THE BLACK EXEC

A veteran Black corporate executive imparts business-savvy wisdom in this nonfiction book.

The Black executive, writes retiree Witherspoon, faces the same business realities as anyone else, from weathering boom and bust cycles to climbing hypercompetitive corporate ladders. “Yet,” he notes, “the Black exec knows without a doubt that despite all the many similarities, he still must perform better and persevere longer if he is to reach the height of his ambition.” Blending memoir and self-help, Witherspoon uses examples from his own life—ranging from his education at Tuskegee University, where he received a degree in economics in 1985, to his boardroom experience as a senior vice president at Proctor & Gamble—to provide guidance for aspiring Black business leaders. For instance, he notes that it was in a Black church where he says he honed his self-confidence in public presentations, as the church’s leaders encouraged children to embrace their talents. As in his first book, The Fallacy of Affinity (2010), Witherspoon advocates for cross-culturalism, and much of his wisdom is applicable to any aspiring leader. This book centers on the titular seven myths that often prove fatal to the career goals of young employees, which include fears that those within the organization “are better than you” or that they’ve “lowered the standards for you.” While building up readers' confidence, reminding them that they wouldn’t have been hired if they weren’t the best candidates, the book also cautions against overconfidence, as well—including the myth that “they have your back.” Witherspoon blends inspirational positivity with pragmatism, as when he provides specific examples of how to build internal alliances as a means to protect oneself. Other advice includes when to “invest” in one’s status as “the lone Black exec in the room” to help develop the careers of other Black executives, and when to do work that “is best left invisible.” The author’s personal story of overcoming obstacles and thriving is equally compelling and is accompanied by dozens of photographs from his personal life and career.

An accessible and important guidebook for aspiring leaders.