A PassionateTransformational Leader
Derek Lewis is a strategic thought leader with extensive experience leading large-scale operations, driving sustainable growth, spearheading transformation, developing people, and inspiring change within communities. He’s also a kid who grew up in Washington DC in the 1970s, protecting his younger brothers from hardship and abuse, and learning how to survive and advance in life.
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Grind and single parenthood on one side of his family, mental health and addiction issues on the other
Derek Lewis’ childhood was spent protecting his brothers from hardship and abuse. Growing up in Washington, DC in the 1970s, it was enough just to survive. But Lewis demanded a different future. Growing his just-out-of-college Pepsi sales management trainee route into multiple C-suite roles, he overcame early adversity to achieve the highest level of corporate success possible. Not content with delivering record-breaking financial results, Lewis leveraged his reputation and relationships into building gender, racial, and social equity inside and outside the company. In this personal growth memoir, Lewis shares his path to Black excellence. From Chocolate City to HBCUs, from the Divine Nine to Pepsi’s Team Elite, Lewis has become a catalyst for large-scale social change. Survive and Advance shares Lewis’ intimate family portrait and professional journey, elevating readers and showing them how to imagine themselves into a new future with optimism, conviction, and confidence.
In The News
Derek Lewis Joins The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club features celebrity interviews, Jess Hilarious’ “Jess With The Mess”, Charlamagne tha God’s “Donkey of the Day”, DJ Envy’s mixes and so much more! Every guest visiting the world’s most dangerous morning show is grilled with their signature blend of honesty and humor. The results are the best interviews to be found on radio.
Derek Lewis stopped by The Breakfast Club to discuss his new book ‘Survive and Advance: Lessons on Living a Life Without Compromise’
ENDORSEMENTS
SURVIVE + ADVANCE: LESSONS ON LIVING A LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Discover what experts and readers are saying about this book! Acclaimed industry leaders and influencers praise its insights, storytelling, and impact. See why this book is a must-read!
DEION SANDERS
COACH PRIME
“I’ve has the honor of working with my man, Derek Lewis, and witnessing first-hand his unwavering dedication to uplifting HBCU’s, student athletes, and our border culture. This book is a testament to his passion, his wisdom, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Derek’s impact on our community is immeasurable, and his ability to inspire a new generation to reach for greatness is truly remarkable.”
CAROLINE WANGA
PRESIDENT & CEO OF ESSENCE VENTURES
“Advancement and adversity are strange-yet familiar bedfellows. At times one propels the other, and at other times one prevents the other. Survival is often understood as a state of being no one should stay for too long, but I offer that for those who came before us, survival was one of the sharpest tools in their leadership kit, and as a result, survival manifested as what we can enjoy as thrival. My friend Derek Lewis advanced adversity and bequeathed the privilege of surviving in its new form, thriving. As I always say, #TakeNotesToDoItBetter. The human story presented in this book is now the floor of what is possible for you, Suit up!”
ALEX MARTINS
CEO OF THE ORLANDO MAGIC
“ Derek Lewis’s leadership insights are truly transformative. Drawing from his extensive experience as a long-time executive at PepsiCo, Derek combines a unique blend of empathy and business acumen that sets him apart. His commitment to nurturing and empowering his team, while relentlessly driving for exceptional business results, is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities. Derek’s diverse approach to leadership not only inspires but also delivers tangible success, making him an invaluable voice in the business world.”
