Racism in Communities: Who Matters?

Decades ago, before the advent of social media, I made thirty-seven calls a day to reach CEOs or C-suite executives in corporate businesses. My livelihood depended on these calls, and my boss meticulously supervised each one. This was the era of cold calling and lead generation. Business-savvy individuals like me were hired to make these calls and navigate past gatekeepers, earning significant money in the process. I made a good income, dressed well, and enjoyed Oat Lattes from fancy Starbucks cafes where white executives held their long meetings.

My boss was focused on closed leads: no lead, no money. We used an expensive company-purchased database with names, surnames, and job titles. Through persistence and a personable attitude, I often got past gatekeepers to reach potential clients, setting up meetings for our sales team. With 75% of my leads qualified, I built a network of C-suite contacts and sales professionals. As a temporary worker, I excelled and was frequently recognized as the best in the company. My French accent was attractive and distinctive, and despite having poor English, I consistently closed leads. My name was on the Wall of Fame each week.

People often asked how I could close leads so quickly; my answer was always persistence and patience. With a basic salary and on-target earnings (OTE), I could refurbish my kitchen and buy my son…