In the face of difficulty, an inspirational leader will overcome.
Survive and Advance shares an intimate family portrait and professional journey, elevating readers and showing them how to imagine themselves into a new future with optimism, conviction, and confidence.
Grind and single parenthood on one side of his family, mental health and addiction issues on the other, Derek Lewis’s childhood role was to protect himself and his younger 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 for himself and his family. Growing his 1988 just-out-of-college Pepsi sales management trainee route into multiple C-suite roles, he overcame early adversity to achieve the highest levels of corporate success. Not content with delivering record-breaking financial results, Lewis leveraged his reputation and relationships into building gender and racial equity and justice inside and outside the company.
In this personal growth memoir, Lewis shares his path to Black excellence from Chocolate City to HBCUs to the Divine Nine to Pepsi’s Team Elite to national catalyst for social change.

Derek Lewis' profile page

ELLE GLENCOE is an award-winning writer. Her clients include Chief Robert Joseph, Scott Shute, Eckhart Tolle, Geneen Roth, Marianne Williamson and Oprah Winfrey/OWN TV. Elle Glencoe lives in Victoria.

Elle Glencoe's profile page

"Derek Lewis’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, and his unwavering commitment to excellence shines through every page. As someone who has had the privilege of working closely with Derek, I can attest to his incredible vision and leadership. This book is not just a memoir; it’s an invaluable resource filled with lessons on resilience, determination, and Black excellence. I wholeheartedly believe it will inspire and empower many."

Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan

"Throughout, Lewis links his personal journey to broader themes of collective social progress . . . Inspiring and insightful, Survive and Advance shows how individual success can create ripple effects of positive change across communities and institutions."

Blueink Starred Review

"Derek Lewis is an extraordinarily brilliant mind and equally a reverential leader that served his community throughout his astonishing career. This book chronicles his life journey, which was so aspiring and fascinating that once I started reading it, I could not put it down until I finished. Derek’s name truly rings as one of the great innovators and leaders of our community, and this book is a perfect read for a blueprint on how to survive and advance!"

Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)

"This powerful memoir chronicles Lewis's remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in 1970s Washington, DC, to becoming a transformative corporate leader and advocate for social change. With unflinching honesty and compelling narrative skills, Lewis weaves together accounts of personal struggles, professional triumphs, and breakdowns of hard-won convictions to create an inspiring roadmap for achieving success without compromising one's values or identity."

Booklife Editor's Pick

"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."

CEO of the Orlando Magic

"As someone who has not only witnessed but also walked alongside Derek Lewis in both personal and professional realms, I am thrilled to endorse his debut book, Survive and Advance: Lessons on Living a Life without Compromise. This book is a road map for living a life of integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one’s values. Derek’s journey from the challenging streets of Washington, DC, to the heights of corporate America is a testament to what is possible when you refuse to compromise on what truly matters. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or striving for professional success, Derek’s insights and experiences offer invaluable lessons that can guide you. I truly believe that Survive and Advance is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact without losing sight of their principles."

Founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

"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 in 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, #TakeNotesDoItBetter. The human story presented in this book is now the floor of what is possible for you. Suit up!"

President and CEO of Essence Ventures and author of I’m Highly Percent Sure

"A rousing memoir about achieving personal and corporate success, Survive and Advance is about rising in the business world and pressing for social change."

Foreword Clarion Reviews

"I’ve had the honor of working with my man Derek Lewis and witnessing firsthand his unwavering dedication to uplifting HBCUs, student-athletes, and our broader 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."

NFL Hall of Famer and New York Times–bestselling author of Elevate and Dominate

"Derek Lewis’s Survive and Advance is an inspirational and authentic account of how, against all odds, you can use early life challenges to fuel overwhelming success. His raw honesty is captivating, and his steely determination, love of family, entrepreneurial spirit, and desire to make a difference are remarkable. Bravo, Derek, for sharing your bold journey to the top, and for climbing!"

President of Hampton University