COL Irving Smith, general manager of Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., speaks with Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek about serving as an Infantry Officer and Battalion Executive Officer over his 27 years in the U.S. military, where he was one of only a few Black service members in his regiment. Smith will touch on how he maintained his composure and displayed strength in the face of adversity, particularly in overcoming injustice and inequality experienced within military institutions. Smith touches on the contemporary challenges, including diversity and inclusion, that military leadership currently face and the steps leadership must take to overcome them, as well as how to confront injustice and inequality and the power of mentorships and relationship building in an effort to create a successful professional workplace atmosphere.