Too Proud to Lead

Too Proud to Lead

Author: Ben Laker

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-07-15

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 1472973054

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A fascinating investigation into how leaders' confidence can transform into hubris, which has the devastating potential to lead not only to their own downfall, but also to the collapse of entire organizations. While confidence is a vital attribute for any successful business leader, it is often taken too far – they fall into the pitfalls of hubris and, like Icarus, find themselves flying too close to the sun. Laying out the dangers of arrogant overconfidence for both individuals and organizations, this book explores both the economic and psychological costs of this destructive behaviour, and boldly argues for a new, revolutionary approach to leadership. Written by three world-renowned experts, Too Proud to Lead provides readers with the essential arsenal of tools for understanding, identifying, anticipating and coping with hubris, in both themselves and in their workplace. Supported by fascinating case studies and enlightening analysis, this is a much-needed antidote to the hubris plague spreading through the leadership of today.


Book Synopsis Too Proud to Lead by : Ben Laker

Download or read book Too Proud to Lead written by Ben Laker and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-07-15 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fascinating investigation into how leaders' confidence can transform into hubris, which has the devastating potential to lead not only to their own downfall, but also to the collapse of entire organizations. While confidence is a vital attribute for any successful business leader, it is often taken too far – they fall into the pitfalls of hubris and, like Icarus, find themselves flying too close to the sun. Laying out the dangers of arrogant overconfidence for both individuals and organizations, this book explores both the economic and psychological costs of this destructive behaviour, and boldly argues for a new, revolutionary approach to leadership. Written by three world-renowned experts, Too Proud to Lead provides readers with the essential arsenal of tools for understanding, identifying, anticipating and coping with hubris, in both themselves and in their workplace. Supported by fascinating case studies and enlightening analysis, this is a much-needed antidote to the hubris plague spreading through the leadership of today.


Too Proud to Fight

Too Proud to Fight

Author: Patrick Baron Devlin

Publisher: New York : Oxford University Press

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 776

ISBN-13:

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A massive study of how America got involved in World War I, seen primarily through the personality and policies of Woodrow Wilson.


Book Synopsis Too Proud to Fight by : Patrick Baron Devlin

Download or read book Too Proud to Fight written by Patrick Baron Devlin and published by New York : Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1975 with total page 776 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A massive study of how America got involved in World War I, seen primarily through the personality and policies of Woodrow Wilson.


Ain't Too Proud to Beg

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

Author: Mark Ribowsky

Publisher: Turner Publishing Company

Published: 2010-09-14

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 0470632828

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The first and only definitive biography of legendary Motown group, the Temptations The Temptations are an incomparable soul group, with dozens of chart-topping hits such as My Girl and Papa Was a Rollin Stone. From the sharp suits, stylish choreography, and distinctive vocals that epitomized their onstage triumphs to the personal failings and psycho-dramas that played out behind the scenes, Ain't Too Proud to Beg tells the complete story of this most popular—and tragic—of all Motown super groups. Based on in-depth research and interviews with founding Temptations member Otis Williams and many others, the book reveals the highly individual, even mutually antagonistic, nature of the group's members. Venturing beyond the money and the fame, it shares the compelling tale of these sometime allies, sometime rivals and reveals the unique dynamic of push and pull and give and take that resulted in musical genius. The first book to tell the whole story of Motown's greatest group, with all-new interviews and previously undiscovered sources and photographs Gives the last word on enduring Motown mysteries, including the deaths of Paul Williams and David Ruffin and the truth behind Ruffin's tumultuous romance with Tammi Terrell Reveals the secret "can't miss" formula behind the Temptations' thirty-seven chart hits Draws on more than one hundred interviews with the group's associates, industry figures, family members, and most importantly, founding Temptation Otis Williams Ain't Too Proud to Beg takes a cohesive and penetrating look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the greatest groups in popular music. It is essential reading for fans of the Temptations, music lovers, and anyone interested in the history of American popular culture over the last fifty years.


Book Synopsis Ain't Too Proud to Beg by : Mark Ribowsky

Download or read book Ain't Too Proud to Beg written by Mark Ribowsky and published by Turner Publishing Company. This book was released on 2010-09-14 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first and only definitive biography of legendary Motown group, the Temptations The Temptations are an incomparable soul group, with dozens of chart-topping hits such as My Girl and Papa Was a Rollin Stone. From the sharp suits, stylish choreography, and distinctive vocals that epitomized their onstage triumphs to the personal failings and psycho-dramas that played out behind the scenes, Ain't Too Proud to Beg tells the complete story of this most popular—and tragic—of all Motown super groups. Based on in-depth research and interviews with founding Temptations member Otis Williams and many others, the book reveals the highly individual, even mutually antagonistic, nature of the group's members. Venturing beyond the money and the fame, it shares the compelling tale of these sometime allies, sometime rivals and reveals the unique dynamic of push and pull and give and take that resulted in musical genius. The first book to tell the whole story of Motown's greatest group, with all-new interviews and previously undiscovered sources and photographs Gives the last word on enduring Motown mysteries, including the deaths of Paul Williams and David Ruffin and the truth behind Ruffin's tumultuous romance with Tammi Terrell Reveals the secret "can't miss" formula behind the Temptations' thirty-seven chart hits Draws on more than one hundred interviews with the group's associates, industry figures, family members, and most importantly, founding Temptation Otis Williams Ain't Too Proud to Beg takes a cohesive and penetrating look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the greatest groups in popular music. It is essential reading for fans of the Temptations, music lovers, and anyone interested in the history of American popular culture over the last fifty years.


Learning to Lead

Learning to Lead

Author: Goldsmith Joan

Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com

Published: 2010-05-21

Total Pages: 326

ISBN-13: 1458759016

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Over his distinguished career Warren Bennis has shown that leaders are made, not born. In Learning to Lead, written in partnership with management development expert Joan Goldsmith, Bennis provides a program that will help managers transform themselves into leaders. Using wise insights from the world's best leaders, helpful self-assessments, and dozens of one-day skill-building exercises, Bennis and Goldsmith show in Learning to Lead how to see beyond leadership myths and communicate vision to others. With updates throughout, Learning to Lead is both a workbook and a deeply considered treatise on the nature of leadership by two of its finest and most experienced practitioners - and teachers.


Book Synopsis Learning to Lead by : Goldsmith Joan

Download or read book Learning to Lead written by Goldsmith Joan and published by ReadHowYouWant.com. This book was released on 2010-05-21 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over his distinguished career Warren Bennis has shown that leaders are made, not born. In Learning to Lead, written in partnership with management development expert Joan Goldsmith, Bennis provides a program that will help managers transform themselves into leaders. Using wise insights from the world's best leaders, helpful self-assessments, and dozens of one-day skill-building exercises, Bennis and Goldsmith show in Learning to Lead how to see beyond leadership myths and communicate vision to others. With updates throughout, Learning to Lead is both a workbook and a deeply considered treatise on the nature of leadership by two of its finest and most experienced practitioners - and teachers.


It's Your Ship

It's Your Ship

Author: Captain D. Michael Abrashoff

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Published: 2007-10-15

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 0446535532

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The legendary New York Times bestselling tale of top-down change for anyone trying to navigate today's uncertain business seas. When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of USS Benfold, it was like a business that had all the latest technology but only some of the productivity. Knowing that responsibility for improving performance rested with him, he realized he had to improve his own leadership skills before he could improve his ship. Within months, he created a crew of confident and inspired problem-solvers eager to take the initiative and responsibility for their actions. The slogan on board became "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency. How did Abrashoff do it? Against the backdrop of today's United States Navy, Abrashoff shares his secrets of successful management including: See the ship through the eyes of the crew: By soliciting a sailor's suggestions, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value. Communicate, communicate, communicate: The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew eventually started calling him "Megaphone Mike," since they heard from him so often. Create discipline by focusing on purpose: Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they were doing was important. Listen aggressively: After learning that many sailors wanted to use the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship-and held the SATs forty miles off the Iraqi coast. From achieving amazing cost savings to winning the highest gunnery score in the Pacific Fleet, Captain Abrashoff's extraordinary campaign sent shock waves through the U.S. Navy. It can help you change the course of your ship, no matter where your business battles are fought.


Book Synopsis It's Your Ship by : Captain D. Michael Abrashoff

Download or read book It's Your Ship written by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff and published by Grand Central Publishing. This book was released on 2007-10-15 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The legendary New York Times bestselling tale of top-down change for anyone trying to navigate today's uncertain business seas. When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of USS Benfold, it was like a business that had all the latest technology but only some of the productivity. Knowing that responsibility for improving performance rested with him, he realized he had to improve his own leadership skills before he could improve his ship. Within months, he created a crew of confident and inspired problem-solvers eager to take the initiative and responsibility for their actions. The slogan on board became "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency. How did Abrashoff do it? Against the backdrop of today's United States Navy, Abrashoff shares his secrets of successful management including: See the ship through the eyes of the crew: By soliciting a sailor's suggestions, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value. Communicate, communicate, communicate: The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew eventually started calling him "Megaphone Mike," since they heard from him so often. Create discipline by focusing on purpose: Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they were doing was important. Listen aggressively: After learning that many sailors wanted to use the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship-and held the SATs forty miles off the Iraqi coast. From achieving amazing cost savings to winning the highest gunnery score in the Pacific Fleet, Captain Abrashoff's extraordinary campaign sent shock waves through the U.S. Navy. It can help you change the course of your ship, no matter where your business battles are fought.


Greater Than Yourself

Greater Than Yourself

Author: Steve Farber

Publisher: Crown Currency

Published: 2009-03-03

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 0385529406

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An inspiring parable on the greatest leadership lesson of all—that the best leaders go beyond the tenets of the Golden Rule and help others to be better than they are themselves Too many people assume that the timeless principles of genuine leadership—of helping others achieve their full potential—don’t apply Monday through Friday during work hours or in any circumstance where a paycheck is involved. In Greater Than Yourself, Steve Farber proves them wrong. With this powerful and eye-opening story, Farber shows that the goal of true leadership is to help others—teammates, employees, and colleagues—become more capable, confident, and accomplished than their leaders. Through the actions of a forward-thinking and extraordinarily successful CEO, Farber reveals the three keys to achieving what he calls GTY: Expand Yourself, Give Yourself, and Replicate Yourself. Filled with thought-provoking ideas and actionable principles, Greater Than Yourself offers a powerful message for today’s business leaders.


Book Synopsis Greater Than Yourself by : Steve Farber

Download or read book Greater Than Yourself written by Steve Farber and published by Crown Currency. This book was released on 2009-03-03 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An inspiring parable on the greatest leadership lesson of all—that the best leaders go beyond the tenets of the Golden Rule and help others to be better than they are themselves Too many people assume that the timeless principles of genuine leadership—of helping others achieve their full potential—don’t apply Monday through Friday during work hours or in any circumstance where a paycheck is involved. In Greater Than Yourself, Steve Farber proves them wrong. With this powerful and eye-opening story, Farber shows that the goal of true leadership is to help others—teammates, employees, and colleagues—become more capable, confident, and accomplished than their leaders. Through the actions of a forward-thinking and extraordinarily successful CEO, Farber reveals the three keys to achieving what he calls GTY: Expand Yourself, Give Yourself, and Replicate Yourself. Filled with thought-provoking ideas and actionable principles, Greater Than Yourself offers a powerful message for today’s business leaders.


A Love Too Proud

A Love Too Proud

Author: Kathy Keller

Publisher:

Published: 2021-05-03

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 9781737050308

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Lord Trenholme is not happy about being exiled to Williamsburg, VA in 1753, until a scandal in England blows over. Accustomed to privilege and luxury, he views the colony as one step from barbarism. When he crosses paths with Callie Hastings, a feisty colonial tobacco farmer, he is certain of it. She refuses to pay homage to his nobility, and outwitted by her one time too many, he is determined to teach her a lesson in humility. It backfires on him royally. When she is called before the court for a crime she didn't commit, she is outraged that the law is so biased against women. She views British law to be illogical and outdated and delivers a stinging indictment of the justice system, angering the justices. In a humorous confluence of events, she winds up in Trenholme's custody--to both their dismay--and, in the process, manages to cause an uproar among the men in the town when she decides to educate their women on the few legal rights that they have. Inundated with complaints, the governor and General Assembly launch a campaign to get her married.This proves to be easier said than done, and finding himself in the center of the maelstrom, Trenholme, is faced with a choice that will impact the rest of his and Callie's lives.


Book Synopsis A Love Too Proud by : Kathy Keller

Download or read book A Love Too Proud written by Kathy Keller and published by . This book was released on 2021-05-03 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lord Trenholme is not happy about being exiled to Williamsburg, VA in 1753, until a scandal in England blows over. Accustomed to privilege and luxury, he views the colony as one step from barbarism. When he crosses paths with Callie Hastings, a feisty colonial tobacco farmer, he is certain of it. She refuses to pay homage to his nobility, and outwitted by her one time too many, he is determined to teach her a lesson in humility. It backfires on him royally. When she is called before the court for a crime she didn't commit, she is outraged that the law is so biased against women. She views British law to be illogical and outdated and delivers a stinging indictment of the justice system, angering the justices. In a humorous confluence of events, she winds up in Trenholme's custody--to both their dismay--and, in the process, manages to cause an uproar among the men in the town when she decides to educate their women on the few legal rights that they have. Inundated with complaints, the governor and General Assembly launch a campaign to get her married.This proves to be easier said than done, and finding himself in the center of the maelstrom, Trenholme, is faced with a choice that will impact the rest of his and Callie's lives.


Dare to Lead

Dare to Lead

Author: Brené Brown

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2018-10-09

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 0399592520

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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead. Don’t miss the five-part HBO Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart! NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BLOOMBERG Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential. When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work. But daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start. Four-time #1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? In this new book, Brown uses research, stories, and examples to answer these questions in the no-BS style that millions of readers have come to expect and love. Brown writes, “One of the most important findings of my career is that daring leadership is a collection of four skill sets that are 100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable. It’s learning and unlearning that requires brave work, tough conversations, and showing up with your whole heart. Easy? No. Because choosing courage over comfort is not always our default. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and our work. It’s why we’re here.” Whether you’ve read Daring Greatly and Rising Strong or you’re new to Brené Brown’s work, this book is for anyone who wants to step up and into brave leadership.


Book Synopsis Dare to Lead by : Brené Brown

Download or read book Dare to Lead written by Brené Brown and published by Random House. This book was released on 2018-10-09 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead. Don’t miss the five-part HBO Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart! NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BLOOMBERG Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential. When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work. But daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start. Four-time #1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? In this new book, Brown uses research, stories, and examples to answer these questions in the no-BS style that millions of readers have come to expect and love. Brown writes, “One of the most important findings of my career is that daring leadership is a collection of four skill sets that are 100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable. It’s learning and unlearning that requires brave work, tough conversations, and showing up with your whole heart. Easy? No. Because choosing courage over comfort is not always our default. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and our work. It’s why we’re here.” Whether you’ve read Daring Greatly and Rising Strong or you’re new to Brené Brown’s work, this book is for anyone who wants to step up and into brave leadership.


The Art of Caring Leadership

The Art of Caring Leadership

Author: Heather R Younger

Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Published: 2021-04-13

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 1523092211

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If your people know you care about them, they will move mountains. Employee engagement and loyalty expert Heather Younger outlines nine ways to manifest the radical power of caring support in the workplace. Here's the thing: most leaders think of themselves as caring leaders, but not all of them act in alignment with what that means for employees. Leaders may not be able to identify the level of care they are extending to their employees, but all employees intuitively know whether their bosses or managers are caring for them. Heather Younger argues that if you are looking for increased productivity, customer satisfaction, or employee engagement, you need to care for your employees first. Genuinely caring for people means that you want to see them succeed for themselves, not just for what they can do for you, your team, or your organization. This book incorporates ten sections with breakout stories and interviews that outline the necessary steps to make all employees feel included and cared for, as well as a call to action for all leaders. Younger states that leaders who have the positive power to change the lives of those they lead shouldn't just want to care for them; they should see it as imperative for the success of their employees and their organization.


Book Synopsis The Art of Caring Leadership by : Heather R Younger

Download or read book The Art of Caring Leadership written by Heather R Younger and published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers. This book was released on 2021-04-13 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If your people know you care about them, they will move mountains. Employee engagement and loyalty expert Heather Younger outlines nine ways to manifest the radical power of caring support in the workplace. Here's the thing: most leaders think of themselves as caring leaders, but not all of them act in alignment with what that means for employees. Leaders may not be able to identify the level of care they are extending to their employees, but all employees intuitively know whether their bosses or managers are caring for them. Heather Younger argues that if you are looking for increased productivity, customer satisfaction, or employee engagement, you need to care for your employees first. Genuinely caring for people means that you want to see them succeed for themselves, not just for what they can do for you, your team, or your organization. This book incorporates ten sections with breakout stories and interviews that outline the necessary steps to make all employees feel included and cared for, as well as a call to action for all leaders. Younger states that leaders who have the positive power to change the lives of those they lead shouldn't just want to care for them; they should see it as imperative for the success of their employees and their organization.


Black Magic

Black Magic

Author: Chad Sanders

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2022-02-08

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1982104236

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A “daring, urgent, and transformative” (Brené Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead) exploration of Black achievement in a white world based on honest, provocative, and moving interviews with Black leaders, scientists, artists, activists, and champions. “I remember the day I realized I couldn’t play a white guy as well as a white guy. It felt like a death sentence for my career.” When Chad Sanders landed his first job in lily-white Silicon Valley, he quickly concluded that to be successful at work meant playing a certain social game. Each meeting was drenched in white slang and the privileged talk of international travel or folk concerts in San Francisco, which led Chad to believe he needed to emulate whiteness to be successful. So Chad changed. He changed his wardrobe, his behavior, his speech—everything that connected him with his Black identity. And while he finally felt included, he felt awful. So he decided to give up the charade. He reverted to the methods he learned at the dinner table, or at the Black Baptist church where he’d been raised, or at the concrete basketball courts, barbershops, and summertime cookouts. And it paid off. Chad began to land more exciting projects. He earned the respect of his colleagues. Accounting for this turnaround, Chad believes, was something he calls Black Magic, namely resilience, creativity, and confidence forged in his experience navigating America as a Black man. Black Magic has emboldened his every step since, leading him to wonder: Was he alone in this discovery? Were there others who felt the same? In “pulverizing, educational, and inspirational” (Shea Serrano, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Basketball (And Other Things)) essays, Chad dives into his formative experiences to see if they might offer the possibility of discovering or honing this skill. He tests his theory by interviewing Black leaders across industries to get their take on Black Magic. The result is a revelatory and essential book. Black Magic explores Black experiences in predominantly white environments and demonstrates the risks of self-betrayal and the value of being yourself.


Book Synopsis Black Magic by : Chad Sanders

Download or read book Black Magic written by Chad Sanders and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-02-08 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A “daring, urgent, and transformative” (Brené Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead) exploration of Black achievement in a white world based on honest, provocative, and moving interviews with Black leaders, scientists, artists, activists, and champions. “I remember the day I realized I couldn’t play a white guy as well as a white guy. It felt like a death sentence for my career.” When Chad Sanders landed his first job in lily-white Silicon Valley, he quickly concluded that to be successful at work meant playing a certain social game. Each meeting was drenched in white slang and the privileged talk of international travel or folk concerts in San Francisco, which led Chad to believe he needed to emulate whiteness to be successful. So Chad changed. He changed his wardrobe, his behavior, his speech—everything that connected him with his Black identity. And while he finally felt included, he felt awful. So he decided to give up the charade. He reverted to the methods he learned at the dinner table, or at the Black Baptist church where he’d been raised, or at the concrete basketball courts, barbershops, and summertime cookouts. And it paid off. Chad began to land more exciting projects. He earned the respect of his colleagues. Accounting for this turnaround, Chad believes, was something he calls Black Magic, namely resilience, creativity, and confidence forged in his experience navigating America as a Black man. Black Magic has emboldened his every step since, leading him to wonder: Was he alone in this discovery? Were there others who felt the same? In “pulverizing, educational, and inspirational” (Shea Serrano, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Basketball (And Other Things)) essays, Chad dives into his formative experiences to see if they might offer the possibility of discovering or honing this skill. He tests his theory by interviewing Black leaders across industries to get their take on Black Magic. The result is a revelatory and essential book. Black Magic explores Black experiences in predominantly white environments and demonstrates the risks of self-betrayal and the value of being yourself.