The Black Exec

Prepping future Black executives for the rigors of a career in corporate America We are often told to focus on things that are within our control. But for Black executives in corporate America, it is the only way to survive. As Barron Witherspoon, Sr. learned, getting ahead as a Black executive meant possessing a higher tolerance for hardship than his white peers. Intrigued by this reality and its prevalence in the modern workplace, Witherspoon shares his real-life experiences working within a corporate environment to help aspiring Black leaders navigate their career trajectory and longevity. In The Black Exec, Witherspoon identifies seven nuanced myths facing Black executives today no matter how well-intentioned the organization and company culture may be. These seven myths are described through seven simple phrases: - "They lowered the standards for you." - "They are better than you." - "They don't know you." - "They have your back." - "They only have you" - "They can't hear you." - "They don't need you." If left unchecked, these myths can threaten to derail any ambitious leader of color. Addressing concepts of belonging, inferiority, awareness, protection, silence, and valuation, Witherspoon offers practical insights to help readers recognize and address each myth while unapologetically delivering his thoughts on racial disparity within corporate America. Witherspoon's guidebook is a story of personal empowerment, encouraging young Black leaders of tomorrow to adopt a proactive mindset in the face of adversity, being confident and prepared to meet any challenge. Targeting young, aspiring Black leaders who have recently entered or will soon enter corporate America, the book imparts timely advice and hard-earned wisdom for establishing a successful career in business.

Barron Witherspoon Sr. is an author, equestrian, and business leader. His first book The Fallacy of Affinity made a case for cross-cultural and multi-ethnic worship. Recognized for his influential leadership skills during his 35-year executive career at Procter & Gamble, he was named among the "Top 50 Multi-Cultural Leaders" and the "Top 100 Most Influential African Americans in Business" by the National Diversity Council in 2021. He was named in Savoy magazine's "Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America" in 2020. And in 2019, AACSB International named him the "Most Influential Leader Among Business School Graduates." He served as the chairman of INROADS and vice chairman of his alma mater Tuskegee University. He is a licensed and ordained minister through Cincinnati Bible Seminary and is married with two adult children.