Nettie Seabrooks

The Career of Nettie Seabrooks: Influence Against All Odds


As an African-American, and a woman, Nettie Seabrooks had more than her share of hurdles to leap to acquire influence – especially at General Motors, where her career began. Her remarkable story offers invaluable lessons for gaining influence in the importance of:

  • Doing quality work as a way of gaining credibility and positive reputation, which are the entry price for influence. Influence requires more than a technique. 
  • Cultivating strong relationships 
  • Placing the organization’s interests first, so you are not seen as self-serving 
  • Avoiding self-inflicted traps, such as writing difficult people off, missing learning opportunities, or failing to notice what others want 
 If you want to go directly to this case, click here...

If you are interested in teaching this case, contact Allan Cohen, cohen@babson.edu, to obtain permission, non-watermarked copies, instructions on shortened versions without the full analysis include, ideas for teaching, and fees.