Take a Lesson : Today's Black Achievers on How They Made It and What They Learned along the Way

by Clarke, Caroline V.

• ISBN13: 9780471378259
• ISBN10: 0471378259
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-01-16
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Great minds reveal why you should Take a Lesson "Take a Lesson is a treasure trove of insight on what it takes to lead and to achieve success in today's world. These lessons from African-American leaders transcend race. They are universal and I recommend this book to any reader wanting to get ahead." -Secretary of State Colin L. Powell "Even when the odds are against you, you can succeed. If you're determined to come up in your chosen profession, take a few lessons from Take a Lesson." -Tavis Smiley, Author and Talk Show Host "Talk about your New Black Power! Take a Lesson offers access to the highest and most elite levels of corporate power and success, and it provides insights that should inspire anyone who aspires to reach similar heights. The executives featured in Take a Lesson are a Dream Team of mentors. Read what they have to say, and rise." -Roy S. Johnson Editorial Director, Vanguarde Media; Editor-in-Chief, Savoy

Author Biography

CAROLINE V. CLARKE is Editor-at-Large at Black Enterprise magazine and Editorial Director of Black Enterprise books. She has been an editor at BE since 1992 and worked with BE founder Earl Graves on his book, How to Succeed in Business Without Being White. Ms. Clarke is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and has a bachelor’s degree from Smith College.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(7)
Control what you can: Your own integrity, your own performance	7	(8)
Kenneth Chenault
Talent is a great gift, but the gift alone doesn't get you there	15	(8)
Kevin Clash
Prepare, prepare, prepare, then accept the results---whatever they are	23	(8)
Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.
It is your core beliefs that either propel you or hold you back	31	(6)
Ann M. Fudge
You're only going to be here for a minute; make that minute count!	37	(10)
Marcia Ann Gillespie
It's a powerful notion: You can always do things better	47	(12)
Sylvester Green Executive Vice President, Chubb & Sons
The hardest truth is this: You can do your best, and still not win	59	(8)
Bryant Gumbel
It's still about what each of us can do for all of us	67	(12)
Elaine R. Jones
What matters is not just if you get there, but what you stand for if you get there	79	(14)
Tom Jones
Taking a risk is scary, but it can feel so good	93	(12)
Debra L. Lee
I believe in destiny, but you can't just sit there waiting on it. Go get it	105	(8)
Spike Lee
When the blockades go up, move around or through them, just keep on moving	113	(8)
George R. Lewis
Don't be afraid to lose. Don't be afraid to go it alone. Don't be afraid	121	(12)
William M. Lewis, Jr.
There are great benefits to a position like mine, but there is a high price to be paid	133	(8)
Joseph A. Moniz
I'm still trying to find my true purpose in life, but I'm not trying to rush it, or force it, anymore	141	(10)
Joan Parrot-Fonseca
My grandmother was right: You are judged by the company you keep	151	(10)
Richard D. Parsons
The people who can handle the valleys in their lives are the ones who will ultimately make it	161	(12)
A. Barry Rand
Think big, dream big, but focus small	173	(10)
Robin Roberts
Hesitancy is often viewed as ignorance. Better to just make a mistake, then get on with it	183	(10)
Joyce M. Roche
Watching my mother do her very best as a maid, that is how I learned to be a college president	193	(8)
Ruth J. Simmons
On Wall Street, but I was a fish out of water and I was scared to death	201	(12)
Frederick O. Terrell
Is the glass half full or is it half empty? The answer lies in your attitude	213	(10)
Lloyd D. Ward
My outlook has always been, if it's doable, then why can't I do it?	223	(8)
Patrice Clarke Washington
I'm proof that you can operate a little bit outside of the box and still have the inside track	231	(12)
Maxine Waters
Develop good instincts, then trust them completely	243	(12)
Clifton R. Wharton, Jr.
Remember this: Perception is reality	255	(10)
Terrie Williams
It was important for me to hit a brick wall; it forced me to deal with me	265	(12)
Deborah C. Wright
Index	277