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People Skills
Open Doors
Talent Alone Cannot

The Young Professional's Guide to Mastering Emotional Intelligence, Communication, and Networking to Turn Talent Into Career Success

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166 Pages | 12 Chapters
6+ Frameworks
Foreword by Rick Deadwyler
Open Doors Book - Multiple Formats
Dr. Kester Crosse

About the Author

Dr. Kester Irwin Hanley Crosse II, MD

A board-certified gastroenterologist with decades of experience in medicine and healthcare leadership, Dr. Crosse has evaluated, hired, coached, and mentored hundreds of students, athletes, and professionals across academic, corporate, and clinical settings.

Hampton University University of Maryland School of Medicine VP Clinical Affairs, GastroHealth Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

From the Foreword

"What makes this book stand out is that it is based on experience rather than theory. It draws from real decisions, actual environments, and genuine consequences... This is not a book about changing who you are. It is a book about sharpening how you show up."

Rick Deadwyler

U.S. Region Corporate Affairs Executive

The Hidden Challenge

Does This Sound Familiar?

You work hard and have talent, but opportunities seem inconsistent - and you don't know why.

You're technically skilled, but not getting chosen for roles, teams, or opportunities you deserve.

No one ever taught you the unwritten rules of professional success - how to work a room, follow up, or build relationships with decision-makers.

You're being judged more quickly, watched more closely, and given less margin for error - and you need an edge.

"Talent might get you noticed. People skills get you chosen."

The Transformation

What You'll Gain

Communication Mastery

Introduce yourself with confidence. Be heard, understood, and remembered in any room.

Networking Power

Start cold conversations without fear. Build relationships that open doors before your resume is read.

Emotional Intelligence

Understand your story, manage your presence, and become someone people trust and invest in.

Inside the Book

Practical Tools & Frameworks

TEEE

The Score That Predicts Success

Talent, Effort, Energy, Execution - a four-factor framework for measuring your professional value. 32-40 = Very Good; 20-31 = Average; Below 20 = Needs Work.

FROM

Conversation Framework

Family, Recreation, Occupation, Motivation - master the art of building rapport with anyone using four natural topic areas.

4C

Four Levels of Communication

Verbal, Non-Verbal, Emotional, and Cultural - the four dimensions of effective communication that shape how people experience you.

3-Part

Story Framework

Past, Present, Purpose - craft your personal narrative to answer "Tell me about yourself" with clarity and confidence.

5-Sec

Courage Rule

See the moment, breathe, smile, step forward, speak. Confidence is the reward for action, not the prerequisite.

YES

Small Talk Method

YES (acknowledge) - ADD (contribute) - ASK (follow up) - the simple framework for keeping conversations flowing naturally.

14-Day System

Run the Play Challenge

Every chapter builds toward the book's capstone: a daily practice system with 5 action points - Presence, Communication, Connection, Follow-Up, and Discipline - repeated for 14 days to transform knowledge into habit.

Complete Roadmap

12 Chapters to Transform Your Career

01
Success in the Making Why People Skills Matter More Than Ever
02
Work Ethic Lessons from Sports, Culture, and Community
03
Phone Etiquette in a Digital World The Silent Signals Adults Notice (And Never Mention)
04
Your Story Is Your Resume Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Self-Awareness
05
Do You Have the TEEE? Integrated Leadership EQ and the Score that Predicts Success
06
Life Choices and Market Value How Emotional Intelligence Shapes Your Worth
07
Mastering People Skills and Networking The Cheat Codes No One Teaches You
08
The Art of Small Talk (Yes, It's a Skill)
09
Communication That Opens Doors How to Be Heard, Understood, and Remembered
10
How to Start Cold Conversations Without Fear or Awkwardness
11
Career Pathways & Possibilities Seeing Bigger, Reaching Further
12
Running the Play Putting It All Together

Prologue

The Exposure Gap

Key Terms Glossary

Complete framework reference

Afterword

Gratitude, Grace & Relationships

Perfect For

Who Should Read This Book?

This Book IS For You If...

  • High school or college students preparing for careers
  • Young professionals navigating early career decisions
  • Athletes transitioning to professional careers
  • Parents, mentors, and educators guiding young people
  • African American students & professionals seeking an edge
  • Anyone who wants to learn the "unwritten rules" of success

From the Book

"Your story is not just what you've done - it's who you're becoming. When you learn to communicate your story with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence, doors begin to open... sometimes before you even knock."

- Dr. Kester Crosse

Dr. Kester Crosse

Meet the Author

Dr. Kester Crosse

Kester Irwin Hanley Crosse II, MD is a physician, business leader, mentor, and speaker committed to helping young people develop the people skills that open doors long before resumes are read.

A graduate of Hampton University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Crosse combines lessons from sports, leadership, culture, and emotional intelligence to teach what schools rarely do: how to communicate with confidence, build authentic relationships, navigate professional spaces, and become someone people trust and invest in.

Currently serving as Vice President of Clinical Affairs for GastroHealth, he chose gastroenterology after his grandmother died of colon cancer when he was sixteen - turning personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of prevention and healing.

Through mentorship, speaking, and writing, Dr. Crosse is especially passionate about equipping African American students and young professionals with the skills to compete, connect, and lead in any room they enter - without losing their identity. His work centers on one belief: talent opens the first door, but people skills open every door after that.

Dr. Crosse lives with his wife and family and is deeply involved in service, mentorship, and community leadership.

His Core Belief:

"Talent opens the first door, but people skills open every door after that."

Available Now!

Open Doors is avaiable in all formats.

Kindle Edition

$9.99

Instant digital download

Published 3/9/2026
MOST POPULAR

Paperback

$16.99

Premium quality print

Published 3/9/2026

Hardcover

$24.99

Collector's edition

Published 3/9/2026

Audiobook coming soon

Questions?

Frequently Asked

Is this book right for me?
If you're a student, young professional, athlete, or anyone who wants to learn the "unwritten rules" of professional success - this book is for you. It's especially valuable for those who haven't had mentors teach them how to navigate professional spaces with confidence.
How long is the book?
Open Doors is 166 pages across 12 focused chapters, plus a Prologue, Key Terms Glossary, Afterword, and References. Each chapter includes end-of-chapter assignments to help you apply what you learn immediately.
Is it practical or motivational?
Both! The book is grounded in real-world experience with specific frameworks (TEEE Score, FROM Method, 4C Model, YES-ADD-ASK, 5-Second Rule) and actionable exercises, including a capstone 14-Day System. But it's also deeply motivational, drawing on Dr. Crosse's personal journey and cultural insights.
Can I use this in classrooms or mentoring groups?
Absolutely! Open Doors is perfect for classroom discussions, mentoring programs, youth groups, and professional development workshops. Each chapter includes exercises and discussion points ideal for group settings. Contact us for bulk order pricing.
Is this book specifically for African Americans?
While Dr. Crosse writes with particular passion for African American students and young professionals, the principles of emotional intelligence, communication, and networking are universal. Anyone looking to master people skills will benefit from this book.
When will the book be available?
Open Doors launches on March 9th, 2026 in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover formats. Sign up for the free chapter to be notified as soon as the book is available for purchase.

Your Future Is Waiting for Preparation

Start learning the skills that will open doors for the rest of your life. Your transformation begins with one decision.

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