Take A Lesson C »

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.

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

Booknews

First-person accounts from 27 African American role models in business and entertainment reveal what drives them, their sources of strength, and how they overcome adversity. Their honest, thoughtful answers will inspire readers to find their own way to achievement. Those interviewed include an investment banker, a college president, a film director, a sportscaster, and a corporate professional. Includes b&w photos. Clarke is editor-at-large at magazine. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Introduction.
Kenneth Chenault: Control What You Can: Your Own Integrity, Your Own Performance.
Kevin Clash: Talent is a Great Gift, But the Gift Alone Doesn't Get You There.
Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare, Then Accept the Results--Whatever They Are.
Ann M. Fudge: It is Your Core Beliefs That Either Propel You or Hold You Back.
Marcia Ann Gillespie: You're Only Going to Be Here for a Minute; Make That Minute Count!
Sylvester Green: It's a Powerful Notion: You Can Always Do Things Better.
Bryant Gumbel: The Hardest Truth is This: You Can Do Your Best, and Still Not Win.
Elaine R. Jones: It's Still About What Each of Us Can Do for All of Us.
Tom Jones: What Matters is Not Just if You Get There, But What You Stand for if You Get There.
Debra L. Lee: Taking a Risk is Scary, But It Can Feel So Good.
Spike Lee: I Believe in Destiny, But You Can't Just Sit There Waiting on It. Go Get It.
George R. Lewis: When the Blockades Go Up, Move Around or Through Them, Just Keep on Moving.
William M. Lewis, Jr.: Don't Be Afraid to Lose. Don't Be Afraid to Go It Alone. Don't Be Afraid.
Joseph A. Moniz: There are Great Benefits to a Position Like Mine, But There is a High Price to Be Paid.
Joan Parrot-Fonseca: I'm Still Trying to Find My True Purpose in Life, But I'm not Trying to Rush It, or Force It, Anymore.
Richard D. Parsons: My Grandmother was Right: You are Judged by the Company You Keep.
A. Barry Rand: The People Who Can Handle the Valleys in Their Lives are the Ones Who Will Ultimately Make It.
Robin Roberts: Think Big, Dream Big, But FocusSmall.
Joyce M. Roche: Hesitancy is Often Viewed as Ignorance. Better to Just Make a Mistake, Then Get on With It.
Ruth J. Simmons: Watching My Mother Do Her Very Best as a Maid, That is How I Learned to Be a College President.
Frederick O. Terrell: On Wall Street, But I was a Fish Out of Water and I was Scared to Death.
Lloyd D. Ward: Is the Glass Half Full or is It Half Empty? The Answer Lies in Your Attitude.
Patrice Clarke Washington: My Outlook has Always Been, If It's Doable, Then Why Can't I Do It?
Maxine Waters: I'm Proof That You Can Operate a Little Bit Outside of the Box and Still have the Inside Track.
Clifton R. Wharton, Jr.: Develop Good Instincts, Then Trust Them Completely.
Terrie Williams: Remember This: Perception is Reality.
Deborah C. Wright: It was Important for Me to Hit a Brick Wall: It Forced Me to Deal With Me.
Index.