Appreciate the thoughts in this piece. My work sometimes falls into the category of success tips.

I’m black. I also have had a criminal record. I’m still successful now and I try to share a message of succeeding in spite of the inherent unfairness of the world, which is a message that I think needs to coincide with the fight for equality.

There’s a fine line between recognizing inequality and becoming a victim of it.

I believe in black excellence, women excellence, LGBTQ excellence. Yes, the mantra of “be so good they can’t ignore you” entails spite for a system that should be better, but it can work.