Qualified. Black. Passed Over.

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/qualified-black-passed-over-Episode Video Link: He trained the employee. The employee got the promotion. When Eric G.W. Jones asked why, management had no answer.On A Black Executive Perspective, Tony Franklin sits down with Eric for a candid conversation about race, workplace bias, leadership, and what happens when hard work does not translate into opportunity.From a childhood without electricity in rural Jamaica to a 35-year career and vice-presidential responsibilities overseeing a $4 billion infrastructure portfolio, Eric’s journey reflects both the possibilities and contradictions of the American dream.Eric shares two defining promotion experiences, the differences between Black immigrant and African American perspectives, and the role workplace politics can play in deciding who advances. He also explores five qualities of effective leadership and why integrity must remain the foundation of a professional career.Drawing from Life Lessons From Two Worlds: My Jamaican American Journey, Eric explains how he found purpose beyond his title—and became the “CEO of Me.”IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:• Why strong performance does not always lead to fair recognition. • How history shapes different experiences within the Black community. • Why speaking truth to power tests an organization’s commitment to leadership. • How to respond with professionalism while standing on your principles. • What it means to define success beyond your career.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Passed over for someone he trained05:00 Growing up in Jamaica: resourcefulness and a mother’s example17:00 Coming to America: expectations meet reality23:00 Excellent reviews, unequal rewards28:00 Black immigrants, African Americans, and shared struggles35:00 A promotion without a raise—and demanding answers44:00 A $4 billion portfolio and another promotion barrier54:00 Merit, workplace politics, and speaking truth to power1:02:00 Five qualities of effective leadership1:06:00 Becoming the “CEO of Me” and 136 life lessons1:12:00 Eric’s memoir and a career built on integrity1:17:00 Tony’s Tidbit, LESS, and closing reflections🔗 ResourcesLearn more about Eric and his memoir, Life Lessons From Two Worlds: My Jamaican-American Journey: https://www.ericgwjones.comFollow A Black Executive Perspective, share this episode, and leave a review to help more listeners discover these conversations.Connect across social platforms: @ABlackExecLearn. Empathize. Share. Stop discrimination.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedIn<a href="https://Instagram.com/ablackexec" rel=