In this week’s Thought Sparks Podcast episode, Rita McGrath, a Columbia University Business School Professor, C-Suite strategist, business founder and best-selling author, speaks with Cheryl McKissack Daniel, the fifth-generation leader of McKissack & McKissack, the nation’s oldest Black-owned design and construction services firm. Her book, “The Black Family Who Built America”, traces her family’s narrative from enslavement to building iconic American buildings, such as the National Civil Rights Museum, and Barclays Arena. Cheryl shares her insights and strategies for success in a white male-dominated industry. 

00:06 Why This Book Now: Telling True Stories of the American Past 

3:34: Origins: From Enslavement to Becoming the First Black Licensed Architects in America 

6:47: Breaking Into the “Old Boys’ Club” 

15:28: The Barclays Center Arena: The McKissacks’ Role in Revitalizing Downtown Brooklyn 

19:37: The Value of Sharing the Whole Story: What Business Books and Memoirs Leave Out 

21:04: The Next Generation and Effective Succession Planning 

22:30: Advice for Young Black Women Considering Design and Construction 

Thought Sparks are the brainchild of Rita McGrath. They are insightful actions, strategic ideas, actionable suggestions and innovative approaches that help organizations and leaders master the future with less fear and more confidence.  

New episodes of the Thought Sparks Podcast are released every other Tuesday at 11am Eastern.  

Want to learn more about Rita’s ideas and hear more of her conversations with business leaders and innovators?  

• Listen to more Thought Sparks Podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts  and Spotify. 

• Watch Thought Sparks episodes on YouTube 

• Follow Rita on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Blue Sky. 

• Connect with Rita on TikTok 

• Sign up for her Thought Sparks Newsletter on Substack.  

• Learn more about Rita, her books and ideas at RitaMcGrath.com