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Black and Great: The Careers Manifesto
"An inspiring read from start to finish. It is not often you get to read a compilation of experiences and insight from such a diverse variety of Black British talent, who have all excelled in their chosen field. The wisdom shared in the book will be invaluable for budding scientists, politicians, sportspeople, bankers and entertainers alike." - Selina Flavius, author and founder of Black Girl Finance
Featuring interviews and letters from some of the UK's leading Black voices in their respective fields - including Beverley Knight MBE, Trevor Nelson MBE, Gina Yashere, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, Ronke Lawal, Kayode Ewumi, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, JB Gill, Tangy Morgan, Alexandra Burke, Professor Patricia Daley (the first Black woman to be appointed a lecturer at the University of Oxford) and Ashley Walters - Black and Grea t is essential reading for Black professionals ready to make their mark in the working world and beyond!
Black and Great not only highlights the specific challenges Black people face in the working world, but provides readers with honest and practical advice to thrive and carve out the career of their dreams, whilst embracing their Blackness.
The book will share the career journeys of over 20 successful Black British professionals and entrepreneurs from TV & film, sport, media, law, medicine and finance through open letters and interviews, providing advice, support and encouragement to Black students and professionals starting out in their working lives. From personal branding to salary negotiation and overcoming Imposter Syndrome, this candid and inspirational book reveals their highs and lows, how they bounced back from failure, plus the best and worst advice they have received over the years.
Featuring interviews and letters from some of the UK's leading Black voices in their respective fields - including Beverley Knight MBE, Trevor Nelson MBE, Gina Yashere, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, Ronke Lawal, Kayode Ewumi, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, JB Gill, Tangy Morgan, Alexandra Burke, Professor Patricia Daley (the first Black woman to be appointed a lecturer at the University of Oxford) and Ashley Walters - Black and Grea t is essential reading for Black professionals ready to make their mark in the working world and beyond!
Black and Great not only highlights the specific challenges Black people face in the working world, but provides readers with honest and practical advice to thrive and carve out the career of their dreams, whilst embracing their Blackness.
The book will share the career journeys of over 20 successful Black British professionals and entrepreneurs from TV & film, sport, media, law, medicine and finance through open letters and interviews, providing advice, support and encouragement to Black students and professionals starting out in their working lives. From personal branding to salary negotiation and overcoming Imposter Syndrome, this candid and inspirational book reveals their highs and lows, how they bounced back from failure, plus the best and worst advice they have received over the years.
- GenresNonfiction
384 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 2, 2022
This book is a collection of letters and interviews with successful, famous Black people that provides great career advice and real insight into the challenge and prejudice all black people face in the UK
September 11, 2025
This is a very useful workplace toolkit for anyone black and trying to be great, because that’s what you are.
The book has different chapters covering a range of topics with contribution from amazing people in a wide selection of industry/ fields.
Overcoming imposter syndrome
“Imposter syndrome hits Black people hard because our abilities, achievements and wins and constantly under attack and being questioned.”
Crafting your personal brand
“But this doesn’t mean when building your personal brand you can’t stay true to yourself. Embrace all the things that make you YOU. There is no one like us.”
Building your network
“Black people are not a monolith, so when we come together, we’re coming from a range of different countries, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions and much more- all of which shape our perspectives.”
Negotiating your salary
“The fear of the negotiation backlash is real.” “Employers don’t value the work of black employees; we are not seen as equals.” “We really play ourselves when we don’t negotiate to be paid our worth.”
Mentors and sponsors
African proverb- it takes a village to raise a child, i.e. a child needs the guidance and support of many to truly thrive.
Making a career pivot
“One of the best ways to navigate a career pivot is to build up a network in that new space.”
Concluding with the chapters on black at work, being black and not so great and black and great. It’s a great resource for black professionals or people just starting out in the work force because you need to take responsibility for your own career development. A well written and put together book that I enjoyed in one sitting so will be going back often.
The book has different chapters covering a range of topics with contribution from amazing people in a wide selection of industry/ fields.
Overcoming imposter syndrome
“Imposter syndrome hits Black people hard because our abilities, achievements and wins and constantly under attack and being questioned.”
Crafting your personal brand
“But this doesn’t mean when building your personal brand you can’t stay true to yourself. Embrace all the things that make you YOU. There is no one like us.”
Building your network
“Black people are not a monolith, so when we come together, we’re coming from a range of different countries, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions and much more- all of which shape our perspectives.”
Negotiating your salary
“The fear of the negotiation backlash is real.” “Employers don’t value the work of black employees; we are not seen as equals.” “We really play ourselves when we don’t negotiate to be paid our worth.”
Mentors and sponsors
African proverb- it takes a village to raise a child, i.e. a child needs the guidance and support of many to truly thrive.
Making a career pivot
“One of the best ways to navigate a career pivot is to build up a network in that new space.”
Concluding with the chapters on black at work, being black and not so great and black and great. It’s a great resource for black professionals or people just starting out in the work force because you need to take responsibility for your own career development. A well written and put together book that I enjoyed in one sitting so will be going back often.
June 2, 2026
Of course we out chea! But this book just handed me the names. Phenomenal Black people in every field dominating, some whom I should've already known off-rip!
I'd read 70m more books if each one named another great! So proud!
Interviews, sharp questions, Germain voice threaded all the way through, doing the all important work of a well researched interviewer.
Reaffirms that those little microaggressions are not small, the ones you talk yourself out of... This book names them all of it!
Spiritual, mental, physical, they will always be ongoing.
But you are encouraged to remind yourself you are still Black + Great!
I'd read 70m more books if each one named another great! So proud!
Interviews, sharp questions, Germain voice threaded all the way through, doing the all important work of a well researched interviewer.
Reaffirms that those little microaggressions are not small, the ones you talk yourself out of... This book names them all of it!
Spiritual, mental, physical, they will always be ongoing.
But you are encouraged to remind yourself you are still Black + Great!
January 3, 2026
Inspiring, honest, motivating and eye opening. A book that makes you appreciate the various routes to greatness and community impact.
February 21, 2026
I finished this book it was amazing it was good I love the writing in this book I enjoyed reading this book
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews