Twice as Hard: Navigating Black Stereotypes and Creating Space for Success

By Raphael Sofoluke and Opeyemi Sofoluke

An inspirational book about what it means to be Black in the working world, with practical steps on how to overcome prejudice to find success

This book is an exercise in building your network. We've spoken to over 40 successful business people to help you gain from their advice and create space for your own personal growth.

Twice As Hard is an exploration of Black identity in the working world and a blueprint for success. You will learn what obstacles limit opportunity for Black professional progress, how to understand and overcome racial stereotypes, be productive, find purpose, and ultimately thrive in business.

Authors Opeyemi and Raphael Sofoluke explore their own personal brand of ethics, the challenges they have faced in their careers, and the learnings they took from them, before inviting other successful business people in a broad range of industries to share their experiences and the practical measures they take to realise their goals, too. Featuring tips on entrepreneurship, as well as insights on the corporate world, this book aims to empower and inspire Black professionals, get everyone thinking and talking about their actions, and continue the fight for a truly inclusive, understanding society.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0744039932
• ISBN13: 9780744039931
• Release Date: June 2021
• Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Insightful, important and timely

Twice as Hard is written by the entrepreneurial husband and wife team Opeyemi and Raphael Sofoluke. It is intended as a guide for Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the working world. It is divided into nine sections that include networking, growth, navigating white spaces, finances, health, how to be an ally, advice and wisdom. This books draws on the advice and experience of over 40 successful Black business people. Although I am not Black, I found this book to contain relevant advice that anyone could benefit from. Twice as Hard was eye-opening and educated me about the adverse experiences and struggles that Black people face in the personal and working world. The section on health addresses how racism, microaggressions and the persistence of stereotypes contribute to stress and burnout for Black people. The sections on navigating white spaces and how to be an ally were an inspiration to self-educate and actively take a stand against racism at work and in society. Holding up a "Black Lives Matter" sign is good, but not enough. One must take ownership in recognizing white privilege and the harm it does, and then working to eliminate it. Twice as Hard is a book that needs to be read by everyone, and should be on the reading lists for business and professional schools and HR departments. #BookishFirst

Super inspiring!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I love the fact the authors are an entrepreneurial husband and wife team pairing up to tell the story of success in the black community. It’s refreshing to see positivity and enlightenment towards this subject versus victimizing and hopelessness. They are honest and upfront about the struggles and the people interviewed are honest as well but instead of relying on negative downfalls they teach you the building blocks needed to achieve greatness in the business world. I always felt that if you make good decisions and hang with the right crowd, success is possible for anyone, anytime, anyplace. I was SUPER inspired reading this book and my career has nothing to do with the business world! Haha! Go to your bookstore and buy this for yourself.. buy this for a friend.. and then pass it on. The message is SO positive and uplifting.. and TOO important to keep the secret of this joyous book all to yourself!