Interview with Donald Thompson, Author of Underestimated

What’s the story behind the story? What impressed you to write down Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success?

My path to turning into a CEO was not direct or easy. It took exhausting work, dedication, and grit that was refined by three generations of the Thompson household. My inspiration for Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success targeted on the heroic efforts of people who got here earlier than me and laying out a path for many who would possibly really feel underestimated at this time or sooner or later.

This ebook is for anybody who has skilled that feeling of being underestimated. I hope it can function an inspiration and a information for what you are able to do to beat challenges and obtain greatness – regardless of your circumstances.

Tell us about The Diversity Movement. What is it? How did it come to be?

The Diversity Movement (TDM) started as a digital firm in 2019. It rapidly expanded right into a full-service, product-driven agency that has assisted greater than 100 shoppers in operationalizing variety, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as a technique for enterprise progress. Our specialists mix schooling, teaching, expertise, and analytics to help companies in creating stronger and extra equitable office cultures. TDM has already helped tens of millions of individuals on their DEI journeys via its award-winning content material, digital studying programs, consumer success companies, and worker product platform.

What is one piece of enterprise recommendation you assume everybody ought to know?

I believe it’s important for everybody to grasp that you’re not entitled to success. Success will not be given; it’s earned. Some of us might need to work more durable for that success because of components past our management, however an unfair or deprived circumstance will not be an excuse to throw within the towel.

What books are in your TBR pile proper now?

I’m wanting ahead to studying Don’t Ask the Blind Guy for Directions, the brand new memoir by my good friend John Samuel, who’s the CEO of Ablr. I’m additionally enthusiastic about Growing the Elephant: Increasing Earned Advantage for All by Chris Altizer and Gloria Johnson-Cusack. Both these books shine an vital gentle on the worth of variety, fairness, and inclusion within the office and throughout society extra broadly.

What half of your ebook was your favourite to write down?

An vital side of Underestimated was honoring my household, not simply my mother and father, but additionally my Granny and grandfather Big Daddy, specifically. They created a basis for me – of love, care, excellence, and competitiveness – so I might exit into this world and win, in spite of the circumstances. I keep in mind my grandfather telling me that I used to be destined for large issues after I was round 8 years outdated. At the time, I didn’t perceive what he meant. But there was this perception, from that younger age, that I might win with the playing cards that I used to be dealt.

Do you may have any quirky writing habits? (fortunate mugs, cats on laps, and many others.)

No quirky writing behavior or talismans for me. When I take into consideration writing, I can’t assist however look again on all of the preparation I’ve performed as a aggressive learner. For instance, I’ve been studying Harvard Business Review for greater than twenty years as a result of I need to all the time push myself to study from the very best. My love of studying has undoubtedly fueled my writing type and want to write down Underestimated.

Do you may have a motto, quote, or philosophy you reside by?

My philosophy is easy: don’t let others decide your worth!

If you might select one factor for readers to recollect after studying your ebook, what would it not be?

One of the defining classes that I discovered from my father was that there aren’t any limits to what I might accomplish if I have been prepared to study and put within the time for follow. When you reside out your values and commitments every day, you’re altering way more lives than any lecture ever might. The world is probably not designed for you or be a good taking part in area, however you’re the defining consider your success.