The Way Up

Find your purpose, passion and pride.

For 10 years, author Errol Pierre worked to rise to a C-suite role at a healthcare company in New York City. As a Haitian and a Black man, fulfilling this ambition was no easy feat; and yet, once in the role of COO, Pierre felt conflicted inside. He realized that his job didn’t help anyone; indeed, his company encouraged him to lay people off and to cut the budgets of those below him. He saw that having focused solely on attaining the title of COO during his climb to the top, he’d lost sight of his greater purpose, true passions and sense of pride. Everyone – especially people of color, he feels – must define and incorporate these elements into their careers if they want a fulfilling work life.

Your purpose is your answer to the question, “What have I been put on Earth to accomplish?” Your answer can change with time, but it must always come from within. Pierre defines his purpose as helping other people become the “best version of themselves” – a goal he accomplishes through his work in heathcare. Your purpose guides and shapes your decisions about which...