Blacks In Leadership

On February 7, at the NJ Zone Conference on the New Jersey Institute of Technology's campus, NSBE CJAE organized a panel discussion entitled "Blacks in Leadership". Our distinguished panel included:

• Maurice J Brown, Director, External Affairs , Verizon
• Bruce Curry, Director, Corporate Headquarters Facilities, Johnson and Johnson
• Cary L. Hall, Jr., VP-Investments, UBS Financial Services Inc. 
•  Mark Settles, Managing Director, Diversity Recruiting Executive, JPMorgan Chase

If you missed what was a very educative and engaging event, here are our panel's responses to additional questions on leadership. We hope you'll be inspired. 

Mr. Bruce Curry

1. What does the election of Barack Obama mean to you as a Black Leader?

It will provide America the opportunity to gain our competitive edge in key science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. We have the opportunity to strive for excellence in all areas of Business and Understanding our President has been in our footsteps. We must continue to support our President in the area of Diversity and ensure we treat people fair. We need to focus on mentorships for each other and continue to support each other’s success in Business. We must help our communities we work and live in daily. Every must do our parts in Life.

2. What would you consider as some of the "do’s and don’ts" for young African American's aspiring to become leaders?

Do's:

Ten Characteristics to Effective Leadership:

1. Honesty and Integrity.

2. Clearly communicates expectations.

3. Recognizes and reward achievement.

4. Adapts to changing circumstances.

5. Inspires others.

6. Puts the right people in the right roles at the right time.

7. Has a passion to succeed.

8. Identifies and articulates long-term vision for the future.

9. Persuades and encourages others to move in desired direction.

10. Accepts responsibility for successes and failures.

Don'ts:

1. Don't do the opposite of the Do's.

2. Don't give up on your passion and dreams. 
 
 

Mr. Mark Settles

1.       What is proactively being done to develop more minorities within your organization so that they are at a level to attain senior leadership positions? 

Each line of business has a rigorous talent review process. Once completed, action plans are developed for key talent, and managers are held accountable to execute those plans. Some lines of business run programs to position their top diverse talent for advancement. For example, our credit card business holds an annual Advanced Leader Program, which is designed to provide managers an opportunity to improve their leadership skills in a meaningful, practical way. These programs are intentionally populated with a significant number of diverse talents. 

2.       If you had to work your way to the top again is there anything you would do differently and why? 

I would start the process of networking earlier in life. When done well, it opens up doors that you did not even know existed. 

Mr. Cary Hall

1.  Do you feel that you have had a positive effect on the community and if so can you elaborate? 

Yes. I believe through educating the community through my seminars about leadership, networking, professionalism, and the basics of financial planning I have been able to touch many lives. As a board member on several 501C3 organizations I feel I am able to affect policy and again improve lives in many communities on a wider scale. I have, and had many mentees over the years. I just hope I was able to motivate them and help them gain the confidence to find their own way and reach for their dreams 

2.       Are you comfortable with the classification “Black Leader?” 

Yes, I am comfortable with it, however, I am humbled by the thought of being perceived as a leader. I immediately think of the great leaders we have had over history and their dedication to the common good then I look at myself as one that just tries to give back on a smaller scale. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. I hope that I help those that I come into contact with see their full potential.