The Way Up audiobook cover - Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color

The Way Up

Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color

Errol L. Pierre with Jim Jermanok

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Categories:
Career & SuccessCorporate CultureManagement & Leadership

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The Way Up
The Corporate Mountain+
Embracing Distinction+
Networking & Mentorship+
Confronting Racism+
Seeking New Horizons+
Reaching the Top+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
How does the book describe the career trajectory for professionals of color, as opposed to the traditional concept of a 'corporate ladder'?
  • A. A maze that requires trial and error to navigate successfully.
  • B. A mountain that involves steep inclines and sometimes moving sideways.
  • C. A marathon that prioritizes endurance and speed over strategy.
  • D. A pyramid where only a select few are allowed to reach the top.
Question 2 of 7
According to the text, what should primarily drive your career decisions and help you navigate through challenges?
  • A. Achieving the highest possible salary to overcome economic inequality.
  • B. Acquiring as many technical skills as possible to outpace your peers.
  • C. Identifying and pursuing your unique purpose.
  • D. Pleasing senior leadership to guarantee immediate promotions.
Question 3 of 7
What does the author mean by 'Identity-Defining Moments' (IDMs)?
  • A. The specific moments when an employee is promoted to an executive role.
  • B. Significant events, such as experiencing adversity or racism, that shape your worldview and can be used to gain strength.
  • C. Annual performance reviews that determine your corporate trajectory and professional worth.
  • D. Networking events where you meet a mentor who shares your cultural background.
Question 4 of 7
Why does the author recommend building a 'lateral network' in addition to connecting with senior leadership?
  • A. To ensure you have colleagues to complain to about workplace microaggressions.
  • B. To create a voting bloc that can influence human resources policies.
  • C. Because senior leaders are generally unwilling to mentor professionals of color.
  • D. Because peers across different departments can reveal unexpected paths and opportunities up the corporate mountain.
Question 5 of 7
What specific strategy does the book recommend for documenting instances of workplace discrimination or microaggressions?
  • A. Recording audio of all meetings with colleagues to ensure accuracy.
  • B. Sending an email to yourself to create an automatic, time-stamped record of the incident.
  • C. Immediately posting about the incident on professional networking sites to build public support.
  • D. Requesting a formal, written apology from the offender within 24 hours of the incident.
Question 6 of 7
When negotiating a salary for a new role, what baseline does the text suggest if you are unsure of what to ask for?
  • A. Accept the initial offer if it matches your previous salary.
  • B. Ask for exactly 5 percent more than the initial offer.
  • C. Request 10 to 20 percent above the initial offer.
  • D. Demand a salary equal to the highest-paid executive in the department.
Question 7 of 7
How does the book view the practice of 'code switching' for professionals of color in corporate environments?
  • A. It is universally harmful and should be completely avoided to maintain authenticity.
  • B. It is a required formal policy in most corporate environments to maintain professionalism.
  • C. It can help minimize bias, but requires a careful balance so you do not suppress your identity and lose your sense of self.
  • D. It is an outdated concept that no longer applies once you reach an executive leadership role.

The Way Up — Full Chapter Overview

The Way Up Summary & Overview

The Way Up (2022) is a career guidebook that provides professionals of color with empowering advice on climbing the corporate ladder. Drawing on interviews and lived experience, it tackles topics like expanding networks, overcoming impostor syndrome, and securing executive mentors. With motivating wisdom and practical strategies, it shows how to navigate workplace challenges and fulfill your leadership potential.

Who Should Listen to The Way Up?

  • Professionals of color 
  • Managers wanting to support diversity 
  • Leaders from diverse communities 

About the Author: Errol L. Pierre with Jim Jermanok

Dr. Errol L. Pierre is a business executive, health-care strategist, professor, public speaker, and author. He currently teaches health economics at Columbia University, New York University, and Baruch College, and is on the board of multiple nonprofit organizations. 

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