Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite

A Seat at the C-Suite Table addresses an important issue in American culture—what it’s like for African Americans who work in leadership positions as executives. Author Chuck Wallington wrote the book because he wanted to understand why there aren’t many African American men working as chief executive officers, chief operating officers, and other C-suite positions. He also wanted African Americans who work in C-suites to share their advice with others. Wallington’s method was to interview successful African American men using a series of identical questions. The interviews were anonymous. The book’s contents include the identification of the problem that Wallington wanted to explore, the experiences of those interviewed, the consequences to corporations, and a summary where the author gives us the results of his research. The author concludes with his personal reflections on what he discovered. There is also an extensive list of references.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Seat at the C-Suite Table by Chuck Wallington. Because I’m a white male, I had only a vague idea of what obstacles African Americans face in corporations, so this book was exceptionally enlightening. It’s also a fascinating look into the thinking and feeling of a group of men who succeeded despite many barriers. Because Wallington holds a Ph.D. in leadership studies and has extensive experience working in American corporations, he displays vast insight into his topic. Adding the insights of those he interviewed makes this book an extraordinary one. I liked that Wallington interviewed his sources anonymously because that enabled them to be totally honest in telling their experiences and providing their opinions. The results are fascinating and of great value to business culture in today’s America. The book gives excellent advice not only for African American men but also for corporations. Every C-suite executive, whether black or white, should read it.