B L AC K H I S TO RY M O N TH
BAKER BOTTS LLP
BASF CORPORATION
Joe Robert Caldwell, Jr. Partner
Erika M. Peterman Vice President-Global Marketing, Pigments & Performance Additives
OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE
Too often African Americans are required to have stronger credentials than non-African Americans to get the same opportunities and to prove to colleagues and adversaries alike their capability, while facing the steady drumbeat of unconscious bias. In my view, institutionalized unconscious bias against African Americans in business is the strongest barrier to success we face.
GIVING BACK
None of us in the African-American community has succeeded without standing on the shoulders of those who preceded us. Giving back is the opportunity to say, “Thank you.” I have served in state, local, and federal governments; tried discrimination cases for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights; served as chair of the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, and as a Big Brother myself; served on panels of organizations speaking to and mentoring young African-American lawyers and law students about advancing their careers; and have been active in Democratic politics as chair of the National Lawyers Council of the DNC.
LESSONS LEARNED
There undoubtedly is a way to achieve your objective. If you do not achieve your objective with your first effort, stick with it and find another way. It will happen if you persist.
HOW I MOTIVATE OTHERS
To motivate others, I create an environment of openness, trust, confidence, and cooperation. This allows the whole team to talk openly about any topic. Showing an interest in the individual contributions of team members and focusing on driving results via employee empowerment are also crucial to motivating people.
LESSONS LEARNED
Above all else, keep your values intact. If you do not come to work every day and do the absolute best you can to make a positive difference in your business and work environment, you will eventually not be able to sleep at night. Be courageous, state your opinion and be steadfast in what you believe during difficult situations. In business, most topics are really not personal, and it is the diversity of perspectives that makes all business teams stronger.
CAREER ADVICE
Being a productive member of our workforce means you have earned your place in the business community. Be proud and remain creative. The perspective you bring to the table will be easily recognized through your contributions. As long as you enjoy what you do and continue to both work hard and play hard, people will notice.
BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ, PC Charles K. Grant, Shareholder OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE
A public education system that all too often fails to adequately educate children so that they can transcend poverty and the hopelessness that comes with it. While I have seen and been inspired by many success stories (including those of former felons who have rebuilt their lives), I also have seen the hopelessness of children and young people who simply do not believe they can change their circumstances. That is why I am such a staunch believer in ensuring educational and mentoring opportunities.
GIVING BACK
I am the board chair for Project Reflect, which sponsors Smithson-Craighead Academy, Nashville’s first charter school for low-income, at-risk children, over 95% of whom are black. In order for all of our children to have a chance to succeed, they must have strong educational options. My pro bono work has focused heavily on helping former felons regain the franchise through litigation and lobbying our state legislature. Disenfranchisement has had a particular impact on the black male population. I also work to further minority opportunities in the legal profession through my service on the Nashville Bar Association Board, through my service on our firm’s diversity and recruiting committees, and through mentoring. On December 6, 2013, I was installed as the first AfricanAmerican president of the Nashville Bar Association since its inception in 1831. So many have helped me along my journey, giving back is of the utmost importance to me.
CAREER ADVICE
Work very hard. Seek good mentors and learn from them. Maintain your integrity. And show appreciation to those who help you along the way (especially your secretary, if you are lucky enough to have a great one).
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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL
January/February 2014