Take a Lesson: Today's Black Achievers on How They Made It and What They Learned along the Way [Hardcover]

Caroline V. Clarke (Author), Caroline Clarke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471378259 | ISBN-13: 978-0471378259 | Publication Date: December 29, 2000 | Edition: 1

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

By Caroline Clarke, presents advice from prominent black achievers. -- Diane Patrick

From the Inside Flap

Powerful first-person accounts from today’s heroes and role models will inspire you, instruct you, and give you the confidence and determination you need to make your dreams come true. In this extraordinary selection of wisdom based on candid interviews, you’ll meet twenty-seven talented, hard-working, and successful African Americans. Each of these major figures has a powerful story to tell–and important lessons to teach.

Black Enterprise Editor-at-Large Caroline Clarke asks each of these superachievers to reveal who they are, what drives them, what moves them, the sources of their courage and strength, and how they overcome adversity. Their thoughtful, honest responses cut straight to the heart of the matter and help you find your own way to achievement.

Provender Capital Management founder Fred Terrell explains what led him to forsake a partnership in one of Wall Street’s leading investment banks in favor of starting his own small firm. Time Warner president Richard Parsons proves that you don’t need a type-A personality to make it to the top. And powerful Smith College president Ruth Simmons reveals how poor Texas sharecroppers imbued their thirteenth child with the drive and determination it takes to become the first black president of one of America’s most elite colleges.

You’ll meet influential corporate professionals such as American Express president Ken Chenault; creative artists like Kevin Clash, principal puppeteer of the Jim Henson Company; and many hard-driving entrepreneurs, including Terrie Williams, CEO of the Terrie Williams Agency. You’ll also hear from some of America’s leading personalities, including Bryant Gumbel, Spike Lee, Maxine Waters, sportscaster Robin Roberts, and more.

One by one, these prominent individuals tell you precisely what they went through to reach their goals, how they made it, and what they learned along the way. They will also help you set your sights on your own special goal, plan the steps you’ll take to achieve it, and overcome the obstacles you may face.

Don’t try to fight your way to the top all alone. Take a lesson from these women and men whose hard-won wisdom and heartfelt candor will help you every step of the way.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 29, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471378259
• ISBN-13: 978-0471378259
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,922,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top achievers speak from the heart, February 4, 2001

By 

Alice Decker (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Take a Lesson: Today's Black Achievers on How They Made It and What They Learned along the Way (Hardcover)

Take a Lesson is a great book for people of all ages. It is a collection of advice from all the people I have grown to admire. In this book they are not putting on a professional face. They are telling the truth about how they struggled in their lives and businesses; and how they won out. I read one every day for inspiration.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Important Book I Have Read In Five Years, July 17, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Take a Lesson: Today's Black Achievers on How They Made It and What They Learned Along the Way (Paperback)

A group of high achieving African American high school seniors received this book as part of the "Achievers" program sponsored by the local chapter of the Links. As an African American in mid-career, I decided to get a copy for myself. It was the most important book I have read in at least five years.

The stories are, as a whole, optimistic but also bracingly honest about the obstacles these remarkable professionals have faced. It will inspire the young to believe that their goals are attainable. It will encourage those in mid-career to see that their progress, though uneven, is sustainable. And it will reassure those looking back at the end of their careers that their life's work has been significant if it has made it possible for even one or two others to achieve behind them. I read about one of these stories a day in the gym and frequently caught myself nodding in recognition at the experiences described.

The last profile in the book is of Deborah C. Wright, President and CEO of Carver Federal Savings Bank. The very last line in her profile,and thus the very last line in the book, is "[M]y prayers each morning are, 'God, just make me open to whatever the lesson is so I can get it and get on to the next one.'" AMEN!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, February 10, 2001

By 

"clemenza1423" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Take a Lesson: Today's Black Achievers on How They Made It and What They Learned along the Way (Hardcover)

Take a Lesson is a fantastic book that shares the personal stories of many successful African-American individuals who have succeeded with great distincition. Not only did I find the content entertaining, but the words ignite feelings of courage, hope, and persevarence that I'm sure will serve me well. I also think it is important to note that while most of those profiled stand at the cutting edge of capitalism, they also remain sensitive to social and human values, a balance which I think all should keep in mind.