Call and Response

10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church

De: L. Michelle Smith

Narrado por: L. Michelle Smith, Robin Miles

In collaboration with JVL Media -- A captivating exploration of why many high-performing Black business leaders attribute their transformational leadership qualities to their experiences growing up in the Black Church and how we can foster these skills in younger generations despite waning church attendance.

The Black church in the U.S. has long been a “one-stop shop” for developing Black leaders, teaching them many of the qualities required to lead effectively in today’s ultra-competitive, digital, and swiftly transforming corporate world. Many high-performing Black leaders benefited from their experiences growing up in this cultural institution steeped in rich history.

Merging cultural study with applied neuroscience and tenets of positive psychology, L. Michelle Smith dissect how these qualities are demonstrated by leaders across industries, from resiliency to their sense of undeniable purpose, their ability to build community and collaborative environments, the delivery and language of their speaking style to their unique leadership flair. She reveals how this historic institution has served as a timeless wellspring of leadership development, empowerment, and cultural preservation and ultimately, is Black leaders’ “secret sauce.”

Call & Response also explores whether the Black Church will be able to continue to ingrain these skills in future generations. Smith examines how cultural shifts have resulted in a decline in church attendance, how online attendance has risen since the Covid pandemic, and finally, how Black leaders may—or may not—be passing these traditions down to their children.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Leadership Built on Foundational Values

This insightful book invites readers to examine the core principles that shape their leadership style. Grounded in neuroscience rather than fleeting emotions, the book emphasizes the importance of deeply rooted values—many of which are nurtured through community involvement from a young age in the Black Church.

L. Michelle Smith shares these early lessons of community and values that continue to influence leadership. Stressing that a solid foundation is essential for casting vision, adding value, fostering community, and developing new leaders through a welcoming yet curious style of narration.

By reconnecting with these fundamental truths, “Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church” offers a compelling guide for leaders seeking authenticity, resilience, and a meaningful impact.

Fantastic!

I learned so much reading this book. It is well researched, backed by science and includes includes a number of important meaningful anecdotes from leaders I respect. L. Michelle skillfully weaves the history, meaning and significance of the Black Church into actionable leadership lessons for today. Well done.