photo by steed media service

Inspirational speakers often assert that true prosperity results, in part, from the harmonic union of job gratification and appropriate compensation. Sonia Alleyne, careers and lifestyle editor for Black Enterprise magazine, facilitated a panel discussion at the National Urban League convention to explore strategies for growing professional prosperity among African Americans.

“We really wanted to communicate to the audience the importance of knowing how to play the game of corporate America and developing the right strategies, so that you can make the money, but also be really successful and happy in what you do,” Alleyne said at the conference in St. Louis.

The prominent panel of guest speakers stated that reaching the pinnacle in pay, position and job satisfaction, results from the application of a few core principles, such as preparation and knowing your value to the company. “We don’t have a problem working. We’ll work hard, and we’ll work long hours, but we don’t know what our real value is, our worth,” Alleyne explained. “So [the panel] spent a lot of time talking about understanding what you’re worth to a company, and then knowing when to ask for what you deserve.”

Alleyne has seen scores of professionals who embody the principles put forth by the Urban League panelists. “I have lot of respect for people who make it to the upper echelon of corporate America because it’s a tough road and they have incredible fortitude.They understand people, and a lot of them have been able to really stay grounded and remain who they are,” she added. - terry shropshire

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