Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Way Up summary
Errol L. Pierre with Jim Jermanok
Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color
18 mins
Brief summary
The Way Up by Errol L. Pierre with Jim Jermanok is an inspirational memoir that recounts the author's journey from poverty and adversity to achieving success and finding fulfillment. It offers valuable lessons on resilience and the power of perseverance.
Table of Contents
The Way Up
Summary of 6 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 6
Knowing where to aim
The stories that people of color are told about themselves are often filtered through the people in power. This might leave you believing that the mountain is too hard to climb from where you stand. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Don’t let other people tell you your own story. Be proactive in learning about your cultural history, and the role models that can be found there.
Did you know, for instance, that The Three Musketeers was based on the life of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas – a Haitian man who escaped slavery to become a top military officer in Paris? At the time, he was the highest ranking officer of African descent to lead a European army. And his story inspired his son, Alexandre, to write the world-famous adventure we know today.
So seek out the stories that inspire you. When you know your heroes, you begin to recognize yourself in them.
As well as learning about your history, tap into what drives you personally. It's normal to focus on financial security in the face of economic inequality: in the US, the average net income of white families is almost ten times greater than their Black peers. But as you progress, know that the best salary isn’t always the best next step. You need to find your purpose.
Why are you driven to lead and succeed in business? Identify the unique impact only you can make. Your purpose can propel you through nearly every challenge. And by discovering your why early on, you can make decisions that guide you toward your version of success. You’ll have a better perspective on the skills you need to gain, the experiences that might be valuable, and the people who can help you along the way.
Set ambitious goals fueled by your higher purpose. If one pathway is blocked, it’s OK – that’s just one way up the mountain. Knowing your purpose means you can backtrack, and still keep your eye on the peak.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Way Up?
Key ideas in The Way Up
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Way Up about?
The Way Up (2022) is a career guidebook that provides professionals of color with empowering advice on climbing the corporate ladder. Drawing on interviews and lived experience, it tackles topics like expanding networks, overcoming impostor syndrome, and securing executive mentors. With motivating wisdom and practical strategies, it shows how to navigate workplace challenges and fulfill your leadership potential.
The Way Up Review
The Way Up (2021) by Errol L. Pierre with Jim Jermanok uncovers the transformative journey of overcoming obstacles and finding success. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Its inspiring narrative highlights the power of resilience and determination, leaving readers motivated to overcome challenges in their own lives.
- Through a blend of personal stories and insightful advice, the book offers practical strategies for pursuing one's ambitions and reaching new heights.
- With its captivating storytelling, the book keeps readers hooked, never allowing a dull moment while exploring the path to achievement.
Who should read The Way Up?
- Professionals of color
- Managers wanting to support diversity
- Leaders from diverse communities
Categories with The Way Up
Book summaries like The Way Up
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Way Up FAQs
What is the main message of The Way Up?
The main message of The Way Up is to find your own path to success and fulfillment.
How long does it take to read The Way Up?
The reading time for The Way Up varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Way Up a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Way Up is a worthwhile read for those seeking inspiration and guidance on achieving their goals.
Who is the author of The Way Up?
The author of The Way Up is Errol L. Pierre with Jim Jermanok.
What to read after The Way Up?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Way Up, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus
- Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Amen MD Daniel G. & Charles Fay
- The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine
- The Imposter Cure by Dr. Jessamy Hibberd
- The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
- The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
- The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco
- The Free-Time Formula by Jeff Sanders
- The Next Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley & Sarah Stanley Fallaw
- The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett