The Way Up Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color

Practical and actionable advice for minorities seeking concrete strategies to help them move up the corporate ladder

In The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color, accomplished executive Dr. Errol L. Pierre delivers a pragmatic and actionable guide to help underrepresented individuals from all ethnic backgrounds achieve their professional goals and elevate their careers in today’s virtual workplace. The book takes a step-by-step approach to understanding the skills and strategies required to move from entry-level and middle management roles to the executive ranks.

Readers will also find:

• A collection of key lessons and short stories containing practical advice designed to help readers achieve their professional potential
• Strategies proven to work in the real-world, full of innovative insights and practical know-how
• Tips on navigating the offices and Zoom calls that make up today’s employment environment

An indispensable discussion of what it takes to succeed in today’s hyper-competitive professional environment, The Way Up will earn a place in the libraries of newly graduated businesspeople as well as seasoned pros seeking to advance their careers.

DR. ERROL L. PIERRE is the Senior Vice President of State Programs at Healthfirst Inc., the largest nonprofit health plan in New York. He is an in-demand speaker and panelist on leadership, diversity, and healthcare in America and has addressed hundreds of audiences including the National Urban League for Young Professionals, 100 Black Men, and Fordham University.

JIM JERMANOK is an award-winning writer, director, producer, author, and speaker based in New York. His words and photos can be seen in The Washington Post, Indiewire, The Huffington Post, and The Boston Globe. He has written two highly praised books: Beyond The Craft: What You Need To Know To Make A Living Creatively! and Dive In! Real Estate Investment Advice From A Pro

Preface ix

Introduction: The Corporate Mountain xiii

Chapter 1 Find Your Purpose and Your Passion 1

The Resignation Letter That Led Me Back to My Truth

Chapter 2 Embrace Your Defining Moments 9

A Bright Future Is Only Built Upon the Foundations of Your Past

Chapter 3 Reclaim Your Seat 19

Reaching the Top Is Not as Difficult as Staying There

Chapter 4 Harness Your Distinctions 31

The First Time You Discover Your Racial Identity Is Life-Transforming

Chapter 5 Job Interviews Happen Every Day 45

How Shampoo Changed My Life and Started My Career

Chapter 6 Make the Most of Your Mentor 55

The Right Mentor Makes All the Difference in the World

Chapter 7 Recognize and Harness Your Champions 67

Champions Are Larger-Than-Life People Who Give You a Boost

Chapter 8 Overcome the Entry-Level Blues 79

What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Running in Place

Chapter 9 Navigate and Survive Bad Bosses 101

How to Handle Hostile or Biased Bosses in the Workplace

Chapter 10 Grow by Giving Back 115

Experience the Power of Public Service and Selflessness

Chapter 11 Be Honest Even When It’s Hard 127

Truth Telling Can Set You Apart in the Workplace

Chapter 12 Leave Without Burning the Bridge 139

Your Last 100 Days at a Company Are as Important as Your First 100

Chapter 13 Exude Executive Presence 155

How to Flourish as a Leader of Color on Your Way Up the Corporate Mountain

Chapter 14 Adapt to the Workforce of the Future 175

The Rules for Navigating Through a Post-Pandemic Business Environment

Chapter 15 Lead While Leaving a Legacy 189

Make the Greatest Impact You Possibly Can

Interviews 195

Notes 197

Acknowledgments 205

About the Authors 207

Index 209

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