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The Next Little Black Book of Success

New Laws of Leadership for Black Women

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Hardcover (Paper-over-Board, no jacket)
$25.00 US
5.51"W x 8.15"H x 0.76"D   | 10 oz | 14 per carton
On sale Jan 13, 2026 | 176 Pages | 9780593729489

Rich with accessible, no-nonsense wisdom, this invaluable guide shows women how to utilize their leadership ability and maximize their potential in all areas of their life.

As “mentors in your pocket,” three successful Black women executives—Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLean—share their strategies for playing, and ultimately winning, the power game in corporate America. This updated edition of their 2009 classic The Little Black Book of Success offers all corporate professionals—from college students to entry level employees, senior executives to global leaders—across all industries advice to help them find success. Covering topics like navigating unconscious biases and microaggressions, managing a global workforce, returning to the office after years of remote work, and the importance of self-care, this edition has been optimized for today's culturally and politically complex world.

Anchored in the wisdom of experience—navigating their own transitions from high-powered corporate jobs to becoming entrepreneurs, authors, public speakers, and community leaders—Brown, Haygood, and McLean share all they have learned (and wish they had known), so future generations of professionals can benefit and flourish at work and beyond.
The Next Little Black Book of Success is exactly what we need in this moment: equal parts wisdom, courage, and care. Elaine, Marsha, and Rhonda don’t just tell us how to succeed; they show us how to lead with intention, resilience, and generosity in a world that too often overlooks our brilliance. This book is a roadmap, a mirror, and a reminder that none of us rises alone.” —Daisy Auger-Domínguez, author of Burnt Out to Lit Up and Inclusion Revolution

“An outstanding update to an essential career guidebook. It provides key advice on how to successfully navigate the new realities of the workplace.” —Henry McGee, senior lecturer of business administration at Harvard Business School

“A brilliant guide that reminds us that leadership is not only about personal success but also about legacy—and lifting others up as we rise. It’s about shaping a future where every seat at the table is earned and shared. These principles have been central to my own career journey and success.” —Maria Weaver, managing director of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips and former global president of Warner Music Experience

“Elaine, Marsha, and Rhonda offer invaluable lessons on leading with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. This book will inspire you to rise higher and bring others along.” —David Harper, managing principal of The Advisory Alliance

“Reading this book is like opening a precious treasure box. In it, the authors share truths for discerning your personal goals; what it takes to be yourself inside and outside of the “system”; and how to pay it forward, all shared from a place of deep caring. At a time when many leaders are feeling the stress of uncertainty, let this book be your guide. If you incorporate half of the wisdom found within, you will be far ahead of the game!” —Jane Hyun, global leadership strategist, author of Leadership Toolkit for Asians and Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling, and co-author of Flex

The Next Little Black Book of Success is a tremendously engaging and relevant guide for moving through the professional world. But it is also a genuine treasure house of enduring, powerful, and practical leadership lessons that are invaluable for navigating life in these challenging times.” —Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins, dean of Graduate and Leadership Studies at Virginia Union University

“Indeed, the band is back together with a fresh yet profound message to women on the rise. Sage wisdom and actionable insights leap from the pages.” —Amy Kemp, author of It’s All About the Dough and program associate for the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

“If you are ready to take the next steps on your career journey, The Next Little Black Book of Success: New Laws of Leadership for Black Women is a must-read. It’s an insightful guide to help you identify and achieve your goals, focus your energy, and harness your power.” —Ruth Hassell-Thompson, former New York State Senator
As a writer and producer, Elaine Meryl Brown has made significant impact in the media and entertainment industry. Her award-winning portfolio showcases a wide array of writing accomplishments, including a prestigious Daytime Emmy Award, two novels published by Penguin Random House, articles for Essence magazine, and over forty industry awards. View titles by Elaine Meryl Brown
Marsha Haygood is the president and founder of StepWise Associates, LLC, a career and personal development consultancy, and was formerly the EVP of Human Resources and Administration at New Line Cinema and Orion Pictures. View titles by Marsha Haygood
Rhonda Joy McLean is President and CEO of RJMLEADS LLC, a leadership consulting and career advancement company based in New York City. She is the former Deputy General Counsel of Time Inc., a global media company, where she managed one-third of the law department and provided legal counsel to over 200 clients for nearly twenty years, including Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, People, Essence, and other global brands. View titles by Rhonda Joy McLean

About

Rich with accessible, no-nonsense wisdom, this invaluable guide shows women how to utilize their leadership ability and maximize their potential in all areas of their life.

As “mentors in your pocket,” three successful Black women executives—Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLean—share their strategies for playing, and ultimately winning, the power game in corporate America. This updated edition of their 2009 classic The Little Black Book of Success offers all corporate professionals—from college students to entry level employees, senior executives to global leaders—across all industries advice to help them find success. Covering topics like navigating unconscious biases and microaggressions, managing a global workforce, returning to the office after years of remote work, and the importance of self-care, this edition has been optimized for today's culturally and politically complex world.

Anchored in the wisdom of experience—navigating their own transitions from high-powered corporate jobs to becoming entrepreneurs, authors, public speakers, and community leaders—Brown, Haygood, and McLean share all they have learned (and wish they had known), so future generations of professionals can benefit and flourish at work and beyond.

Praise

The Next Little Black Book of Success is exactly what we need in this moment: equal parts wisdom, courage, and care. Elaine, Marsha, and Rhonda don’t just tell us how to succeed; they show us how to lead with intention, resilience, and generosity in a world that too often overlooks our brilliance. This book is a roadmap, a mirror, and a reminder that none of us rises alone.” —Daisy Auger-Domínguez, author of Burnt Out to Lit Up and Inclusion Revolution

“An outstanding update to an essential career guidebook. It provides key advice on how to successfully navigate the new realities of the workplace.” —Henry McGee, senior lecturer of business administration at Harvard Business School

“A brilliant guide that reminds us that leadership is not only about personal success but also about legacy—and lifting others up as we rise. It’s about shaping a future where every seat at the table is earned and shared. These principles have been central to my own career journey and success.” —Maria Weaver, managing director of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips and former global president of Warner Music Experience

“Elaine, Marsha, and Rhonda offer invaluable lessons on leading with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. This book will inspire you to rise higher and bring others along.” —David Harper, managing principal of The Advisory Alliance

“Reading this book is like opening a precious treasure box. In it, the authors share truths for discerning your personal goals; what it takes to be yourself inside and outside of the “system”; and how to pay it forward, all shared from a place of deep caring. At a time when many leaders are feeling the stress of uncertainty, let this book be your guide. If you incorporate half of the wisdom found within, you will be far ahead of the game!” —Jane Hyun, global leadership strategist, author of Leadership Toolkit for Asians and Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling, and co-author of Flex

The Next Little Black Book of Success is a tremendously engaging and relevant guide for moving through the professional world. But it is also a genuine treasure house of enduring, powerful, and practical leadership lessons that are invaluable for navigating life in these challenging times.” —Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins, dean of Graduate and Leadership Studies at Virginia Union University

“Indeed, the band is back together with a fresh yet profound message to women on the rise. Sage wisdom and actionable insights leap from the pages.” —Amy Kemp, author of It’s All About the Dough and program associate for the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

“If you are ready to take the next steps on your career journey, The Next Little Black Book of Success: New Laws of Leadership for Black Women is a must-read. It’s an insightful guide to help you identify and achieve your goals, focus your energy, and harness your power.” —Ruth Hassell-Thompson, former New York State Senator

Author

As a writer and producer, Elaine Meryl Brown has made significant impact in the media and entertainment industry. Her award-winning portfolio showcases a wide array of writing accomplishments, including a prestigious Daytime Emmy Award, two novels published by Penguin Random House, articles for Essence magazine, and over forty industry awards. View titles by Elaine Meryl Brown
Marsha Haygood is the president and founder of StepWise Associates, LLC, a career and personal development consultancy, and was formerly the EVP of Human Resources and Administration at New Line Cinema and Orion Pictures. View titles by Marsha Haygood
Rhonda Joy McLean is President and CEO of RJMLEADS LLC, a leadership consulting and career advancement company based in New York City. She is the former Deputy General Counsel of Time Inc., a global media company, where she managed one-third of the law department and provided legal counsel to over 200 clients for nearly twenty years, including Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, People, Essence, and other global brands. View titles by Rhonda Joy McLean

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