Last night I was shopping at L.L. Bean.  The salesperson, Justin was a charismatic person with some great one liners.

I asked him what kept him working on the floor at a store.

His reponse:  Well after earning a Master’s degree in European Art History, I can’t find a teaching job.

There was a brief moment of silence -

Then he continued, “It’s because I am white.”  He cracked a smile.

The term  “glass ceiling” has been used often when referring to women (and some minorities) who attempt to break through the  prejudice that exists in the corporate world.

While the glass ceiling has been broken in some cases, (i.e., the military, corporate America, academia), there still is still work  needed.

While women and African American’s are have made some headway, what about Asian Americans?

I know I have experienced prejudice while working in a small conference, marketing my book, or interviewing for other positions.  It is interesting how blatant it can be.

Yesterday, NPR posted an interesting interview with the author of the new book, The Bamboo Ceiling that explores the unique issues related to American and Eastern ethnography.  There are some stark differences that must be understood, especially if Asian Americans (I include South Asians here) are going to advance in leadership.

Click here to listen to the interview

Click here to look at the book.