Cracking the Corporate Code presents the stories of 32 executives whose accomplishments define African-American business success.
In exclusive, eye-opening interviews, 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
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.
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of Contents
About the Authors:
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.
Reviews
“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
'Publishers Weekly: "This is a smart, memorable collection of business wisdom that should provide inspirational guidance for young African-Americans considering a career in the corporate world."
Joyce Lain Kennedy, syndicated columnist: "[Cracking the Corporate Code] is a work that both inspires and instructs. Anyone who is an "outsider" in American business can learn the real competencies and mindsets that "insiders'" kids learn at the dinner table…. this is a must-have guide for people of color and young women who feel as though they're swimming against the tide."
NV magazine: “Cracking the Corporate Code instills positive insight for the young and often challenged executive, presenting stories of hope, change and the ability to succeed despite obstacles….these 32 thought-provoking and motivational life lessons are must-haves for the determined urban professionals.”
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