Description
Book SynopsisIn stark and compelling prose, Thomas W. Jones tells his story as a campus revolutionary who led an armed revolt at Cornell University in 1969 and then altered his course over the next fifty years to become a powerful leader in the financial industry including high-level positions at John Hancock, TIAA-CREF and Citigroup as Wall Street plunged into its darkest hour.
From Willard Straight to Wall Street provides a front row seat to the author''s triumphs and struggles as he was twice investigated by the SECand emerged unscathed. His searing perspective as an African American navigating a world dominated by whites reveals a father, a husband, a trusted colleague, a Cornellian, and a business leader who confronts life with an unwavering resolve that defies cliché and offers a unique perspective on the issues of race in America today.
The book begins on the steps of Willard Straight Hall where Jones and his classmates staged an occupation for two days that demanded
Trade Review
"A marvelous book—a compelling must read story for all. For young black and minority youth who do not know what is possible and what can be achieved. For whites who need to understand and recognize the multi-talented contributions that a black man has accomplished. And above all, for those who need to believe in the power of setting and living with goals of excellence in all they do. This book is informative and honest." -- Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., Chairman and CEO, TIAA-CREF, 1987—1993
"This is the long-awaited and deeply revealing autobiography of Tom Jones, one of the leaders of the armed takeover of a Cornell University building by black students in 1969, later a successful Wall Street executive for many decades. Jones tells his quintessentially American story with passion and conviction, and with a mixture of pride and regret. For a country still grappling with racial issues fifty years later, this is a seminal account of a life of dramatic action and religiously inspired thought." -- Hunter R. Rawlings III, Cornell University
"This story will put to rest any notion that Wall Street is a fair, squeaky clean, meritocracy-based system that is team oriented and color blind. Tom rose above it and triumphed, in part due to his commitment to excellence. A great read by a wonderful man." -- Joseph Deane, Former Executive Vice President, PIMCO
"Tom Jones presents a unique insiders perspective on the causes of Citigroup's collapse. As head of Asset Management, he helped to make it a powerful profit center while gaining the respect of all who worked for and with him. This story is a must read." -- Hersh Cohen, Co-CIO, ClearBridge Investments
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
1. Guns at Cornell
2. 1970s: Getting Started
3. 1980s: Climbing Higher
4. TIAA-CREF
5. Sandy's Family
6. Ground Zero
7. Caught in Freddie Mac's Perfect Storm
8. Hung Out to Dry
9. Beating the SEC
10. Life after Citigroup
11. A Return to See How Far We've Come
Appendix
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