This article was written for our sponsor, The Diversity Movement

Donald Thompson’s journey from being born in a poor, racially-charged Southern milltown to becoming a global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) executive is a powerful lens for examining contemporary American history. His story centers on two key traits: overcoming whatever obstacles are placed in your path and being courageous enough to chase success.

 

In Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success, Thompson shares his lessons learned – the epic tale of a Black man who faced the prejudices inherent in today’s world, but fought to overcome them. Rather than give in to forms of racism created to keep him down, he used his innate tenacity, grit and determination to ultimately fulfill his dreams.

While stories of Black entertainers, artists, and underdogs have become part of mainstream popular culture in recent years, the racial divide in the cutthroat business world still persists. For example, there are currently only four Black CEOs among the Fortune 500 and fewer than two dozen have held that position in the 67-year history of the rankings.

Rising to CEO, tech entrepreneur and industry leader, Thompson faced a multitude of challenges to enter rooms that had historically been roped off to African Americans. Even as society confronts its DEI challenges, he is still one of too few Black CEOs, whether in large corporations or as leaders in the high-tech economy.

Underestimated provides readers an unflinching, probing portrait of the diversity challenges that still haunt the national psyche. “In a time of rising pessimism about life, work, and our fracturing societies,” explains Jamie Merisotis, President/CEO of the Lumina Foundation. “Donald Thompson offers a personal, powerful reflection on believing in oneself and securing a just future in which diversity makes us stronger and more united.”

“It’s not that I’m unaware or overly optimistic about the social challenges we currently face around race, politics, and prejudice,” Thompson explains. “I just decided that my dreams are big enough to overcome an unfair playing field. Rather than focus on problems and setbacks, I look at how I rebounded and adapted to turn even the most difficult situations into learning experiences.”

A STRONG FOUNDATION

Thompson’s achievements were built on deep-rooted family values. He watched and learned from his grandparents, who overcame tragic racism in rural Louisiana, and his parents, who moved north to Connecticut to escape their limited surroundings. Despite these events, his family created an environment where he could dream without boundaries.

“Through the values my family instilled, I learned that each struggle I faced earlier in life and each obstacle I have had to overcome has built my strength to achieve greatness despite adversity,” Thompson says. “They taught me that the world is not fair, but it is my job to win, even if the odds are stacked against me. And, they showed me I have a responsibility to clear the path for those who will follow.”

Part memoir and part leadership lessons, Thompson writes movingly about his experiences as a Black leader. His story is one of hard work, continual learning, and resilience, which enabled him to achieve his most audacious aspirations and become an award-winning champion of diversity, equity and inclusion at The Diversity Movement, while leading successful organizations to tremendous growth and influence over two decades.

“There were plenty of reasons for me not to succeed in the business world. As a Southern-born African American with no college degree and no technological background, I could have been angry or had a chip on my shoulder,” Thompson says. “The easy choice would have been to sit around wishing things were more fair or easier – except that I come from a family of fighters.”

DIVERSITY FOR A BETTER WORLD

Thompson not only had to hurdle challenges based on racial prejudice, he later faced skepticism because he did not have a college degree or high-tech experience. Yet, he was able to chart a unique path based on competitive learning and an unyielding desire to win. However, Thompson’s story continues to evolve in a society that – for the most part – still sees him as “just another Black guy.”

“What struck me most was the prevailing lesson he leaves with all of us: the health and prosperity of our country depends on the health and prosperity of all,” says Eileen Park Robertson, filmmaker and founder of Anecdotia. Thompson’s message is clear: “Empower the marginalized, heal communities, and don’t be afraid to disrupt the status quo.”

Candid, outspoken, and refreshing, Thompson offers a remarkable look at corporate America through the eyes of a true outsider who found his way into the halls of power. His story demonstrates that no matter who you are, hard work and determination can change your life – as you set out to change the world.

“The world is in such a state of flux. We still have so far to go to create a just and equitable society,” Thompson explains. “What we’ve seen in recent years are stark reminders that you cannot out-earn racism, bigotry, or bias. However, my success was built on years of working hard, learning from poor decisions and understanding how to dream (and win) big even when I was underestimated based on someone else’s vision of ‘success,’ usually defined by pedigree or pigmentation.”

“I believe deeply in corporate social responsibility and the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Businesses must be fully aware of—and fully accountable for—their impact,” Thompson says. “At this moment, we each have a tremendous responsibility to help change the world. Whether you’re a young professional, an entrepreneur, an emerging leader, a well-established business executive, or something else entirely, this is your time to commit to change.”

For more information about Donald Thompson and Underestimated, click here. To find the book at your local independent bookseller, visit Bookshop.org.

 

This article was written for our sponsor, The Diversity Movement