Cracking the Corporate Code: The Revealing Success Stories of 32 African-American Executives
- Book Review,
by Price M. Cobbs, Judith L. Turnock
From Publishers Weekly
At a time when the debate over affirmative action and quotas rages unabated, psychiatrist and management consultant Cobbs and attorney Turnock have surveyed more than 30 influential African-American executives to discuss their strategies for dealing with racial, cultural and organizational challenges. Combining strong narrative and stirring quotes from the executives, the authors tackle a number of issues, including race and gender bias in the workplace, isolation, the rules of the workplace, achievement, leadership, understanding and sharing power, competition and diversity. David Hinds, a former Deutsche Bank director, speaks of neutralizing racial prejudice at his job; Margaret Jordan, a former Kaiser v-p, addresses what she sees as the cold treatment of women employees; and veteran Salomon Brothers exec Milt Irvin explains how successful results can overcome adversity. Some contributors stress the importance of mentors, and knowing how to compete, when to focus, how to keep one's ego in check and forming an effective strategy in attaining goals. For others, the supreme achievement is acquiring enough capitalist savvy to open their own business so they can earn their fortune without the grind of corporate jockeying and gamesmanship. Happily, there are few repetitions in the opinions offered, and a lack of finger-pointing and blaming. 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. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In 1965, African Americans were almost unknown in corporate America, except as laborers or assembly-line workers. Today, more than a quarter million black Americans thrive in the upper ranks as corporate managers and executives. Yet, despite social change and legal reform, this group faces unique challenges because unspoken obstacles still exist to outsiders of this traditionally white-male-dominated club. The 32 African American senior corporate executives who are profiled here are not household names, but they have contributed to the success of top Fortune 500 companies, such as Pepsi, Kraft, GE, Merrill Lynch, American Express, and Chrysler. Rather than telling each individual's story separately, the authors devote each chapter to a common challenge that this group faces, such as "Managing Your Demons," "Fitting In," and "Understanding Power." Framed by these common threads, the subtle issues that people of color and women face every day in the workplace are revealed; these stories are an inspiration for anyone facing self-doubt and isolation in the competitive world of corporate America. David Siegfried
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Joyce Lain Kennedy, Tribune Media Services
... an "outsider" in American business can learn the real competencies & mindsets that "insiders" kids learn at the dinner table.
Foreword
"For young African-Americans climbing the corporate ladder, provides excellent advise[...]an excellent education in how to rise within an organization."
The Beverly Hills Courier, Connie Martinson Talks Books
"Let me say [...] great deal from this perceptive book about power in the corporate world"
NV magazine
"..instills positive insight for the young and often challenged executive..
For Your Reading Pleasure, Syndicated feature column, By Valder Beebe Author/Editor, Editors Choice-July 2003
"An outstanding book! Thirty-two brilliant executives are candid,revealing and focused when sharing their triumphs, challenges and success in corporate America.
Sacramento Business Journal, September 5, 2003
"Thought-provoking."
Choice , Middletown CT
"An inspirational book "
Book Description
Foreword by Steve Reinemund, CEO, PepsiCo Despite decades of social progress and legal reform, minorities still face obstacles on the path to success, both internal and external, from cultural insensitivity to outright prejudice, from isolation to over-scrutiny. Cracking the Corporate Code looks at the factors that have framed the careers of 32 African-American executives, whose accomplishments have made valuable contributions to the success of organizations ranging from Pepsi, Kraft, GE, Merrill Lynch, and Miller Brewing to Prudential, Sears, Verizon, American Express, Chrysler, and BP. These men and women, in wide-ranging interviews, discuss what motivated them, recount sources of support and conflict, and reveal the strategies they developed to acquire and use power and to achieve undisputed corporate results. The authors have analyzed the experiences selectively, resulting in a book that is both an inspiration and a call to action. Cracking the Corporate Code is an eye-opening and practical guide for anyone who seeks to blend professional, personal, and cultural identities into an individual formula for success.
Book Info
Text presents the stories of 32 executives whose stories define African-American business success. These professionals reveal the secrets of their successes, the sources of their fears, their most difficult challenges, and their hopes for the future. Experiences are presented according to what they reveal about the black experience in the white-centric workplace.
About the Author
Price M. Cobbs (San Francisco, CA) is a psychiatrist and management consultant, and the author of Black Rage and The Jesus Bag. Judith L. Turnock (New York, NY) is an attorney, executive coach, and lifelong civil rights advocate.
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