Lessons from 30 African Americans who have forged successful careers

Black Collegian, Apr 2001 by Bardwell, Chris B

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., 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.