Succeeding While Black

Succeeding While BlackBy Helen S. on August 3, 2013Format: PaperbackTruthful and Relevant Succeeding While Black is a very good example of what can happen when young people focus and work hard. Matthew Drayton had to overcome a lot of obstacles to become successful but showed that perseverance, discipline and hard work does pay off. This is a good book for young people especially African Americans because Matthew is critical of a lot of the behaviors that are keeping young African Americans from becoming successful. I especially like the chapters about appearance and social media, both were right on point.
I think this book can help a lot of young people who are looking to become successful, and don't know where to start.

Practical and UnderstandableBy Linda C. on March 23, 2013Format: Paperback Verified PurchaseThis book urges African-Americans to begin doing the right things and succeed. I was pleasantly surprised by some of Matthew's statements. He says for example, "I truly believe that the less you talk in life the better off you will be....Most African-Americans talk way too much in the workplace." Very interesting and something to ponder. Matthew discusses how education is crucial for success and so are qualities like discipline, integrity, and commitment. I also like that he shares his life story, which started very humbly. This is a book for anyone, but I do think high school students and young adults will especially enjoy and benefit from its straight-forward message.

Great Advice from Someone Who's lived what he promotes.By Jean G. Walkden on March 16, 2014Format: Kindle Edition Verified PurchaseEasy to read and filled with anecdotes that give insights, advice and a positive roadmap for anyone who wants to improve their life.

Formula for SuccessBy Susan M. Welch on February 2, 2014Format: Kindle Edition Verified PurchaseMr Drayton has written a succinct formula for succeeding in life. Although his book is focused on the unique challenges of African-American youth, the formula applies to all. As he makes abundantly clear, so many of the elements of society that are critical to raising a child with a good chance of success in life are missing, particularly these days when the safety nets of church, extended family and school systems have been severely strained by the onslaught of modern technology and a shaky economy. But, as he points out, the blame game doesn't get you anywhere and at some point, you have to take responsibility for your own life. As a SGM once said to me long ago, "Its an individual effort, do the best you can"! Life is never easy but applying the concepts Mr Drayton discusses in this book will give anyone the ability to succeed at whatever they choose to do.

I only gave it four stars because Mr Drayton left his readers hanging after the tour in Korea; more anecdotes about his personal experiences would have been very interesting. While the focus of this book was motivational/self help, it could quite easily have been turned into a full blown autobiography by one of the quiet professionals who has done his part to shape the greatest military in history.

It has refocused meBy Billyrayjay on December 30, 2014Format: Kindle Edition Verified PurchaseStraight to the point. Short book. Althrough not a life altering book for an adult, Drayton's audience is the children. And as a kid, I read a book called "Think Big" by Ben Carson and it changed my life. This book is similiar. As an adult reader of this book, I can definitely say it has refocused me.

Author bio:

Retired Army Sergeant Major, author and speaker Matthew R. Drayton was born in Savannah, GA in an underprivileged neighborhood. He joined the military to leave his environment and become financially independent, which lead to a decorated 26-year in the U.S. Army. In addition to his military service, Drayton has been a senior analyst for the Northrop Grumman Corporation and a radio on-air personality and station manager. He has also worked as a senior Department of Defense civilian for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Drayton is the owner of Drayton Communications, a corporate speaker, life coach, consultant and leadership expert with over 35 years of experience in government and commercial commerce. He has also been mentoring youth for over a decade and is currently the Executive Director of Great Oak Youth Development Center, a non-profit organization that mentors at risk youth. The author of Succeeding While Black and a member of the National Speakers Association, Drayton resides near Raleigh, NC with his wife of 32 years, with whom he has two grown children.

For more information, visit www.MattDrayton.com and connect with him on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.