The Way Up

Practical and actionable advice for minorities seeking concrete strategies to help them move up the corporate ladder

In The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color, accomplished executive Dr. Errol L. Pierre delivers a pragmatic and actionable guide to help underrepresented individuals from all ethnic backgrounds achieve their professional goals and elevate their careers in today’s virtual workplace. The book takes a step-by-step approach to understanding the skills and strategies required to move from entry-level and middle management roles to the executive ranks.

Readers will also find:

• A collection of key lessons and short stories containing practical advice designed to help readers achieve their professional potential
• Strategies proven to work in the real-world, full of innovative insights and practical know-how
• Tips on navigating the offices and Zoom calls that make up today’s employment environment

An indispensable discussion of what it takes to succeed in today’s hyper-competitive professional environment, The Way Up will earn a place in the libraries of newly graduated businesspeople as well as seasoned pros seeking to advance their careers.

Preface ix

Introduction: The Corporate Mountain xiii

Chapter 1 Find Your Purpose and Your Passion 1

The Resignation Letter That Led Me Back to My Truth

Chapter 2 Embrace Your Defining Moments 9

A Bright Future Is Only Built Upon the Foundations of Your Past

Chapter 3 Reclaim Your Seat 19

Reaching the Top Is Not as Difficult as Staying There

Chapter 4 Harness Your Distinctions 31

The First Time You Discover Your Racial Identity Is Life- Transforming

Chapter 5 Job Interviews Happen Every Day 45

How Shampoo Changed My Life and Started My Career

Chapter 6 Make the Most of Your Mentor 55

The Right Mentor Makes All the Difference in the World

Chapter 7 Recognize and Harness Your Champions 67

Champions Are Larger- Than- Life People Who Give You a Boost

Chapter 8 Overcome the Entry- Level Blues 79

What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Running in Place

Chapter 9 Navigate and Survive Bad Bosses 101

How to Handle Hostile or Biased Bosses in the Workplace

Chapter 10 Grow by Giving Back 115

Experience the Power of Public Service and Selflessness

Chapter 11 Be Honest Even When It’s Hard 127

Truth Telling Can Set You Apart in the Workplace

Chapter 12 Leave Without Burning the Bridge 139

Your Last 100 Days at a Company Are as Important as Your First 100

Chapter 13 Exude Executive Presence 155

How to Flourish as a Leader of Color on Your Way Up the Corporate Mountain

Chapter 14 Adapt to the Workforce of the Future 175

The Rules for Navigating Through a Post- Pandemic Business Environment

Chapter 15 Lead While Leaving a Legacy 189

Make the Greatest Impact You Possibly Can

Interviews 195

Notes 197

Acknowledgments 205

About the Authors 207

Index 209

DR. ERROL L. PIERRE is the Senior Vice President of State Programs at Healthfirst Inc., the largest nonprofit health plan in New York. He is an in-demand speaker and panelist on leadership, diversity, and healthcare in America and has addressed hundreds of audiences including the National Urban League for Young Professionals, 100 Black Men, and Fordham University.

JIM JERMANOK is an award-winning writer, director, producer, author, and speaker based in New York. His words and photos can be seen in The Washington Post, Indiewire, The Huffington Post, and The Boston Globe. He has written two highly praised books: Beyond The Craft: What You Need To Know To Make A Living Creatively! and Dive In! Real Estate Investment Advice From A Pro

Today’s corporate America is slowly starting to wise up to the importance of diversity and equity, but executives and decision makers still have a long, long way to go. As a professional of color, there’s a lot we can do to take matters into our own hands, getting savvy in our pursuit of our goals and overcoming the obstacles we still face on a daily basis. The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color will help underrepresented individuals from all backgrounds grow to their full potential. Yes, it is possible for minorities to attain senior level leadership positions within companies of all sizes and in all sectors. Yes, it is difficult, but this book provides actionable advice that will help clear away the roadblocks and navigate the path to the C-suite.

Author Dr. Errol L. Pierre knows what he’s talking about. Having worked his own way up through the ranks, Pierre is a Senior VP at one of the most notable healthcare nonprofits in New York. He’s also served as Chief Operating Officer in the health insurance industry. Drawing on his personal experience and firsthand wisdom, plus proven strategies, innovative insights, and practical know-how from across industries, Pierre equips readers with knowledge and inspiration to achieve great things.

The Way Up contains everything readers need to make short work of climbing the corporate ladder. This is not a critique of the current state of affairs, but rather a step-by-step guide to succeeding given the reality we currently live in. America needs minorities in leadership, now more than ever. Alongside writer Jim Jermanok, Pierre provides talented professionals with the road map they need to answer America’s call and build the careers of their dreams.

Praise for THE WAY UP

“For professionals of color, corporate America is not always the easiest place to navigate and find sustainable success. If you’re just entering the workforce or have been grinding it out for years, but feel like you need a new road map, this book is for you. I’ve known Errol for over a decade and watched as he has successfully and strategically climbed the academic and corporate ladder. The candid and practical nuggets of wisdom he shares in The Way Up will inform the ways many readers advocate for themselves and thrive in the often cut-throat corporate landscape.”

—Yvonne Orji, Emmy-nominated Actress, Comedian, and Author

“Errol Pierre has written a must-read primer for anyone looking to grow within an organization, especially as a person of color. Read this book and learn from one of the best.”

—Keith Wyche, Fortune 50 Executive and Author of Diversity is not Enough

“Black and brown professionals have been striving to navigate corporate America’s landscape for years. For many, it is an arduous task that leads to disillusionment, career railroading, and ultimately the derailing of dreams. Dr. Pierre’s The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color is the go-to-guidebook that detangles the maze and provides personal experience and seasoned counsel.”

— Anthony P. Carter, Social Justice Influencer; Retired Chief Diversity Officer, Johnson & Johnson

“The Way Up blends personal stories, interviews and anecdotes from top executives of color, and well-researched statistics to masterfully chart out a road map for success in corporate America. Considering the many new ways of working today, this is a must-read for professionals of color.”

— Minda Harts, Founder and CEO of The Memo, LLC and bestselling and award-winning Author of The Memo and Right Within

“Through his candid and compelling stories, Errol Pierre provides an accessible, practical, and aspirational road map for personal and professional success. Dr. Pierre’s work is important and timely reading for everyone committed to advancing professionals of color.”

—Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater NY

“An insightful and practical primer on how to navigate racial bias and find purpose on the way up the corporate ladder.”

—Pamela Newkirk, PhD, Professor and Author of Diversity, Inc.