Meet the Experts: Black Professionals: Your Heritage as a Career Asset
African-Americans are bicultural out of necessity and the result is a competitive edge that can be honed in the business world. "We are all bicultural. We operate in the larger heritage and also our own," and see things in a way others don’t, said Lara Jordan James, vice president, brand marketing, MassMutual.James was joined by Mary Grate Pyos, author and president, Financially Focused, Inc. and John Brown, managing director, external investment, MassMutual. Sometimes African-American employees fear being themselves will thwart success, but James, who has worn her hair natural since age 16, said her most important career opportunities were presented to her while she was being her authentic self. Know your strengths and be passionate about your convictions, panelists advised. Don’t get caught up in how others perceive you and lose sight of your focus. "Confidence is controlling what you can control," said Brown. "Be confident about the value you add to whatever project you are handling." In response to a question about promoting wealth building in the African-American communities, Pyos said it will require a mind shift. "We represent $1 trillion annually in spending. We have a spending problem in the African-American community. We don't need a Land Rover in front of a rented apartment building. We have to give our money a different assignment," she said, as the audience chuckled in agreement. Sponsored by:  |
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