I have always been a student of power, reflecting on individuals with the will and ability to produce a lasting effect. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been such an avid reader of presidential biographies. The exercise of power that advances a nation or retards its growth fascinates me. Over the past two years, I have been proud of our company’s front-row access in our multiplatform coverage of the Obama administration’s decision-making apparatus as it duels with Congress over what’s best for America. I have been equally drawn to books on the civil rights movement and the clear demonstration that the actions of a few can serve as a catalyst for institutional change.
Throughout my years at BLACK ENTERPRISE, I have found it exhilarating to chronicle the ascent of business visionaries who took a spark of an idea, revolutionized industries, and opened doors for those who had been shut out. To demonstrate this fact, our editors have created The Power Issue. This month, we view collective might and individual muscle through different prisms.
BLACK ENTERPRISE has been known for producing rosters that highlight power players in the executive suite. This year, we have decided to produce our first-ever listing of the Top Executives in Marketing & Advertising, men and women who promote the world’s most celebrated brands and, as a result, have played a role in diversification of campaigns in print, online, and over the airwaves. Our cover subjects are representative of this group: Frank Cooper, SVP and chief engagement officer for beverage and snack food giant PepsiCo; Don Coleman, CEO of GlobalHue advertising agency, the nation’s largest black-owned firm; Richelle Parham, CMO for online retailer and auction house eBay; and Charlotte McKines, VP of global marketing communications for Merck, the pharmaceuticals behemoth.
You don’t have to be an elected official or C-suite executive, however, to leverage your authority. On the following pages, our editors share 50 power moves that will help you bolster your finances, advance in your career, and expand your business. Also, our features “Become an Empowered Patient†and “How to Negotiate a Great Deal for a New Car†offer specific strategies on how to fight for services you deserve and acquire them at prices you can afford. So don’t just admire the powerful from afar. Read on and use our tips to claim your clout.