Lessons from 30 African Americans Who Have Forged Successful Careers by Chris B. Bardwell

For the 30th anniversary of THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Magazine, we collected insight from 30 African-American men and women who have forged successful careers in Corporate America and in business over the past three decades.   From seasoned senior executives to middle-managers, entrepreneurs and other professionals in fields ranging from business, finance, communications, criminal justice to technology, we asked these individuals to share with our readers the lessons or inspiring quotes they have relied upon in their climb to success.  Here are their career lessons. 

Amsale Aberra, president & creative director, Amsale Aberra, Inc., New York, NY. "Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned building my company is that to be successful you must have a passion for what you are trying to achieve. Success, whether it is financial or artistic, only comes from very, very hard work. If you do not have a burning passion, you cannot commit yourself."

Robert Andrews, senior vice president, organization HR consultant, Dallas, TX. "To graduating college seniors: One of the most important functions you should continue or begin to perform is networking. In today's business climate of mergers, acquisitions and downsizing, networking will keep you in contact with those that can help you or even your associates make future career moves." 

Deborah Beavers, executive director, The Career Planning Center, Inc., Marina Del Rey, CA.  "My mother, the late Jessie Mae Beavers, always taught me that, 'anything worth doing is worth doing well.'  This adage has been the basis or foundation that I have used to set the standard for the level of professionalism I continuously work to maintain.  It helps me to compete against myself.  As an administrator in the public arena for 30 years and currently as the executive director of a non-profit organization, this philosophy has served me well and continues to guide me in my quest for excellence." 

Dionne Q. Blackwell, president of Nirvana Retreats, Inc., Chicago, IL.  "Your career life lessons are not as unrelated as they look! Everything you do has some bearing on what's to come. As you move through your career, you'll develop skills that appear unrelated. Over time, patterns develop. My career started in financial counseling and ended in personal development. Pay attention. Your life purpose will be revealed through the skills you acquire. A favorite quote of mine is  "The unexamined life is not worth living" -- Plato.

Nelvia M. Brady, Ph.D., ageless, author and columnist, president and owner of This Mother's Daughter, Inc., Chicago, IL. "Goethe states, in one of his writings 'that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.' For me true commitment allowed Providence to move in my life and help me to complete a doctorate degree in two years, to become the first African American and the only female to serve as Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago and later to launch a successful career in executive search with a very prestigious firm. Most recently Providence has moved as I have committed to and embarked upon a new career as an author and columnist and self-published my first book, This Mother's Daughter."

Jesse B. Brown, president of Krystal Investment Management, a financial advisory firm in Chicago, IL and author of the best selling book, Investing in the Dream-Wealth Building Strategies for African Americans Seeking Financial Freedom. “The next battle is for economic freedom.  People love to talk about African-American wealth. ‘We are worth $500 billion,’ they cry. Great. But how much of that is invested? The African-American community is not invisible, but its investment earnings are barely discernible. Don’t let lingering racial insecurities or fear of discrimination keep you from claiming your prosperity birthright and participating in the American economy.  A well-conceived investment plan is a form of life assurance. It takes a little money to get started, but it takes even more of an investment in the truth. Accept for the first time in your life that saving money is vital to your future happiness and security. Commit to making your money work for you.”

Monique Caradine, radio talk show host, WVON 1450 AM - Chicago, IL. "One of the greatest career lesson's I've learned is the importance of standing out---being different from the rest.  If you understand the value of your uniqueness, success will be yours.  I also follow the motto of a popular car manufacturer, which is: ‘In the relentless pursuit of perfection.’ Need I say more?"

Willie and Marian Carrington, seasoned, owners and principals of Carrington & Carrington, Ltd., executive search, Chicago, IL.  With more than 20 years of placing high-level executives in Fortune 500 Companies, the Carrington's have a wealth of experience in helping people shape their careers.  They both believe that truly successful people understand the importance of mentoring, networking and assisting others along the way. "Don't pull the ladder away once you have reached the top,” says Marian Carrington.   “Lift as you climb” chimes in firm founder, Willie Carrington. 

Cheryl Brown Henderson, founder & president, Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, Topeka, KS. "Over the years I have learned many career lessons but the one that serves me best is a belief shared by my late father, Rev. Oliver L. Brown. His willingness to stand up for others led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision of 1954-  Oliver L. Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et. al.   I learned from him that each of us must live by certain principles and lead by example."
 
Irmgard M. Cooper, president, IMC AUTOMATION INC, Chicago, IL. "My advice is to follow your passion, enjoy whatever you are doing and do it to the best of your ability even if it's not where you ultimately want to go, and garner all of your skills, talents and resources so that most of your life can be spent enjoying what you do for a living."

David E. Ellington, NetNoir, Inc., co-founder and former president and CEO,  San Francisco, CA  "Once you start your business always be prepared for personnel changes -- that is normal. People will come and go in and out of the operation, that's ok. It's necessary for growth."

Brenda J. Gaines, president and CEO of Diners Club North America, Chicago, IL.  "It's wonderful that this magazine and Diners Club share significant anniversaries this year. This fine publication is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Diners Club is celebrating its 50th birthday of creating the all-purpose charge card industry. In an age in which the advantages of learning are leveraged in all industries, my biggest corporate lesson is simple: Seize the opportunity to perform, and demand that you be judged by your performance. Extend that demand to all that you hire and inspire, and give your people the opportunity to perform and prove themselves to the benefit of your customers and shareholders."

Debrena Jackson Gandy, author of All the Joy You Can Stand and Sacred Pampering Principles, owner: Masterminds, Seattle, WA. "As an entrepreneur who has had internships, the Fortune 10 corporate experience, and the small corporate experience in my background, my career "journey" has brought me many insightful lessons that boil down to two key revelations:  I've learned that 1) every work/job/internship opportunity offers personal refinement and personal growth opportunities. Be sure you know what each brings or has brought you; and 2) Every work/job experience should move me closer (not farther away) to the point where I have a livelihood/profession based on the expression and contribution of my natural gifts, talents, and abilities. This is where I've finally arrived. Hallelujah! It's heavenly."

Roberta Gutman, corporate vice president and Motorola director of global diversity, Schaumburg, IL.  “Help thy brother's boat across, and lo, thine own will reach the shore.” Anonymous.  "In my career, this quote has been paramount to success. Ambition for one's self should include ambition for others. We must never be so focused on moving ahead that we forget/neglect our responsibilities to pull other Blacks forward along with us. As African Americans, we have not invested enough energy into helping each other. When we do, we will surely experience success beyond our wildest dreams."

Moses A. Hardie, Jr., (left) assistant vice president - human resources, Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL.  "Always look back and remember from whence you came.  No matter how successful we become, don't forget who you are.  Reach back and help someone to achieve what you've achieved.  You didn't make it alone." 

Delbert Harrison, SPHR, human resource manager, Worldwide Sales and Services, COMPAQ Computer Corporation, "Inspiration Technology " Chicago, IL. "When in a meeting, if there is any doubt in your mind about a statement you are about to make, don't. At the same time participate confidently and intelligently. Do your homework, be prepared.    When your manager calls you into their office, always, always, take a pad of paper and a pen.  Whenever you identify and communicate a business problem, communicate a possible solution at the same time."

V. Dion Haynes, national correspondent, Chicago Tribune Los Angeles Bureau, Los Angeles, CA. "In the competitive, fast-paced world of journalism, it's a given that you have to work hard and possess excellent writing skills. But many young journalists seeking to move ahead in the business world mistakenly believe that their work will speak for itself. That is not always the case. Often the squeaky wheel gets the oil. It is important for young journalists to have a clear idea of what they want to do with their careers and communicate that to editors. Don't be afraid to apply for a position that may be over your head. You may not get it the first time around, but at least you will plant the idea in your editors' heads that you are ambitious and that they should keep their eye on you for the future."

Karima Haynes, staff writer, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA. "The most significant career lesson I learned early on in my career as a newspaper reporter was to observe the work habits of the experienced journalists in my newsroom. From them, I was able to pick up the practical tricks of the trade that I couldn't learn from a textbook as an undergraduate at Clark Atlanta University or as a graduate student at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. I learned the disciplines of staying in touch with sources, writing stories under deadline pressure and reading publications of all kinds to find story ideas. They also taught me how to manage my time---for example, not goofing off during slow periods and then trying to rush as deadline approached, a nerve-wracking time when errors are easily made. My advice is to find an experienced colleague whose work you admire and adopt some of their work practices to your personal work style. It's important to learn by watching as well as by doing."

Phyllis Hayes-Heard, director of Distance Learning, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL, “Since the tender age of five when my father and mother (now both deceased) bought me a blackboard and some chalk for my birthday, I knew that I wanted to be a dynamic educator. An educator for twenty-three years now, I have experienced some wonderful circumstances and educated a few thousand students.  As I look back and reflect on my salary as compared to the salaries of my friends who are doctors, lawyers and other professionals, I am probably the lowest paid of them all. But, when I think about the smiling faces of my special education students on graduation day from elementary school, (some were already 16 years old) I will always remember their personal sense of accomplishment. Therefore, my salary can't be topped when it comes to helping folks achieve a goal that was accomplished ‘by any means necessary.’ Thank you, Malcolm X, for your legacy.” 

Mellody Hobson, (left) president, Ariel Capital Management, Inc./Ariel Mutual Funds, Chicago, IL. My career lesson is a quote:   "If no one ever took risks, Michaelangelo would have painted the Sistine Floor." - Neil Simon, esteemed playwright.

Roxanne B. Jackson, vice president, human resources, L’Oreal USA -Soft Sheen/Carson Division, Chicago, IL.  There are three career lessons I'd like to share: "1)When I've failed at something, it rarely meant that I was a failure. It simply meant that I had to prepare for a "stellar" repeat performance! 2) I've always dreamed my future and I'm living it now! and 3) Don't cheat yourself by always taking the easy way out. Endurance to make it to the end comes from traveling the long hard road."

Indigo D. Johnson, CEO of Careers In Transition, a training and development firm, Decatur, GA. "Standing at a career crossroads, a voice said, ‘Learn to listen to your inner voice for it is God whispering to your soul.’ I didn't always listen to that gentle voice that tugged at my spirit. Now, I've learned to recognize and listen for that voice; it always speaks for my highest good in making career decisions."

Maria M. Jossey, director Girls To Women, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

"My career and life lesson has been ' To Thine Own Self Be True’ from William Shakespeare. I have learned that I must always be true to myself and to my life's mission. I am a person who must function with a mission. I am a nurturer and I have to work in environments that allow for my innate qualities to be utilized. I must function with a sense of accomplishment.   Your career should be your passion, your life's mission. Take the time to do some self-discovery and find out what moves you. What makes you get out of the bed in the morning and work until you have no more energy? When you find that, you have found yourself. "

Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D., economist, columnist, commentator, president and CEO, Last Word Productions, Inc., Washington, D.C.  "Pursue your passion, not your pension. I consider myself blessed and privileged to be able to combine my skills - advanced training in economics, award-winning communications skills, research skills, and a passion for justice, into the work that I do. I talk, write, raise hell, work on education issues and social change and get paid for it enough of the time to make both a decent living and a difference. My secret? To make sure that I keep passion in my life. To pursue my passion even when it doesn't pay. Some of the time, the ugly reality is that "nothing's going on but the rent." Still, you honor the Creator's gifts to you when you use them, and you keep yourself vital, interested, and excited when you pursue the passion in your life. (As someone who cares about the financial literacy, let me add the footnote that a pension IS important. You've got to save some of what you make, no matter how much or how little it is. But don't care so much about your pension that you stifle your passion. You'll regret it later)."

Leslye L. Mundy, director of Global Corporate Media Relations, Nike, Inc., Beaverton, OR. "Don't ever get too comfortable in a work environment --- competition, evolving organizational dynamics and priorities must be the fuel that keep you driving to the next level of execution and deliverables. It's important not to be defined or conform to corporate America's perception of what you are, what you represent or what you can produce. Don't be easily defined! An ongoing challenge is to cultivate and sustain traditional and non-traditional professional relationships and networks that support and propel your strategic initiatives."

Terry Preston, detective, Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland, OH.  "Explore beyond the obvious in your acquisition of knowledge guarding your instincts to not allow your infinite creativity and potential to endure self-defeating limitations. Find a way to achieve goals looking beyond what is to find what could be. My favorite quote by Hannibal -- Carthaginian General, is "We will either find a way, or make one." 

Cheryl Richardson, senior director of Human Resources, McDonald's Corp., Midwest Division, Downers Grove, IL. "Success is determined not by what you get for reaching your destination, but what you become by reaching it," Zig Ziglar.  “The guiding force in my career has been the experiences and relationships encountered along the way. New experiences have been less difficult to handle knowing there was a support base that could be tapped to provide advice, insight and encouragement.”

Paula Sneed, group vice president, Kraft Foods, president E-Commerce and Consumer Insights & Communication Divisions, Northfield, IL. "Success starts with having big, bold, almost unreasonable dreams that are motivating and exciting. With dreams, a penchant for action, a career game plan brilliantly executed, a willingness not to be deterred by obstacles, and supportive family and friends, you can accomplish anything."

Maisie Sparks, author/editorial director, The Sparks Group, marketing and communication support service, Chicago, IL.  "There's an adage that says 'pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you.'  I've found the combination unbeatable. When God opens the door of opportunity, I've learned to walk in and work hard to prove my gratefulness."

Frances Irvin Wilkins, EEO/Training Manager, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago, IL. "One of the greatest career lessons I have learned as an African-American professional woman is the importance of developing, nurturing and maintaining relationships with other African-American professionals-relationships that are built on mutual trust, truth, admiration and respect for each other’s abilities and contributions.    I have learned that the old adage "it's not what you know, but who you know," is truly a reality in becoming a successful African-American professional.

Chris Bardwell is the CEO of The Career Connection, a human resources and career development consulting firm in Chicago.