Dr. Randal Pinkett did not originally envision himself as an author. Drawn to math and science when he was younger, he became a lifelong entrepreneur and business leader, and that expertise lent itself to the publication of five books.
Now, along with the title of writer, Dr. Pinkett adds the distinction of award-winning author. Dr Pinkett is the recipient of two Axiom Awards Gold Medals for his most recent titles, Black Faces in High Places: 10 Strategic Actions for Black Professionals to Reach the Top and Stay There, and Data-Driven DEI: The Tools and Metrics You Need to Measure, Analyze and Improve Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
We had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Pinkett about what it means to win two Axiom Awards, his writing process, and his focus on building equity and inclusion that bolsters others along the way.
What Winning Two Axiom Awards Means
Winning not one, but two Axiom Awards has been a rewarding experience for Pinkett. “I was excited and elated, humbled and honored,” he says. A business leader and innovator for 30 years, author for 18, and writer of five books, this was his first business book award. “I was especially proud because I pride myself on being a businessman, and Axiom seeks to recognize authors in this tradition.”
The Axiom Awards have been a multi-platform benefit for Dr. Pinkett and his career pursuits. Besides promoting the award on his social media and marketing materials, it has served as a source for networking. “I’ve been taking advantage of any and every opportunity for interviews,” he says, “including podcasts, and updating the descriptions of my books on bookseller websites to cite the award!”
Axiom Establishing Authority
Beyond the personal benefits of winning an Axiom Award, the book awards have heightened Dr. Pinkett’s profile as a business authority and speaker. “Winning an Axiom Business Book Award has had a very positive impact,” he says. “It has elevated my profile and platform as an entrepreneur, public speaker and media personality.”
Pinkett notes that the Axiom Awards have also enhanced his business pursuits as well. “It has opened doors for my business, BCT Partners, whose mission is to transform lives, accelerate equity, and create lasting change. And, quite pleasantly, but perhaps not surprisingly, it has helped me sell more books!”
Expanding Network
For Dr. Pinkett, winning an Axiom Award has helped grow conversations and expand connections. “I have had a wonderful experience as an award winner,” he says. “Not only from the prestige and publicity it has helped generate, but also from the opportunity to meet-and-greet with other award winners.”
Networking is an important aspect for businesses and entrepreneurs, but for Dr. Pinkett, meeting other winners has also been personally insightful. “Learning more about their inspirations, their journeys, and their works, has been both informative and inspiring.”
Writing With Purpose
Dr. Pinkett’s first publication was a highly collaborative process. “Black Faces in High Places, my co-author, Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, and I would take one weekend each month to camp out in a hotel room and write,” he says. Guided by detailed outlines, the pair would each take a chapter and “divide and conquer” the work, followed by extensive revisions until the chapter was completed.
The writing for Data-Driven DEI followed a similar process. But as the sole author, “It took more than twice as long!” he says.
Like many authors, Dr. Pinkett was inspired by prior works and publications to create one of his own. These titles include Black Faces in High Places by Helen G. Edmonds, Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? by Reginal F. Lewis and Blair S. Walker and How to Succeed in Business Without Being White by Earl G. Graves, Sr., just to name a few.
And besides the books of predecessors, Dr. Pinkett was also motivated by the decades of work and aspirations of his company. Quoting from the dedication in his book he says, “Data-Driven DEI is a direct result of the mission and vision we set out to accomplish when we began our social entrepreneurship journey more than three decades ago, centered on the African philosophy of Ubuntu: I am because we are!”
Themes & Topics
For Dr. Pinkett, the messages of his books are centered on encouraging and inspiring others as they ascend. “For Black Faces in High Places, my hope is that readers walk away with a very simple guiding principle: lift as you climb,” he says. “It’s not enough to make it to the top, or even to stay there, but rather, that you are helping others at every step along the way.”
And for his newest title, Dr. Pinkett expresses that it is personal change that ultimately can drive organizational change. “I find people are often drawn to the book to help guide their organization’s DEI journey,” he says. “And while the book speaks directly to this topic, it is centered first on their personal DEI journey because that ultimately drives the organization’s DEI journey.”
Advice for Authors
Dr. Pinkett notes that even for those that never set out to be an author, sitting down and writing can have great rewards. “If my English teachers could see me now, they would be beaming with pride (and, quite honestly, some surprise)!” he jokes. The effort has earned him the distinction of award-winning author, which he proudly now includes in his introductions, biographies, and social media profiles.
And as far as advice for submitting for awards like Axiom? “Do not delay and do not be denied! Submit today!”
Learn more about Dr. Pinkett and his award-winning titles here.
READY TO EXPAND YOUR INFLUENCE?
Dr. Randall Pinkett’s story goes to show that sharing one’s knowledge and expertise can go a long way! From expanding the profile of a business to inspiring others on ways to accelerate equity, encourage support, and generate organizational change through personal growth, Dr. Pinkett’s journey is a testament to the connective power of publishing.
Do you have a business book that you’ve been mulling over? Consider submitting your work to the Axiom Awards. You never know how far your network could go.
