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Dr. Silvanus J. Udoka, the Dean of Clark Atlanta University, will be a featured guest in an upcoming Forbes members-only interview. Forbes

In today’s rapidly changing economy, success depends not only on what you know but also on how you think. 

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Silvanus J. Udoka, the Dean of Clark Atlanta University’s School of Business. We discussed how the university is equipping the next generation of young professionals with the mindset necessary to thrive in an unpredictable workforce.

And the need is urgent. 

In May, Resume.org released a survey that noted that colleges aren’t adequately preparing students for today’s workforce. Additionally, 65% of hiring managers had to fire at least one recent college graduate within the past year. The causes range from a lack of motivation to professionalism issues to poor time management. However, Udoka notes the struggle isn’t limited to new grads. 

Layoffs have dominated headlines in 2025, prompting a Forbes contributing writer to ask in March if 2025 is the year of layoffs? Through July, thousands of traditionally “secure” roles—especially in government—were eliminated. Job losses in the private sector aren’t far behind. 

So, whether you’re fresh out of school, mid-career, or mentoring someone in transition, Udoka offers a timely blueprint to stay relevant, resilient, and ready. We’ll unpack the career climate further in our upcoming members-only interview, ““From Pivot to Power: Strategies For Professionals Navigating Workforce Uncertainty.”

Until next time, stay connected with me on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Ayisha Miracle Mendez  ForbesBLK, Community Manager

Follow me on Forbes.com

BLK STORIES OF THE WEEK
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Ashlee Gomez, a member of ForbesBLK and founder of Impressions of Beauty, hosted the inaugural AchieveHER Summit. This event brought together over 400 multicultural college women from more than 40 schools for a transformative three-day experience in Atlanta. The summit included interactive workshops, panel discussions featuring industry leaders, and live performances, all designed to inspire the next generation of changemakers. Gomez described the summit as “more than an event—it’s a movement” that aims to create spaces where young women of color can thrive.

Save the dates: September 3-5, 2025, for the Inbound Summit in San Francisco. This three-day event offers game-changing insights, meaningful connections, and breakthrough content, serving as a launchpad for better business and personal growth. Thanks to The Spot Community, members of ForbesBLK, located on the West Coast, will have the opportunity to attend one of the most anticipated sales and marketing events of the year for free. Tickets are limited. Please email forbesblk@forbes.com for consideration.  

The 2025 ForbesBLK Summit is expected to bring hundreds of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and entertainers to Atlanta on October 8-10. During the event, we will amplify and support members, HBCU alumni, and small businesses by establishing an in-person ForbesBLK Marketplace. Apply to attend here.

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BEYOND THE NEWSROOM
On October 8-10, join us for the third annual ForbesBLK Summit in Atlanta. This three-day event promises to inspire ideas and encourage meaningful conversations about the future of the Black community. Connect with leading executives, entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers for an experience that will challenge and transform you. Register now to seize your spot. Don't wait as admission price will increase.
Applications are now open for the Forbes Creator Upfronts In Partnership With Walmart Creator on October 28-29 in Los Angeles. Learn more here.