This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black voices in the publishing industry, featuring insights from Malaika about her journey from an HBCU student to a seasoned publishing professional. Our conversation touches on navigating micro aggressions, the importance of sales skills, and the value of building genuine relationships in a predominantly white industry.

• Examining the impact of HBCUs on Black publishing
• Discussing early aspirations and career paths in publishing
• Understanding the importance of sales skills in the industry
• Building genuine relationships and maintaining connections
• Navigating cultural shock in corporate publishing environments
• The transition from corporate roles to independent publishing
• Exploring the dynamics of celebrity imprints in the industry
• The advantages that independent publishers hold over corporate ones
• Balancing multiple roles and the opportunities they present
• Addressing microaggressions and strategies for resilience