General Business Cracking the Corporate Code The Revealing Success Stories of 32 African-American Executives Price M. Cobbs and Judith L. Turnock "The subtext of black executives' experiences from 1965 to today is the enormous progress corporate America has already made. At the same time, it is obvious how much work remains to be done. Cracking the Corporate Code will speed up the forward momentum, because the message is so clear and the logic so compelling. We are on a journey to a very good place, and all America will reap the rewards." -Steve Reinemund, CEO, PepsiCo, from the Foreword Corporate America holds more opportunities for minority executives than ever before. And yet, many companies whose stated missions include workforce diversity have proven less than ideal for people of color. As these institutions struggle to apply what is preached to what is practiced, it is incumbent upon black professionals to assert their skills and place themselves in a position to succeed. Cracking the Corporate Code presents the stories of 32 executives whose stories define African-American business success. Thriving in spite of multiple obstacles, they have enjoyed extraordinary careers at (and helped build the fortunes of) organizations including Sears Roebuck, General Mills, Coors Brewing Company, Coca-Cola, Revlon, Citibank, AON, Corning, Paine Webber, and many more. In remarkably candid interviews, these exemplary professionals reveal not only the secrets of their successes, but the sources of their fears, their most difficult challenges, and their hopes for the future. Their experiences are presented according to what they reveal about the black experience in the white-centric workplace, from uncertainty to confidence, from struggle to strength, and from enjoying success to giving back in the name of those whose fortunes have yet to turn."
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Documentary
Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee carries the legacy of Ossie Davis & Ruby dee forward for the first time in feature documentary form
Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee are legends of the stage and screen. Throughout their careers, which span over six decades, Ossie & Ruby have helped pave the way for generations of young black actors, filmmakers and activists.
I know Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee simply as Grandpa and Gram Ruby. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to examine more deeply the lives and careers of my grandparents and, with my grandmother Ruby, explore the pivotal, personal and professional choices she and Ossie made that lead them to achieve success in their marriage, their careers, their contribution to the civil rights movement and more.The hope is to, through documenting their story, discover the secrets of divine love; romantic, professional, spiritual, communal, and self love. By telling the story of their marvelous lives and juxtaposing past with present, I’ll learn for myself and everyone who looks on what is essential to life and to love.
We will screen a portion of this documentary at a reception/screening in New York this October 2012 to honor my grandmother on her 90th birthday (October 27th, 2012).
Be a part of creating this once in a lifetime opportunity by pressing the green “Back This Project” button in the top right section of this page.
Thank you so much!
Official Website for Documentary: http://www.lifesessentialswithrubydee.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lifesessentialswithrubydee
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ossieandruby
Tumblr: http://ossieandruby.tumblr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lifesessentialswithrubydee
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ossieandruby
Tumblr: http://ossieandruby.tumblr.com
Source: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/674311556/ruby-dee-and-ossie-davis-documentary
Monday, June 4, 2012
A Look At Influential African Americans In The U.S. Auto Industry
"He wanted me to know that was a dirty business," said Welburn, now vice president of global design at General Motors. "So the only thing I was allowed to do in the shop was dust the floors. It was a good reason to stay away from there."
Sparked by a visit to the Philadelphia Auto Show as a 10-year-old in 1960, he pursued a career in automotive design. When he was first hired at GM in the early 1970s, he was the first African American car designer. Fifty years later, Welburn is the highest-ranking African American executive in the U.S. auto industry.
He's responsible for a team of more than 1,800 employees throughout the world and sits on the Board of Directors for the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Among the honors he's received in his career, he was named one of the Most Influential Blacks In America by Ebony magazine.
Here's a look at other African Americans, both past and present, who have influenced the U.S. auto industry:
Jimmy Settles
Occupation: Vice President of the United Auto Workers
When the UAW negotiated contracts with Detroit's Big Three automakers last year, Settles played an integral role in the sometimes-contentious negotiations that ultimately resulted in more automotive jobs. Of course, that's nothing new for Settles, now more than 40 years into his career. He was elected to his first union position in 1970, not long after his 20th birthday. He started as a member of the UAW Local 600 while working at the Dearborn Iron Foundry. Now he's the vice president of a union that has roughly 400,000 active members.
Fletcher V. Davidson
Occupation: Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota
In his capacity as Toyota's group vice president and general manager for customer services and sales, Davidson oversees 2,400 associates who produce an average of $3.5 billion in sales. He joined Toyota in 1973 as a parts planning administrator and worked in a variety of parts-related roles as he climbed through the company.
Last month at the North American International Auto Show, Davidson was named 2012 Executive of the Year during the Urban Wheel Awards ceremony. He played a key role last year in helping Toyota function during the series of Japanese catastrophes--eathquake and tsunami-- that brought work to a standstill.
"This award could not come at a better time, as supply is improving for our dealers and customers and we are preparing to introduce 20 new products over the next few years," Davidson said, as he accepted the award.
Ralph V.Gilles
Occupation: President and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler
Over the past 20 years, Gilles has risen from a designer sketching interiors at Chrysler to his most recent most of president and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports, to which he was appointed in June 2011. Previously, he served as the president and CEO of the Dodge brand in 2008.
He's perhaps most widely known for leading the design team that produced the Chrysler 300 sedan, one of the company's most visible vehicles. He serves as the executive sponsor of the Chrysler African American Network and helps lead the Chrysler Global Diversity Council. Gilles also serves on the board of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, his alma mater.
Rodney O'Neal
Occupation: CEO of Delphi Automotive.
When General Motors spun Delphi off into an independent company in 1998, O'Neal, a long-time GM employee followed. He was elected as a vice president of interior systems. Nine years later, he was named chief executive officer. He began his automotive career as a student at General Motors Institute and currently serves on the board of directors at Goodyear Tire and Sprint/Nextel. His biggest achievement perhaps was guiding Delphi through a turbulent bankruptcy while the automotive industry experienced a severe contraction.
Don Butler
Occupation: Vice President of Marketing, Cadillac
Butler has enjoyed something of a vagabond career in the auto industry. He first joined General Motors in 1981 as a student and rose through the ranks. He was named a vice president at OnStar in 2001, was named chairman and managing director of General Motors Egypt in 2005, served as a senior vice president for marketing at a Seatte tech company and most recently, returned to GM to help lead its Cadillac renaissance.
He earned a bachelor’s degree at General Motors Institute and his M.B.A. from Harvard, where he attended as a GM fellow. He’s a previous recipient of the National Black Engineer of the Year award in the U.S. and was also named one of the Top 50 Business Leaders of Egypt.
Source: http://autos.aol.com/photos/influential-auto-industry-african-americans/
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Ed Bradley Scholarship
Ed Bradley received the Paul White Award from RTDNA in 2000. The Paul White Award recognizes an individual's lifetime commitment to excellence in journalism. Bradley received the First Amendment Award from RTDNF in 2005 in recognition of his support of the First Amendment rights guaranteed in the Constitution.
Click Here to Apply.
Source: http://www.rtdna.org/pages/media_items/ed-bradley-scholarship1898.php
Saturday, June 2, 2012
The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place
The perennial New York Times bestselling author helps readers discover how to put money in its place and use wealth-building as a tool for joy and fulfillment.
Hill Harper is uniquely poised to guide readers through tough times and offers bestselling advice for reaping the rewards of a truly happy life. With The Wealth Cure, he does more than that: He presents a revolutionary new definition of wealth, motivating readers to not only build financial security but to also achieve wealth in every aspect of their lives.
Using his own journey as a parable, Harper inspires the reader to evaluate their values while explaining the importance of laying a sound financial foundation and how to recognize the worth of your relationships and increase the value of your interactions with the people in your life. Drawing on his personal recollections and true stories from family and friends, Harper helps readers begin to see money not as a goal but as a tool that provides freedom for following their passions. The keys include investing in yourself, tapping the resources you need, and taking responsibility for how those resources are used. Far from a get-rich-quick primer, The Wealth Cure brims with inspired wisdom for building a lasting bounty from the experiences, loved ones, and achievements that really matter.
About the Author
Currently starring in CSI: NY, Hill Harper has appeared in numerous prime- time television shows and feature films, including Beloved and He Got Game. He graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a B.A. and cum laude from Harvard Law School. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government. He was recently named one of People magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Eric Thomas: THE BLUEPRINT TO SUCCESS PROMO
A teaser for the upcoming release of the first of its kind... The "BLUEPRINT TO SUCCESS" motivational mixtape...
Source: http://www.etinspires.com/
Source: http://www.etinspires.com/
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