DC - You have been at the forefront of changing the way black people think about creating wealth in their communities for a long time. Explain what finally motivated you to publish this book.
JHL - There were multiple reasons and many people who encouraged me to write my book. The number one person was my daughter, Camille, who has been a part of my journey and she thought more people, including friends and family members should receive a more in-depth view of my life as a change agent. In addition, there were thousands of professional people I have sponsored and mentored over the years who were urging me to tell my story. Once I decided to write the book, I wanted it to be a book that focused on solutions to the challenges that confronted minorities. I have read a lot of books over the years that address racial injustice, but few offered solutions that accepted the givens of our society and the free enterprise system.
DC- Describe what people should expect to discover from reading Change Agent and what you hope they will do with what they learn.
JHL - I wrote the book to appeal to and educate all people in our society. My hope is that:
• Black young professionals would discover that to be successful and wealthy in America, there is no singular path, and one should have personal goals.
• Leaders of all colors should accept that the struggle for social, economic, and political equity is very complex because of America’s 400-year history.
• Young professionals would get a clear understanding of the challenges and rewards of a career in consulting with companies like BCG and McKinsey.
DC - As a Black Executive you have worked with some of the best corporations in America and are connected to some of the highest profile businesspeople in the world. Describe why it is so difficult for minorities to penetrate organizations at the top level and secure executive level positions.
JHL - After forty years analyzing and trying to make a difference, the lack of progress can be contributed to the same five reasons:
• CEOs and C-Suite executives solving the problem was not a high priority. If they do not lead, there will be minimum progress
• When CEOs and C-Suite executives deem it a low priority, the leadership learns and does not invest money to solve them
• There are too few highly motivated minorities in C-Suite positions to assist CEOs in guiding the organization
• Corporate America is unwilling to accept that to ameliorate or solve the problem it will take years, not months, and billions of dollars of investments
• The unique skills, assets, and history of black professionals are not valued or accepted. Blacks do not receive the same mentoring, coaching, and sponsor support that their white counterparts receive.
DC - Tell us the type of person that should read Change Agent and why?
JHL - People who have read and enjoyed the book say there are multiple books in Change Agent. They are correct. I wrote a mini black historical journey, gave an honest portrayal of the highs and lows of my career, illustrated the power of relationships, and outlined a ten-step course of action for black economic empowerment. While the book has a very diverse audience, my main target group is black millennials, but I’m getting great feedback from every age and demographic. I want them to learn where we have been, where we are today, and where we should plan to be in the future.